In 1913, plans for the new church included a pipe organ.
The congregation applied to Andrew Carnegie, known for funding over 8,000 organs worldwide.
Carnegie’s grant required a completed building, which was dedicated in fall 1916.
In early 1917, George Kilgen & Sons finalized the organ proposal.
Carnegie approved a $1,000 matching grant.
The Kilgen pipe organ was installed and dedicated on October 7, 1917.
It was the first of only two pipe organs in Caldwell and the third in Sumner County.
The original Kilgen organ deteriorated and was replaced in 1951 by Opus 8210 from M.P. Moller Organ Co.
The new organ featured:
Two 61-note English Ivory keyboards
A 32-note wooden pedalboard
640 wind-blown pipes of various materials and sizes
Estimated replacement cost today: at least $250,000.
A 1968 storm damaged the organ; it was rebuilt in Hagerstown and reinstalled in 1969.
Burton Tidwell played his senior recital on the restored organ.
In 1996, 118 pipes were replaced with brighter-sounding ones in memory of Lonnie and Betty Tidwell.
In 2003, electrical systems were upgraded to solid-state technology, enabling USB playback.
Studied organ at age 14 at Caldwell UMC.
Became organist for both Caldwell UMC and the Presbyterian Church.
Now serves as organist/liturgist at Reformation Lutheran Church in Wichita.
Renowned as a performer, organ builder, and published writer.