Organist played Chicago's most legendary instruments

For 20 years, Martin I. Argall held the distinction of being the principal organist at the former Scottish Rite Cathedral on North Dearborn Street in Chicago, and playing its historic instrument.

The magnificent pipe organ dates back to 1867 and is considered to be the largest surviving 19th-century organ in Chicago, with its three manuals, or keyboards, and antique pipes and ranks.

"It was a beautiful old organ," says his wife, Charlotte. "He loved that old machine."

During those same years and many more, Mr. Argall also played the original pipe organ at Medinah Temple in Chicago, a 1915 Austin Organ Co. model, with its five keyboards. The building was converted into a Bloomingdale's home store a few years ago.

"He was a classical organist, who loved to play things like Bach's 'Tocatta and Fugue'," his wife says.

Family members reflected on Mr. Argall's many public performances last week, including his 30 years as the church organist at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chicago. The 10-year resident of Des Plaines died Wednesday at age 91.

Mr. Argall grew up in Chicago, playing piano. In fact, family members recall that he won a citywide piano contest when he was 11, but because of the Great Depression, his family could not afford formal training.

By high school, Mr. Argall began playing organ, and he often practiced on the theater organ at the former Symphony Theater on Chicago Avenue, where the owner would accompany him on his violin.

As an adult, he was an active member of the Masons, earning his 33rd degree as a Scottish Rite Mason, but he also served with the Shriners and later the Des Plaines Elks Club.

Many of his organ performances came at Masonic lodges during installations and other special events, but he also played smaller keyboards as a member of the Charters, with the Shriners, and on their floats in parades.

He remained faithful to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, located near Wrigley Field in Chicago, where he played from 1949 to 1979, including several appearances on the WGN-TV show, "Faith of Our Fathers," filmed during the 1953-54 season.

By day, Mr. Argall worked as a purchasing agent for Miehle Goss-Dexter Inc., which supplied printing press equipment. He also worked in naval intelligence during World War II, and served in the naval reserves for 32 years.

Besides his wife, Mr. Argall is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth (Dr. Philip) Stone of Gillingham, Kent, England, and son, Loren (Antonia) of Huntley, and four grandchildren.

Services have been held.