Saint Olaf Lutheran Church
Fort Dodge, Iowa

Wicks Organ Co., 1957
Rebuilt by Dobson Pipe Organ Builders, 1994

Installed in two chambers at the rear of the balcony, St. Olaf’s Wicks organ had grown unreliable, experienced tuning instability because of seasonal temperature variations, and suffered from poor tonal egress. Initially prompted by concerns about mechanical reliability, a study by St. Olaf led to the decision to move both choir and organ from the rear balcony to the front of the church. New oak casework was constructed and the existing organ components were reconfigured to fit the space. All existing pipes were revoiced, and new stops were added to complete the principal choruses. The organ’s rededication was celebrated on 15 May 1994 with a recital by John Ferguson of St. Olaf College.