Lakewood United Methodist Church

History of the Moller Organ

The largest pipe organ in Jefferson County at the time of its installation, the organ consists of 27 ranks (1506 pipes), spread over four divisions - Swell, Great, Positiv and Pedal. Initial installation plans were changed when it was deemed that exposed or “facade” pipes would be immodest and distracting in worship. The pipes are installed in a 3-story chamber directly behind the altar, screened from view by custom grill work. The only expressive division, the Swell, is located on the top level of the
chamber, behind electric shutters opened and closed by the organist from the console to control the volume of that division. The three manual and pedal console, of electro-pneumatic design, offers 34 speaking stops controlled by moving drawknobs. Two additional stops in the Positiv division were provided on the console but never installed in the organ.

The organ was listed with the Organ Historical Society in 2005 who noted it was believed to be the largest original Moller installation in Colorado behind the organs at the Air Force Academy, and because of its unique 3 story chamber design.
 



When the present sanctuary was consecrated in 1956, the electronic Baldwin organ that served in the old church (now the chapel) was moved and pressed into continuing service. In the early 1960's the organ became unreliable, and Music Director Gordon DeBroder would frequently have to change a vacuum tube or make other repairs during the pastoral prayer!
An organ committee was appointed in 1962 to investigate alternatives for replacement. The committee quickly decided on a pipe instrument, and  auditioned organs by Aeolian-Skinner, Cassavant, Reuter, Wicks, and Möller. After hearing the Möller organ at the Air Force Academy Chapel, the committee selected the Hagerstown, MD company to provide the new organ. In 1963 a contract for $39,600.00 was signed, and so as not to deflect funds from a building drive that was taking place, the Organ
Committee themselves donated the required 10% deposit. Numerous fund raising efforts over the next year were undertaken, including several community spaghetti dinners, and congregational sponsoring of pipes.  The organ was installed in early 1964, and the dedicatory concert, performed by Rev. Robert Paul, Minister of Music at Trinity UMC, was given in April 1964. The organ has been lovingly maintained over the years by the staff of Ivan P. Morel & Associates, who also performed a major cleaning, rebuilding and revoicing in 1994.