The original organ for the Cathedral, built by the Estey organ company of Battleboro, Vermont, was given by Thomas Cruse in memory of this daughter, Mary Margaret, who died on the Feast of St. Cecelia, 1914. The organ, opus 1250, consisted of 27 ranks and two 3 manual consoles. At this time the Estey organ company produced 95 pipe organs in that year. It is interesting to note that this mass production did not offer individualized tonal concepts for each installation. It is believed that in order to make a “cathedral-like” sound the wind pressure was at 8 inches. This would make for a very aggressive and forced sound. Also, at this time organ building did not necessarily follow classic principles. The organ designed for the cathedral here did not include upper-work or adequate reed stops. However, the Estey Company did make good quality pipes. Over the last several decades the wind chests, electrical work and the consoles suffered greatly. There were numerous dead notes, ciphers and wind leaks. During one of the cathedral’s renovations, one of the consoles was moved to the rear gallery and a gallery division was added with 6 ranks. One of these included a historic clarinet build by the famous American builder, E.M. Skinner.
During this current renovation it was decided to contract with the Wicks Organ Company of Highland, Illinois for a complete rebuilding and enlargement of the organ. Virtually all of the existing Estey pipe work was used, with new Wicks pipe work scaled and voiced to match the original work. Pressures were lowered in order to facilitate better blending of all pipes and a clear, “unforced” sound, while carefully maintaining the original sound and character of the organ. New Wicks Direct-electric® action chests were built for all pipes, new and old, as well as a new Wicks console, constructed to harmonize with the Cathedral’s appointments. The enlarged specification was drawn by Wicks personnel in consultation with Dale Fleck, the organist and director of music for the Cathedral. The final tonal finishing was done by John Sperling, tonal director emeritus for Wicks, with Dale Fleck on hand for approval. The renovated organ has 40 ranks and 2300 pipes. The console has solid state memory and 3 manuals and pedal.