News Archive
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Restoration Update
The restoration of Opus 414 is well underway, with the organ having been removed from its chamber high above the altar of the church’s sanctuary and relocated to the workshops of the Schantz Organ Company in Orrville, Ohio. More…
Fundraising for the restoration of Opus 414 has surpassed 85 percent of its goal.
March 25, 2026
Fundraising Hits New High
Funding for the Restoration of Opus 414 has reached $2,800,000 — over 85 percent of the ultimate goal of $3,250,000.
In addition to the repair and complete reconditioning of the organ, funds will be used to establish an endowment for Opus 414. This endowment will provide for ongoing maintenance of the organ and a performance fund to ensure that the organ can be heard by the widest audience possible for generations to come.
The organ, formally E.M. Skinner, Opus 414, was installed in the large sanctuary of the Chicago Temple building in 1924.
Restoration will involve removal of all components of the organ for rebuilding and refreshing by the Schantz Organ Company of Orville, Ohio. This process, once funded, is expected to take 12-14 months.
Learn how you can help support the restoration of Opus 414.
The Allen ADC 5000 electronic organ will fill in for Opus 414 while the pipe organ is being restored.
December 6, 2025
Electronic Organ Installed
While Opus 414 is being restored, an Allen electric organ will provide music for worship services at First United Methodist Church.
The Allen ADC 5000 (pictured) represented the height of electronic organ building in the 1980s. Many churches who were unable install an acoustic organ opted for the ADC 5000 and its tonewheel system for producing sound.
Opus 414 is scheduled to be re-installed in the first-floor sanctuary late in the fall of 2026.
The Chicago Tribune covered Opus 414 and its restoration in its September 29, 2024 edition.
September 29, 2024
Opus 414 Makes the Papers
On September 29, The Chicago Tribune covered Opus 414 and the restoration project in its A+E Section. The story covers the history of the First United Methodist Church, the history of the organ and quotes Organist Phillip Kloeckner and Director of Music Ministries Erik Nussbaum.
Read the full story.