St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Catholic Parish Dedicated Newly Installed Pipe Organ with Celebration Recital - November 16, 2025

The newly installed pipe organ at the St. Giles Campus of St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish was dedicated with a special celebration recital on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 3:00 PM in St. Giles Church, 1045 Columbian Avenue, Oak Park - This event celebrated the faith community’s decades-long effort to restore a cherished instrument central to its sacred music tradition.

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Livestreamed Recital at 3:00 PM - St. Giles Church

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For more than twenty-five years, parish leaders collaborated with Berghaus Pipe Organ Builders of Bellwood, Illinois, to replace the aging Kilgen organ which had suffered from mechanical failures and eventually fell silent. After several design proposals faced architectural and acoustic challenges, the focus shifted toward reusing the existing chamber space.
Around that time, Berghaus learned that Second Church of Christ, Scientist in Chicago was seeking a new home for its historic Hutchings-Votey organ, known for its rich French Symphonic character. Berghaus adapted and rebuilt the organ for St. Giles Church. In 2023, Berghaus craftsmen and women began a two year project building and installing the new organ.
“For many years, the large and beautiful worship space of St. Giles Church, now the spiritual home of St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish, stood without the sound of the organ, the instrument most fitting to lift our sung prayers in praise of God’s goodness,” said Fr. Carl Morello, Pastor.
The parish extends heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors, parish leaders, and volunteers who helped bring this project to life. Their dedication has ensured that future generations will be inspired by this majestic instrument.
The dedication recital featured Jonathan Oblander, AAGO, performing a program that highlights the organ’s range and craftsmanship. A reception will follow, and all are welcome to attend.