Berghaus Organ Company is pleased to provide a glimpse of projects that are currently under construction. Once installed, instruments will remain on this page for approximately one year. Additional information regarding recently installed instruments can be found on the Recent Installations page. Please feel free to contact us with comments or questions.
First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Florida
During one of the tropical storms that hit Gainesville in 2004, the winding apparatus of the organ sustained significant damage. After careful review, it was determined that the entire chassis of the organ should replaced. It was also determined that all care should be taken to preserve the tonal characteristics of the “Gillett” Möller. To achieve this outcome, Berghaus Organ Company will remove the existing pipework for cleaning and regulation. New support structures, reservoirs, and windchests will be built and the existing console will be refurbished. Once the new structures have been installed, the existing pipework, along with several new ranks will be put into place and properly voiced. A new façade, designed by the Berghaus Organ Company, will grace the refurbished sanctuary.
University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois, also known as Mundelein Seminary, serves as the major seminary and school of theology for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Founded by Cardinal George Mundelein in 1929, the campus buildings feature an architectural style reminiscent of Colonial New England. The interior of the spacious chapel reflects a successful attempt to merge Colonial elements with Roman Catholic aesthetics. The acoustical surfaces, (walls, floor and ceiling), are hard and reflective and provide a suburb acoustic for musical settings. A five stop mechanical action positive is being built to provide the main support for daily services and for the many liturgical training functions that take place through the Liturgical Institute. The case of the instrument has been designed to replicate the architectural details found in the chapel and will be finished to match the color of the chapel walls.
Construction continues on the three manual and pedal electric slider instrument for The Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. John in Sycamore, Illinois. The organ will be placed in chambers located at the front of the nave and to the left side of the central axis. The console is moveable to support a variety of liturgical styles and an active concert program. The location of the organ is ideal for both choir and congregation. Completion of the instrument is scheduled to coincide with the completion of the church structure.
Music is an essential ingredient of worship at St. Stephen’s. To support their very active program, a decision was made to replace the existing pipe organ with a very complete two manual and pedal electric-slider instrument. While the primary purpose of the organ is to serve the liturgical needs of the church, the instrument will also serve as an additional means of outreach to the community. Without losing clarity, the instrument provides a rich, warm sound that transitions easily from its elegant Flutes and Principals to a bracing full organ. The organ is placed in the Gallery and contains 35 stops and 34 ranks.
The Basilica’s three manual and pedal organ was designed to support the broad base of liturgical and musical activity instituted by the Basilica’s Pastoral Staff and the Director of Music. Given the Basilica’s grand scale and somewhat challenging acoustics, Berghaus Organ Company suggested a powerful instrument that would successfully embrace the acoustical environment and add splendor to an already spectacular visual setting.
The Basilica organ places the Grand Orgue and Récit divisions as far forward in the opposing chambers as possible. Pedal stops are placed on platforms facing the nave and a Positif division has been installed on the Gallery rail. The Positif is based at 8’pitch and serves to reinforce the Grand Orgue Principal chorus. Each element within the structural and tonal design is intended to insure that the instrument's tone is capable of reaching the far end of the nave. The result is a bold, highly dynamic and elegant instrument that performs its functions beautifully.
