Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Built by Schlicker Organ Company, Inc. Buffalo, New York

The installation of Mount Olive’s Schlicker Organ in 1966 was preceded by a major renovation program in the church facilities in 1965. A new nave ceiling and the extension of the balcony were done to prepare for the organ installation.

The three-manual and pedal pipe organ in the west gallery and the antiphonal organ in the east transept gallery are the products of the Schlicker Organ Company, Inc., Buffalo, NY. The specification was designed by Herman Schlicker, the founder and president of the firm, in collaboration with Mount Olive’s then-Cantor, Paul Manz.

The location of the organ both visually as well as tonally was considered from the very first discussions. The genius of the architects and organ builder is amply attested to not only by the handsome and splendid sound, but by the thrilling and exciting appearance of the organ as well, as it rises against the west wall of the sanctuary. The placement of the Positiv Organ on the choir rail follows a Lutheran tradition and is designed to immediately support congregational singing in the rear of the nave where a tone shadow often results. The placement of the antiphonal organ with pedal on the east transept gallery rail is also immensely practical. This small instrument has led the congregation in praise and prayer through song in heroic fashion since November 1965.

While the organ at Mount Olive is not one of the largest in this area or even among the most extensive that the builder has built, it is nonetheless complete for the particular ministry of music at Mount Olive. Size is not the only criteria in determining value or worth.

It has thirty-nine independent registers and fifty-five ranks of pipes. The base of the organ is approximately twelve feet above the narthex and rises some twenty-eight feet. The Pedal Organ is on either side of the facade and its largest pipes adorn the façade itself. The swell organ (Manual III), under expression is in the center and the Great Organ (Manual II) is placed on top of it. The thrilling sounding Trompeta Real with its copper resonators, project horizontally from the center of the organ. The Positiv Organ (Manual I) cantilevers from the west choir railing.

Stop control of the organ is by tilting tablets. There are seventy-four stop tablets and thirty-six combination pistons. The four-foot principal and mixture pipes are made of an alloy of 75% tin and 25% lead. Metal bass pipes are made of zinc; two registers are made of wood and two reed registers have copper registers. The main organ, together with the antiphonal organ, contain three thousand sixty-five pipes.

Each manual and pedal division has its own independent and complete ensemble together with a mixture. The entire organ is voiced on low wind pressure consistent with Baroque voicing principles and minimal nicking of the languids of the flue pipes has been employed. Each set of pipes has been voiced in such a way as to permit it its own individuality and yet blend and contribute in a predetermined way to the entire ensemble. The entire organ with the exception of the Antiphonal uses the slider chest principle.

The prime purpose of the organ is to support, lead and inspire the congregation and choir in prayer and praise through song and then to supply the service music of which there is considerable in the liturgical Lutheran Church. We feel this has been adequately realized and in addition the instrument is capable of playing worthwhile organ literature from any period and play it well.

This organ has become part of the worship life of all who come here for refreshment, peace, rest and inspiration. It is an instrument equally able to lead majestically and to evoke the mutest prayer and praise known to Christians.

Enthusiasts will want to read about the specifications of this Schlicker Organ. If you would like to ask more specific questions about our instrument, please feel free to contact Cantor David Cherwien.

Photos by Paul Nixdorf