Organ Dedicatory Concert with Samuel Metzger

The organ at Southern Seminary was built by the renowned Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company of Boston as Opus 1162 and was installed in Alumni Memorial Chapel in 1948. This distinguished firm, which flourished during the mid- twentieth century, was celebrated for crafting instruments that embodied the “American Classic” style, organs designed with clarity, versatility, and a balanced tonal palette suitable for music of all periods.

The original 44-rank instrument was just the beginning of a thoughtful long- term vision, with provisions for future expansion. That expansion came in 1962 when Aeolian-Skinner returned to bring the vision to fruition, resulting in an impressive instrument of 113 ranks.

After years of careful study and deliberation, Southern Seminary’s leadership, along with the A.E. Schlueter Pipe Organ Company, decided to undertake a multi-year, comprehensive restoration that would honor the organ’s original 1948 design concept. The restoration has thoughtfully preserved the best elements of the instrument’s history by reusing portions of the original framework while introducing new components that enhance tonal balance and structural integrity. The A.E. Schlueter company completed the restoration in 2023, resulting in a 115-rank instrument totaling approximately 7,000 pipes, which has restored the clarity and musical integrity that distinguished Aeolian-Skinner’s American Classic vision. The instrument, proudly housed in Alumni Memorial Chapel, is one of the largest in the nation.

This concert celebrates the restoration of this historic instrument, now ready to serve generations of musicians and listeners to the glory of God.