GROVE CITY, Pa. – Grove City College received a citation from the Organ Historical Society recognizing the Kimball organ in Harbison Chapel as an instrument of historic merit and worthy of preservation during a ceremony in late June. The chapel’s Kimball organ, dedicated in 1931, is one of very few remaining in original condition without any alterations and the first instrument at the College to receive a citation.

The Organ Historical Society, comprised of musicians and organ builders, presented the award to College President Dr. Richard G. Jewell ’67 and Dr. Richard Konzen, professor of music and college organist. The bronze plaque will be hung near the console in the chapel prior to the start of the 2010-11 school year.

The ceremony, which was held in Harbison Chapel on campus, featured renowned performer Thomas Murray, professor of music and university organist at Yale University. Murray performed a varied program of literature, including several transcriptions.

The Kimball organ, known as the Frances St. Ledger Babcock Memorial organ, was dedicated to the memory of Frances St. Ledger Jacobs. Her husband, Fred Raymond Babcock, also served for many years as the President of the Board of Trustees at Grove City College.

The Organ Historical Society seeks to document and preserve historic pipe organs and to raise public awareness and appreciation of America’s organ heritage.

To learn more about the Organ Historical Society, visit www.organsociety.org.