The Schudi Pipe Organ

The Schudi pipe organ in the main church has served the parish faithfully since its installation in 1978.  This beautiful organ is a marvelous tribute to the skilled craftsmen who constructed it.  It is a wonderful musical instrument, which, in the hands of the skilled artists who play it, transport us closer to heaven. The music program is the heart and soul of our life of worship here at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church, and we are able to accomplish such a rich and varied program because of the remarkable quality of our organ and the skill of the musicians who make it “sing” to the glory of God.

Special recognition is due each person that constructed this instrument. Marvin Judy supervised the construction and installation of all parts and collaborated on the stop specification and pipe scales. George Gilliam made the case design, working drawings, stop specifications, and pipe scales. Assisting in the construction and installation were Bradford Allen, Mark Bolden, Chis Bullok, Charles Leonard, and David Zuber. Marvin Judy and George Gilliam voiced the pipes.

Additions to the instrument occurred in 1987 by Marvin Judy. He installed a Trompette en Chamade to the third manual and a Contre-Bombarde to the Pédale. Dr. R. Paul Bordlee, donated the Flûte Harmonique (Grand Orgue) in memory of his mother and of Paul Alphonse Riedo, previous Organist and Choirmaster. At the time of installation, the builder moved the Voix Humaine to the expressive division rendering the instrument more versatile.

The Specifications of the Organ
Schudi Organ Company Opus 6 — 1978