ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST, ORGAN ADDITION

date: ?

city: St. Paul, MN

architect: Gar Hargens, AIA

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Antiphonal! What a triumphant word. Perfect for describing the organ pipes and their encompassing sound as one exits the sanctuary. Saint John the Evangelist in Saint Paul decided to expand its historic Skinner organ with an antiphonal rank in the old choir loft at the back of the Church. A call went to architect & Church member Gar Hargens who had over the years helped with Church planning. Saint John's was first designed by Cass Gilbert then expanded by architect Clarence Johnson. A beautifully carved oak band with vertical curved panels below spanned the front of the loft. The assignment was to seamlessly remove and reinstall the band, adding four feet behind for the antiphonal. 

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The team of McGough Construction, Schantz Organ Co., Frost Cabinets (who masterfully reworked the carved band), Schuler & Shook Lighting Designers, and Hunt Electric handled this unique project. Steel beams, removable cabinetry, power, controls, and organ innards had to be invisible yet accessible in a very small space. On time and budget, the organ was back in greater glory for the Christmas season.