Above: Thanks to the generous volunteers and donors, the organ that once played hymns at church services at the Chippewa City Church in Grand Marais has been returned. Carefully bringing the old organ back to the Chippewa City Church are (LR) Michael McHugh, Museum Director Carrie McHugh and Sam West.
Visitors to Chippewa City Church on the eastern outskirts of Grand Marais have been treated to a look at a new—old—addition to the sanctuary this summer. In May, the original organ from the Chippewa City Church was brought back to the old church.
The organ was donated to the Cook County Historical Society, which maintains the historic building, by Alex Sjoberg of Minneapolis. Sjoberg also donated a beautiful painting of the church done by Bill Mulligan.
The acceptance of the organ, or the “organ transplant,” as volunteer Bob Swanson of Grand Portage dubbed it, was not easy. The antique organ was picked up by Swanson in Minneapolis and carefully transported to the Chippewa City Church, where volunteers gently set it in place.
The original organ replaces another antique organ that had been on loan by the Knecht family. Cook County Historical Society Director Carrie McHugh expressed appreciation to them, and to all the volunteers who helped restore the original organ to its home.
Left: The beautiful old organ back in its historical place in the lovely old church.
The Sjoberg family retrieved the organ before it was disposed of and have cared for it since. Al Sjoberg recalls his mother playing the organ.
Because volunteers staff the Chippewa City Church, there are no set hours. It is open many weekends, but it is best to contact the Cook County Historical Museum at (218) 387-2883.
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