A Gift That Completes the Great Division

We are delighted to share that, through the generosity of an anonymous parishioner, St. John XXIII will be completing the Great Division—the primary keyboard—of our Berghaus pipe organ. Three ranks of vintage pipework (the 4′ Spitzflöte, 2 2/3′ Quinte, and 1 3/5′ Terz) will be installed, fulfilling the musical foundation originally prepared in 2003.

These additions will not make the organ louder. Instead, they will make it richer—adding warmth, clarity, and new tonal colors that enhance congregational singing and the beauty of our worship. Installation is expected to be complete before Easter.

While the Great Division will now be complete, the organ itself remains unfinished according to its original design. The Swell division (the upper keyboard, used for softer accompaniment and solo voices) is prepared for four additional ranks: 1/3′ Klein Nasat, IV Scharf‑Mixtur, 16′ Groß Dulzian, and 8′ Schalmei. The Pedal division (played with the feet) is also prepared for four more ranks: 8′ Gemshorn, 4′ Choralbass, III Mixtur, and 4′ Kornett. These future additions will bring further color and flexibility beyond the core sound of the instrument.

We are deeply grateful for this remarkable gift, and any additional donations toward the completion of this majestic instrument—one of the finest pipe organs in Ozaukee County—would be greatly appreciated.

With the installation of the final three ranks in the Great Division, our Berghaus organ will gain new tonal colors that enrich and broaden its sound palette.

• 4′ Spitzflöte — A warm, singing flute tone that adds clarity and gentle sparkle to hymns and service music. It helps melodies stand out without increasing volume.
• 2 2/3′ Quinte — A bright, harmonic stop that adds shimmer and strengthens the principal chorus, bringing vitality to the full Great.
• 1 3/5′ Terz — A colorful, expressive stop that adds richness and warmth, enhancing solo lines and giving the organ a more resonant, vibrant character.

Together, these ranks complete the Great Division as it was originally designed in 2003, making the organ more colorful, expressive, and supportive of the sung prayer of our parish each week.

Thank you, and God bless, Tim Handle, Director of Liturgy and Worship