The History and Design of Our Lady of Victory Church's Pipe Organ

In the late 1980s, as Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church underwent a significant renovation, a vision emerged to upgrade the existing pipe organ. The original instrument, a modest two-manual Wicks pipe organ installed in 1970, served the church well but no longer met the needs of the newly enlarged worship space. With only seven ranks of pipes, it was clear that an enhancement was necessary to support the growing congregation and elevate the musical experience within the church.

To guide this initiative, an organ committee was formed with the task of researching, studying, and ultimately selecting a new organ that would meet the liturgical and musical requirements of the community. After much deliberation, renowned organ designer Burton K. Tidwell was chosen to oversee the creation of a new instrument for OLV. His deep understanding of both the technical and aesthetic aspects of pipe organs made him the ideal candidate for this ambitious project.

Tidwell's goal was not only to incorporate as much of the existing organ as possible but also to craft an instrument that would support congregational singing, enable the performance of a variety of musical repertoire, and be acoustically positioned for optimal sound projection in the church.

The result was a meticulously designed organ with 24 ranks of pipes and the potential for future expansion. The new organ was crafted with components from esteemed manufacturers. Organ Supply Industries of Erie, Pennsylvania, handled the construction of major parts, while the pipework was crafted by Ferenc Gyuartz at Organ Supply, A.R. Schopps of Alliance, Ohio, and J. Stinkens of Zeist, Netherlands. Each component was built, installed, and voiced under Tidwell's direct supervision, ensuring a cohesive and resonant sound for the instrument.

Though much of the organ was new, approximately 60% of the pipework from the original 1970 Wicks organ was retained. This blend of old and new elements allowed for both a connection to the church's musical heritage and a fresh sound that would carry the liturgy forward. The console was fitted with a modern solid-state control system and refinished to harmonize with the newly designed interior furnishings of the church.

After nearly forty years of faithful service, it became clear that the organ was in need of a major renovation. In 2024, a contract was signed with Viscount Organs of Michigan to oversee a comprehensive restoration project. Working in collaboration with Fowler-Hebert Organ Company, they carried out the renovation, which included the installation of a new Viscount console, an updated switching system, new wiring throughout the instrument, and a new blower and static air reservoir. One of the most exciting enhancements was the addition of 25 digital stops, significantly expanding the tonal resources of the organ and enriching its musical possibilities. The project was completed in the summer of 2025. The renovated Tidwell-Viscount organ was blessed and dedicated by Father Denis Theroux on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at the 5pm Mass. The organ dedication concert was performed on the same day by internationally renowned concert organist, Dariia Lytvishko.

Since its installation in 1987, OLV's organ has become an integral part of the church's worship experience, enriching liturgies, supporting choirs, and offering a wide range of musical expressions. The instrument continues to stand as a testament to the church's commitment to sacred music and its role in the community’s spiritual life.