Keates Organ Co.
1952

From The Calgary Albertan (August 2, 1952): "During the past month, the organ of Hillhurst United Church has been undergoing the first stage of a complete renovation. The work is being done by the Keates Organ Company, of Lucan, Ontario. This will be the first instrument by this firm in Western Canada.
The specification of the rebuilt organ was drawn up by D. Stuart Kennedy of Calgary, in collaboration with Bert Keates, head of the Keates firm. It was designed for Clifford Higgin, prominent Calgary musician and composer, who for several years, was organist of the church. Mr. Higgin's death last September prevented his enjoying the 'new' organ.
While the pipes and wind-chests of the former Warren organ have been retained, these were thoroughly cleaned and overhauled by Harold Kew, and Ian McGugan of the Keates staff, and a new console has been built. The mechanism has been converted from the old 'tubular pneumatic' type, to electricity, thereby making the action much more responsive to the touch of the organist.
The modern 'draw-knob' type console has three keyboards, and this will greatly increase the flexibility of the organ, over the former two-manuel [sic] instrument.
The old pipes, 1,341 of them, which were made around 1912, have been retained because of the beauty of their tone, which, in some cases, builders of today are unable to reproduce exactly. The old windchests, however, were used as a matter of economy, and these are to be replaced in a few years, when the new pipes for the third keyboard are added.
In this organ, several new features are being introduced for the first time in this country. One of these is a reed chorus consisting of a clarinet, trumpet and oboe, which speak at three different pitch-levels, thereby increasing the range of tone color. When finally completed, the organ of Hillhurst Church will be one of the finest and most up to date in the city."