Anton Heiller Memorial Organ

Southern’s beautiful Anton Heiller Memorial Organ contains 4,861 pipes in 108 ranks for its 70 stops. The organ was designed to help meet three spiritual needs: worship, beauty, and positive emotional expression. It is constructed of more than seven types of wood, including white oak, western red cedar, Brazilian rosewood, sugar pine, maple, and beech. The pipes, moldings, and key nosings are gilded with 23-carat goldleaf; the manual sharps, stop knobs, and keytable moldings are made of African ebony. Each element is fashioned to create the best acoustic properties. The organ bears the name of Anton Heiller in memory of the original adviser for the Southern College organ project. Heiller (1923-1979) was one of Europe’s most famous organists and versatile musicians. He wrote his first composition at age 12 and went on to become an accomplished pianist, harpsichordist, composer, and improvisor. During the Southern College organ project, Heiller shared many of his personal insights, including recommendations on where to place the stops. The organ was constructed over a four-year period beginning in June 1981. The builder, John Brombaugh, assembled it in his shop in Eugene, Oregon, and then had it delivered to Southern in October 1984. During the dedication on April 26, 1986, the organ was played by guest musicians from around the world, including Klaas Bolt, Peter Planyvsky, William Porter, Michael Radulescu, Leonard Raver, and Harald Vogel. Now it graces the church and lends beauty to the worship services, study, concerts, and recitals.