Loretto Academy Restores St. Joseph’s Chapel Pipe Organ

By Alejandra Saldaña

St. Joseph’s Chapel at Loretto Academy in El Paso had its grand reopening this past of the work was completed, one of its most stunning features, the pipe organ, built in 1939, continued to sit in silence and disrepair.

Scott Weir, curator of organs, explained, “The work began with a complete disassembly of the instrument, including the removal of all 1,221 pipes. Metal pipes were washed, and their damage was repaired. Wooden pipes were freed of dust, then oiled. Leather on organ bellows, windchests, valves and stoppers was replaced.

The original electromechanical relay was completely restored and upgraded with modern components. Once all technical work was completed, the organ was completely tuned, regulated and re-voiced. The organ was tuned again before Christmas and will be again before Easter.”

Weir assured Loretto Academy that “once the instrument is completed, it will be the crown jewel of St. Joseph’s Chapel, and the organ will open for use and enjoyment by the entire Loretto Community. I am extremely humbled and grateful to our Lord for the opportunity to be the instrument’s curator and hope that it brings another century’s worth of music to everyone who may have the chance to experience it.”

Alejandra Saldaña is the advancement assistant and photographer on the staff of Loretto Academy in El Paso.