Restoring a Landmark and a new Antiphonal Organ
Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo, Ohio, is renowned for its breathtaking architecture, soaring frescoed ceilings, and radiant stained-glass windows. Designed by John T. Comes of the Pittsburgh firm Comes, Perry, and McMullen, the cathedral is a striking example of the Spanish Plateresque style, blending Gothic and early Renaissance influences. With seating for 1,500, it stands as a monumental landmark of faith and artistic beauty.
The cathedral’s visual grandeur is not its only treasure. Within its walls resides a masterpiece of American organ building: Skinner Pipe Organ Company’s Opus 820, widely regarded as one of the finest surviving examples of Skinner’s mature style. Thanks to a recently completed restoration by the Muller Pipe Organ Company, this symphonic marvel has been fully revived, once again filling the sacred space with its commanding voice.
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Muller's Restoration and Dedication to Skinner's Vision
Founded in 1919 by Henry Muller, the Muller Pipe Organ Company has deep roots in Skinner’s legacy. Henry’s father, Joseph Muller, was a cabinetmaker for Skinner. Henry served as Principal Installation Foreman prior to moving to Toledo. Fourth-generation brothers John and Mark plus fifth-generation Jack Muller brought unmatched expertise and reverence to the project.
Tasked with the dual goals of historical authenticity and modern reliability, the project included:
- Complete releathering of windchests, reservoirs, primary actions, expression engines, tremolos, and stop action pneumatics using traditional methods.
- Careful restoration of pipework to preserve the original voicing characteristics.
- A new movable console, crafted from quarter-sawn white oak and modeled after Skinner’s 1930s design. While visually authentic, the console discreetly houses a modern solid-state relay system for increased reliability.
- Re-integration of the humidification system and minor infrastructure modifications to improve access for tuning and maintenance.
A New Dimension: The Antiphonal Organ
Although conceived by Skinner in the 1930s, a division in the rear gallery remained unrealized . . . until now. A highlight of the project for Muller was the addition of a new Antiphonal Organ, designed to complement, reinforce, and extend the voice of the original instrument.
Installed in the rear gallery, the Antiphonal incorporates pipework and casework from Skinner’s Opus 346 (1921), originally built for nearby St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. New casework components needed to complete the twin facades were built and carved by Brooke Owen Smith – Maker of Fine Furniture of Columbus, Ohio. The new division blends seamlessly into the cathedral’s architectural fabric.
Created by A.R. Schopp’s Sons and styled after Skinner stops of the same era, the new Tuba adds a bold and brilliant presence to the instrument’s sonic landscape.
". . . you have unlocked the potential that was inherent in every stop . . . I would consider all of your efforts to be a great success!"
Paul Monachino, the cathedral's Director of Music
A Lasting Legacy
With its restoration complete, Opus 820 has reclaimed its place as the heart of the cathedral’s worship and musical life. Muller Pipe Organ Company’s meticulous work has safeguarded a vital piece of Toledo’s cultural and spiritual heritage, while renewing the voice of one of America’s most revered organ builders. Once again, the bold and beautiful tones of Skinner’s vision resound beneath the cathedral’s soaring frescoes, an enduring testament to artistry, legacy, and faith.
Three celebratory concerts featuring the organ will be held during the 2025-2026 season of the Cathedral Concert Series. More information is available at www.rosarycathedral.org.
