First United Methodist Church in Duluth brought music back to the walls of Coppertop with a rededication concert for its pipe organ on Sunday, Nov. 4. The organ was first installed in 1968 by Austin Organs and the surviving families of Chester and Clara Congdon.

Today the organ looks restored, courtesy of Robert D. Hoppe & Associates of Algoma, WI. The renovations added some new features to the organ, which has more than 3,000 pipes. These include a new set of façade pipes connecting to the balcony wall, a new control system with touch screen, tonal revisions and a rebuild of the console. The pipe organ also has 3 manuals, 43 stops and 56 levels, some made of metal and some of wood.

The organist of the night is Isabelle Demers. He visited Europe, Oman, Australia etc. A world-famous traveling musician and artist. Velda Bell, Music Director of First United Methodist Church, speaks highly of him. “He uses extraordinary techniques, you can see his arms and legs flying at the same time,” Bell said.

Click for more detailed information about the November 3 Rededication concert. Here.