M.P. Möller Organ
First Presbyterian Church has a tradition of outstanding music ministry that has nurtured and encouraged music within the congregation and throughout the Topeka community. The pipe organ has played a significant role in the music ministry for many years. The church archives include the organ contract from Hook & Hastings from 1905.
The M. P. Möller Pipe Organ in the Sanctuary originally dates from 1935, opus 6328. At that time it was a three manual and echo organ of 48 ranks, given by Miss Innie Payne in memory and honor of her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Matthew Payne. Cost was $12,500.00. A new antiphonal organ replaced the echo division in 1961, given by Fred Retschlag. In 1976 there were extensive tonal additions and revisions and a new four manual console installed by the Möller Company. Cost was $75,000.00. The console was given by Kelsey and Edna Petro in memory of their parents and the tonal work was made possible by gifts from Richard Gayhart, Walter and Constance Menninger, Paul and Nancy Kindling, and Robert Jacoby II. There were further tonal additions from 1990-1993. Releathering projects occurred as needed. In 2002, the console was sent to the Hagerstown Organ Company for renovation and the addition of Peterson solid-state mechanism. Technical work was also done in the chambers. Thanks go to Richard Gayhart, Roy Knisley, Robert Jacoby II, and Walter and Connie Menninger for making this upgrade of $80,000.00 possible.
A fine 84 rank, four manual and antiphonal organ, with 99 levels of memory now enhances the music ministry of First Presbyterian Church for worship services and recitals. It is the largest pipe organ in the city. Refer to the Specifications link. The Chapel of First Presbyterian also has a 2 manual 14 rank Möller pipe organ, opus 11534, installed in 1981. Curators of both instruments are Keith Gottshall and Doug Funston of Mid-States Pipe Organ Company in Kansas City, Missouri.
Organ Specifications (PDF)
Organists at First Presbyterian over the past 70 years include:
Bernice Hemus: organist when 1935 Möller installed
Arnold Lynch: 1936-1947
Richard Gayhart: 1947-1994 & Chapel organist 1994-1999
Robert Jacoby II: Asst. organist 1975-present
Norma Pettijohn: 1997-present
