Century Old Organ Being Restored

By H.T. Fink, Member of First Church, Midland Music Committee

Posted September 16, 2025

The congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Midland, PA is rehabilitating their pipe organ. The organ was built and installed by the George Kilgen Organ Company of St. Louis, Missouri in 1927 (Opus 3936). The organ consists of the following six ranks: 16′ Pedal Bourdon, 8′ Open Diapson, 16′ Stopped Flute, 8′ Salicional, 8′ Duliciana, 8′ Oboe Gamba and Tubular Bells.

The organ’s repair work is being done by J.C. Wilson and Associates of East Liverpool, Ohio. They observed that much of the organ had been non-operative due to years of not being played, oxidized contacts, several things out of adjustment and the general very dirty condition of black coal dirt. In general, to their great surprise, everything in the organ wanted to play, which is an excellent sign given the organ’s age. Even the external leather appears to still be quite good. Again, this is amazing, especially in a town that has a much industry as Midland.

All in all, J.C. Wilson and Associates were very impressed with how well this organ held up saying it’s really nice to see an instrument like this that hasn’t been altered or replaced. Their opinion was that the organ is very worthy of restoration and should again be capable of a fine sound and serve the congregation well. This congregation is to be commended for wanting to bring the organ back.