Our event begins with a visit to St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, where Jeff White, CAGO and from St. Louis, will entertain us with recital pieces as well as some favorite hymns for all to sing along with. Jeff will be accompanied by Amanda Wick, vocalist and fourth generation of the Wicks organ family, for several of the songs. St. Paul Church is the home church of John, Louis and Adolf Wick who founded the Wicks Organ Company. John F. Wick was the first president of Wicks Organ Company who was also the organist at St. Paul for over 20 years. John played Wicks Opus number 3 after it was installed in St. Paul’s second Church building. In the 1950’s, that church building was torn down and the third building was built on the same site. In 1951 Wicks Opus 3170, consisting of a 3 manual 18 rank instrument, was installed on the balcony in the back of the church.

In 1974, after the Vatican II proclaimed that the pipe organ ” should be placed in a manner that allows it to be an integral part of the worship space, contributing to the overall atmosphere of the reverence and beauty.” St. Paul Church decided to locate the pipe organ to the front of the church. Wicks then built Opus 5434 which consisted of 23 ranks playable on a 2 manual console. This instrument was built with one of the most stunning case and tonal designs of its time. It truly follows the guidelines of Vatican II. Martin Wick and his family attended St. Paul Church and several family members still call this their home church.