MONMOUTH, Ill. — As part of the recent renovation of Monmouth College’s
Dahl Chapel and Auditorium, the building’s historic pipe organ also
received a complete restoration, thanks to the generosity of a Houson,
Texas, couple. Robert Ardell, a 1962 MC graduate, and his wife, Lee,
provided a $100,000 gift for the restoration of the instrument, which has
been named in their honor.
Originally installed by the Schantz Organ Company of Orville, Ohio, the
organ was dedicated on Oct. 31, 1946, with two concerts by the well-known
organist and composer of that time, Marcel Dupre. In 1954, the renowned
American organist Virgil Fox gave a performance, and in 1962, the organ
received its first renovation.
The recent organ restoration, which involved a complete overhaul of the
internal systems, has increased the number of ranks from 37 to 42, and the
number of pipes from 1,952 to more than 2,300. The console, which has been
refinished, has also been digitally wired and now includes a new
three-manual keyboard and all new drawbars, toe studs, coupler bars and
piston tabs. The console has been prominently placed in a
newly-constructed balcony over the stage.
Both the 1962 renovation and the recent work were done by the Freeport
Organ Company of Hiawatha, Iowa. The company’s owner, Larry Krusie, worked
on the project both times.
“We are thrilled with the final product,” said Ardell. “We feel it
turned out to be a tremendous investment in Monmouth College.”
A geology and economics major at Monmouth, Ardell earned his master’s
in geology from Kansas State University. The retired president of the
Nippon Oil Corporation currently works as an oil industry consultant.
Ardell’s civic involvement includes service on the board of directors
for the Petroleum Club of Houston and Elk Petroleum, Inc., and he is an
elder of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and a member of the Industry
Advisory Board for Kansas State University. He has served as a Monmouth
College trustee since 1988 and was recently elected to the board’s
executive committee. Additionally, he has hosted numerous receptions in
Houston for the college and he has been involved in student recruitment
for many years.
“On behalf of the college, I’d like to extend an invitation to guest
organists, visitors and groups of all sizes to come and view the Ardell
Organ,” said Perry White, associate professor of music. To contact White,
call 309-457-2171 or e-mail him at
pwhite@monm.edu.
