Basehor, Kansas - In a celebration of faith and music, Holy Angels Catholic Church in Basehor, Kansas, marked the installation of its majestic Opus 5 organ, originally crafted by renowned organ builder Halbert Gober of Gober Organs. The towering instrument, standing 30 feet tall, boasts 1,317 pipes and embodies the design and sound reminiscent of organs used in centuries-old Catholic worship across Europe.

Unlike many churches that invest in brand-new organs, Holy Angels acquired the Opus 5 as a pre-owned instrument. Initially built in 1997 for a Lutheran church in Cleveland, the organ was later disassembled, transported, and meticulously reassembled within the grateful Holy Angels Parish—a growing trend observed in some parts of the Catholic Church in the United States.

Father Richard McDonald, the pastor of Holy Angels Parish, expressed his delight, stating, "This organ has been a game-changer for our parish, giving new life to the liturgy and inviting newcomers in. It's bringing new people to the parish, including inactive and non-Catholics." The Opus 5 organ, prominently placed at the church's entry, has been instrumental in creating a vibrant and captivating worship experience.

The Catholic Church has long revered the use of organ music in its liturgical ceremonies. Father McDonald cited the 1963 Vatican II document Sacrosanctum Concilium, which emphasizes the pipe organ's elevated position in Catholic worship, as it adds "wonderful splendor to the Church's ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man's mind to God and to higher things" (SC, 120). Pope Benedict XVI further acknowledged the organ's significance, describing it as the "king of musical instruments" capable of evoking the divine through its range of timbre and capacity to express the full spectrum of human emotions.

For Holy Angels Parish, the acquisition of the Opus 5 was a transformative experience. The church, established in 1866 to serve a rural community, has expanded over the years to encompass 700 households, including many individuals employed in the metropolitan Kansas City area. Prior to the Opus 5, the parish had an outdated electronic keyboard organ, which failed to deliver the rich and resonant tones desired for their worship services.

While the cost of a new organ was financially prohibitive for the relatively small parish, an opportunity presented itself in February 2020. Kevin Vogt, a local parish musician, university organ teacher, and organ consultant, informed Father McDonald about the availability of a used organ for sale. Originally created for a Cleveland Lutheran church that had closed, the organ had since been in the possession of a Catholic Melkite-rite church. With no need for the instrument, it was destined to be discarded unless a new home could be found.

Through the efforts of private donors who raised $125,000, the Opus 5 was carefully disassembled, transported, and reassembled. Halbert Gober, the original organ maker, even relocated to Kansas temporarily to oversee the intricate process. The dedication of the organ took place with the presence of Bishop James Conley from the neighboring Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska. Ever since, the Opus 5 has become a defining feature of Holy Angels Parish, enriching their worship and drawing both local parishioners and visitors to experience its transcendent sound.

Completed Pipe Organ - St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church - Clifton, VA

The Opus 5 organ has not only revitalized the liturgy but also served as a catalyst for outreach and evangelization. On third Sundays, Holy Angels Parish warmly welcomes visitors to enjoy an organ concert and reception, providing an opportunity to share the beauty of sacred music and engage with the community. Father McDonald affirmed, "It facilitates what the choir wants to do and accomplish."

Reflecting on the significance of acquiring a refurbished organ, Kevin Vogt commented, "It sounds wonderful; it is a world-class organ. The people love it." John Bishop, representing the Organ Clearing House, highlighted that the appeal of repurposed organs lies not only in their lower cost but also in the preference for the sound and quality of older instruments. While mechanical parts may require replacement over time, the organ pipes, protected from damage, can endure indefinitely.

The story of Holy Angels Parish's Opus 5 organ is not unique. St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Clifton, Virginia, similarly dedicated a refurbished organ originally built in 2008. These instances demonstrate the commitment of Catholic churches to offer the highest standards of music in their liturgical celebrations, enhancing the worship experience and evoking a sense of the divine.

As the Opus 5 organ continues to resonate through the sacred halls of Holy Angels Parish, it serves as a testament to the enduring power of music and the unwavering devotion of the faithful.