The Holtkamp Organ Introduction, History, Description and
Specifications The abbey church organ is the last large contract
that Walter Holtkamp, Sr., completed before his death. He
designed the instrument in consultation with Abbey organist,
Father Gerard Farrell OSB, with additional input from inaugural
recitalist, Flor Peeters (1903-1986) of Belgium, one of Fr.
Gerard's teachers. Many contemporary organists consider it to be
Holtkamp's magnum opus. The Holtkamp Organ Company traces its
lineage back to 1855 only one year older than the founding of
Saint John's when G.F. Votteler established an organ shop in
Cleveland, Ohio. In 1903, the first Holtkamp, Herman Heinrich,
came from St. Mary's, Ohio, to join the then retiring Henry
Votteler. Control of the firm, now named Votteler Holtkamp
Sparling Company, passed to Herman's son, Walter, in 1931. The
Holtkamp Organ Company emerged in 1951. Under the direction of
Walter Holtkamp, Sr. (1894-1962), the reputation of the company
grew until it became known as one of