Klais Organ Project

Why are we getting a new organ?

The church has always had wonderful music  for worship and concerts for the community. Before the fire of 2011, we had many fine instruments, among them two beautiful Steinway pianos and an Austin 3 Manual Pipe Organ.  After the devastating fire, which damaged all of our instruments and destroyed our music library, choir room and robes, it was unanimous that we find a way to rebuild the music department to not only impact our church but the wider community.  A committee was formed to research a variety of organs from electronic to hybrid and finally tracker pipe organs. We listened to organs all over CT, NY, and NJ.  The committee decided, after years of work, to sign a contract with the pipe organ builder, Klais Orgelbau of Bonn, Germany.

Why Klais?

The committee loved the sound of the Klais and the proposal from the company.  The woodwinds were especially wonderful as they are so round and warm. The committee also enjoyed meeting with the owner, Phillip Klais who is a fourth generation organ builder.  A bonus to the Klais is when Philipp met with John Walsh and Heather (on a snowy morning in the old organ blower room) they were talking and Phillip came up with an innovative idea, to have the works  (pipes, blower, and trackers) easily accessible for public viewing. This is an educational component like no other. We can have the Maker Faire come here, students who are studying physics and sound come and experience the organ. There will be a hand pumped blower so if the power goes out we can still use the organ. It will be phenomenal! The other reason for a tracker organ is that the organism can actually feel the soul of the organ through the keys. When it is installed you can make an appointment to give it a try!

About The Klais Organ Company

Klais has built organs around the world, but they also have some organs in this area. Currently, there is a three manual organ at First Church Congregational, UCC in Fairfield; another in Irvington, NY at the Presbyterian Church and a brand new four-manual in Scarsdale, NY at the church of St. James the Less.  We will be the smallest organ built by Klais in the area. This is a good thing! We are unique and will have a German Baroque sound which will bring artists in from all over to play on the organ.  The Klais organ will enhance congregational singing, accompanying the choir and soloists, and can be used in a variety of ways for concerts. The Steinway Model A we have purchased will also compliment the organ sounds.  We are truly blessed!

Where will the organ go?

The organ pipes will be where the old pipes were and the console will be basically in the same space as our previous organ. The Chancel area was expanded post-fire so that we can have the piano remain on the chancel with the choir and the organ. The front of the Chancel can still be utilized in a variety of ways for worship as well as for any guests who rent our space.

When will the organ arrive?

Currently, the organ is scheduled to arrive via cargo ship into NY Harbor during the summer of 2019. The containers will be put on trucks and delivered to Saugatuck. It will take 4 people from Klais approximately two months to install and voice the organ.  The congregation will help unload the trucks and help put everything into our church. It will be a big party!

Learn More

The black and white photos at left are from the Klais workshop in Bonn, Germany.  Other images and drawings may become available.

Here is a YouTube video about Klais and here is one about a Klais organ at the University of Iowa.

How You Can Help

We are still in need of more monies to get the chancel area prepared for the trackers and to make sure the maintenance fund has money in it so that the organ will last many lifetimes! Please consider making a contribution.