3/12 Wurlitzer |
A Center for the Arts

The 3/12 Wurtlizer organ in A Center For the Arts, Fergus Falls, MN, was installed in 1995 when the theatre building was undergoing a major restoration. The work was completed by Johnson Organ Company of Moorhead, MN and the organ's original size was 3/9, with an English Post Horn being added upon its installation at Fergus, making it a 3/10. Two more ranks were added later, namely the Krumet, and a second Tibia ("Tibia Minor"). The pipes are housed in two chambers; Main and Solo.

Throughout the years, the organ has been used for public performance, "brown bag lunch" concerts, including noon-hour Christmas concerts, Christmas variety shows, silent movies, master classes, open console, youth outreach events, and more. Famous guest artists of the instrument have included Bob Ralston (organist on Lawrence Welk Show), Jelani Eddington, Donna Parker, Ken Double, and others.

In early 1999, the Central Minnesota Otter Tail Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society was organized, and it worked with the Center to preserve the organ and promote its use until the chapter disbanded around 2020. During their existence, the chapter was very keen on bringing in guest artists to Fergus Falls. They also held various community and youth outreach evens to promote the organ. The Otter Tail Chapter's work is not forgotten and its legacy lives on each time the organ is played.

In October, 2023, the Red River Theatre Organ Society adopted the organ as a "chapter instrument," meaning that RRTOS is now the local ATOS chapter affiliated with the organ. RRTOS members have performed at the Center many times throughout the years and many RRTOS members at one time belonged to the former Otter Tail Chapter.

RRTOS is thrilled at the wonderful opportunity to include this magnificent instrument in its programming and looks forward to keeping the theatre organ alive in the Fergus Falls Community.

Tours of the organ are available upon request.
To set up a tour email president@rrtos.org or call 218-402-0667