The appearance of the organ for Grace Lutheran Church demonstrates a strong historical approach to organ building. When we study fine examples of European organ building, mostly the Dutch and German instruments dating from 1500 to 1800, we see many reasons why they have survived the centuries. The unity of concept that reached such a high peak of development in these times, the integral relationship between case design, arrangement of the stops or ranks of pipes, etc., have greatly influenced the design and construction of the organ for Grace Lutheran. Incorporating these ideas, the organ is placed in a freestanding case high in the rear of the sanctuary. The visible front pipes comprise only a small percentage of the total number of pipes in the organ. Many types of wood can be found throughout the organ. Outside can be seen fir, white oak, maple and ebony. The organ was the fruition of nine months of work for five full-time craftworkers in our shop, including my sister, Jude Fritts, who designed and carved the pipe shades.

-- Paul Fritts, Organ Builder

In the words of Craig Cramer of Notre Dame University, "...the experience of making music on this magnificent instrument was pure joy.
The congregation should be proud to worship with this organ every Sunday!"

A YEAR OF GRACE Tenth Organ Anniversary CD features the varied voices of this 20-rank organ with Craig Cramer as performing artist. Copies of the CD are available at $15 each through the church office.

Soli Deo Gloria Concert Series Information