Boe Chapel Construction News

Read the recent Manitou Messenger article about the Boe Chapel Construction project. More >>

Holtkamp Organ Company workshop photographs added to the photo gallery.

Boe Organ

Boe Chapel Construction

The Organ
Early Sunday morning, September 4, 2005, St. Olaf College's Boe Chapel was struck by lightning. The bolt caused structural damage and silenced Boe's organ. The opening worship service for the academic year was held a few hours later. Pastor Bruce Benson said he was "grateful for the cheery Sunday worship service vocals and beautiful piano accompaniment" which soon filled the chapel.

St. Olaf College had already contracted with the Holtkamp Organ Company of Ohio to build a new organ and the lightning strike simply sped up the process.

Holtkamp Organ Company will first design and then build the front organ by the fall of 2006. The smaller, rear organ will be completed a year later.

Boe Chapel's Schlicker Organ 1987 recording

Boe Chapel's Schlicker Organ, as reworked by Holtkamp Organ Company. 1990 recording

Lightning has struck St Olaf College at least once before. President Mohn watched lightning dance...More >>