Organ restoration preserves a legacy

September 27, 2024

By Jennifer Willems

From the very beginning of the church’s liturgical tradition, music has been essential.

In fact, praying and singing aren’t two different things, according to Mark Thomas, music director and organist at St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines.

“We pray through singing,” he said, adding that the organ has been the primary instrument in the church’s liturgical ministry. “It is very essential to supporting the singing and also to raise our hearts to God.”

Now, after nearly 100 years, that “voice” at St. Ambrose is in need of restoration.

In June, work started to clean and repair the cathedral’s organ, built in 1929 by the Milliman Organ Company. It is being done by Benjamin Hoskins of the Hoskins Pipe Organ Company of Des Moines. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because he is the former director of music at St. Ambrose.

The work is expected to take 60 weeks, with completion anticipated by July 31, 2025, said Father Nivin Scaria, cathedral rector.

Significant Instrument

Preservation of this “significant, liturgical instrument” is also necessary, said Dr. Gregory and Ramona Peterson, co-chairs for the organ restoration project and longtime members of St. Ambrose Cathedral Parish.

“It’s such a historic piece and it would be cost prohibitive to try to replicate it if we weren’t able to repair it,” Ramona Peterson said. “This time it is really necessary to invest in the organ.”

Thomas estimated that a new organ of similar size and specification would cost about $2 million.

Organ heard during work

Much of the work will entail replacing the aging and deteriorating leather in the instrument’s wind reservoirs, which are the “lungs” of the organ.

“They provide the air for the pipes in the different divisions or different sections of the organ,” Thomas said.

The organ has nearly 2,000 pipes that need to be cleaned carefully, as well as two consoles -- one in the loft and another “remote console” on the floor of the cathedral, near the altar.

“It’s a very labor-intensive thing,” Thomas said. “But it’s also, I think, a very beautiful thing to think of how much human craftsmanship goes into the instrument.”

Much in demand for diocesan liturgies and weddings, as well as weekend Masses, the organ will continue to be used while the work is being done. This will require flexibility on the part of the organists, Thomas said, but these minor inconveniences are worth it to make the organ more reliable in terms of sound and tonal “color.”

For Father Scaria, it’s also a matter of stewardship.

“Our past generations have gifted us this beautiful instrument, a testament to their faith, love, and dedication to the church,” he said. “This organ is not just an instrument; it is a living legacy that connects us to our past.

“As stewards of this church, it is our responsibility to preserve this priceless treasure. We are committed to maintaining the organ so that it can continue to inspire and uplift the hearts of our congregation for another hundred years,” Father Scaria said.

Donations are welcome to the St. Ambrose Cathedral Investment Fund, which is supporting this effort. Checks made payable to St. Ambrose Cathedral should be sent to 607 High St., Des Moines, IA 50309 with “Organ Restoration” in the memo line. Donations may also be made online at www.catholicfoundationiowa.org.