Community members gathered at Good Counsel Chapel in Mankato for “Let the Pipes Sing,” a special event celebrating the return of music to the historic 1877 Johnson & Son pipe organ. The afternoon featured local organist Chad Winterfeldt and guest musicians, offering a program that highlighted the power, beauty, and range of the nearly 150 year old instrument. Visitors experienced the chapel as a place of music, reflection, and community connection, many noting the significance of hearing the organ played again in full voice.

Originally built in Boston in 1877 and later brought to Mankato in 1975 after being saved from demolition, the pipe organ was carefully restored by the School Sisters of Notre Dame and community volunteers. Today, it remains one of the largest surviving Johnson & Son organs, with 45 stops and nearly 3,000 pipes. Attendees included members of the Twin Cities chapter of the American Guild of Organists, along with community members, visitors, and supporters from across the region.

“My heart and soul were filled with joy and gratitude to be in the chapel again, and to know this is the first of many events in that beautiful space,” said Sister Joyce.