Translation of the Sheboygan Zeitung – Wednesday, May 16, 1888

The new organ of the Trinity Lutheran congregation has now been set up and was publicly played for the first time yesterday evening. – Just the sight of the mighty instrument is imposing.  Mighty pipes reach to the vaulted ceiling and the other appointments of the organ are impressive. – The tone is magnificent and fills the big church completely.

The organ has two manuals, one pedal, twenty-four chimes and five combination registers; furthermore, two combination stops and two pneumatic pistons.  The bellows are powered by water from the municipal waterworks.

The festive dedication of the organ was held last evening.  A great number of the public took time to attend this festive occasion.  After the completion of the dedication ceremonies by Pastor Wollbrecht, Mr. Kneyse, an excellent organist, played “Festspiel” by Volkman.  This opening was followed by a concert by members of the Mixed Choir, Male Choir and the Church Band.  Mr. Jackson, a well-known piano tuner, played a number, an imprompto, on the organ wherein he showed the capabilities of the organ.  Mr. Bolinbrook also played a Triumph-March in which the merits of the organ were displayed. – Mr. Kneyser then played a flute solo and later closed the concert.  All the pieces played showed that not only the congregation but the entire city can be proud of the new organ.  Lack of space does not allow us to list the many numbers played but all who heard it will have pleasant memories of the entire program for a long time.

Morning Telegram – Wednesday, May 16, 1888

The Trinity Church Organ

The completion of the new organ in Trinity Church was signalized last evening by a concert which gave the public an opportunity of judging for themselves of the power of that firm instrument.  The organ is from the manufactory of Carl Barrkhoft, who has a reputation as an organ builder second to none in this country, himself super-intended its erection here, assisted by Meers. Edv. Bolingbroke and Fred Norden.  The organ has two manuals and an octave and a third of pedals, twenty-nine stops, together with one pneumatic stop on the trumpet, and its compass ranges from three C’s to A in alt.  A Ross water motor in the basement of the church supplies the power by which it is blown, and upon its trial yesterday was found to work admirably.  This organ, which is the largest by far in this section of the state, contains in all 1,566 speaking pipes, as there are but five of the front, or show pipes, which are mute.  These show pipes are beautifully decorated in bright colors and the casing of the entire instrument is oak left in its natural color but highly polished, and the entire cost of the organ is $3000.

The concert which was largely attended was a most delightful one and thoroughly exemplified the power and beauty of tone of this fine instrument.  Messrs. F. Kreyse and William Jackson of Milwaukee and Edw. Bolingbroke of Salem, were the organists and in the concert they were assisted by the Männerchor and the brass band, composed of members of the congregation.  It is to be regretted that space forbids the publishing of the program in full, as it was an excellent one, admirably rendered by all who participated.

 National Demokrat –  Thursday, January 12, 1888

The new Organ. – The local Trinity Lutheran congregation recently signed a contract with Mr. Carl Barkhoff of Salem, Ohio, the lowest bidder, to deliver a new organ.  Other competitors for the contract were organ builders Schuelke of Milwaukee and Jackson of Chester, Ill.  The actual cost of the organ is $3000 but Mr. Barkhoff is willing to deliver it for $2200 in order to establish and develop a marketing area for his excellent instruments in this part of the United States.  The organ will have 1500 pipes and should be installed by April 28 of this year.

(A description of the organ components follows)

The organ will be powered with a Ross water motor.  The combination stops will be of nickel metal.  The front pipes will be beautifully adorned with color and gold decorations while the cabinet will be of polished red Oakwood.