The Kimball Organ

Many companies were considered to build the Chapel's next organ, but it came down to just two: Aeolian Skinner and Kimball -- both very reputable builders. It was decided to go with the Kimball proposal, in the belief that it would be a better accompaniment instrument for the Lawrence choral program. In addition, the Skinner proposal was about $5,000 higher than the Kimball; they wanted to build an entirely new console because the Steere console was not compatible with their mechanisms. In the midst of the Depression, that was a significant sum. So, the contract went to Kimball, retaining the Steere console and much of the pipework. Lavahn Maesch, '26, who would teach organ at Lawrence until his retirement in 1970 and serve as dean of the conservatory from 1954 to 1970, dedicated this fine 45-stop instrument on March 21, 1934.

The console was on the stage at first but was later moved to the main floor to make more room for productions of the theatre department. The side chambers were abandoned, and the organ pipes were installed behind a wooden screen on a 40-foot-wide shelf along the back wall of the stage. The Solo division was placed high up in the proscenium arch. The organ, the largest concert hall organ in Wisconsin, now spoke directly into the chapel auditorium.

Given in memory of Samuel Plantz, Lawrence's longest-serving president, the Kimball organ was a more complete instrument by far than the Steere and featured some very beautiful solo and accompaniment stops (many of which found their way into what would be the third organ in the Chapel, the Schantz organ of 1965) as well as many ranks from the Steere. It was heard in recitals by many of the world's great organists, including E. Power Biggs, who performed at Lawrence in 1949 and in 1955.

Stop list for the Kimball organ

Return to The History of Lawrence Memorial Chapel Organs