Dear Editor: As many of you know, Martin Pasi restored, refurbished and probably improved the 1844 Kessler Organ damaged in the December 8/9, 1993, fire at Sitka Lutheran Church.
After an emotional discussion about spending the $49,000 insurance money on general fund vs. spending it on restoration of the Kessler (special emotional appeal to congregation by Gene Buchholz about supporting the arts – saving the organ), Sitka Lutheran Church discovered the TREASURE of Martin Pasi in Roy, Washington, (near Tacoma). So, then, the Kessler spent a year and a half in Martin's shop receiving his loving, special gifts and talents – being restored and still retaining the essence of the same organ that was constructed in Estonia in 1844.
Martin came to Sitka often in the 1990s, not only to prep the Kessler for going to Roy, but for frequent mtc, tuning and upkeep of the Kessler. Martin was a part of the Sitka Lutheran Church family and he was especially close to our congregation, our Pastor Jim Drury, to Gene Buchholz, the entire Brandt family and dozens of others in Sitka who were inspired by the lovely, vibrant tones the Kessler brought to Sitka Lutheran Church for worship, for special concerts and solos by countless musicians from throughout the world.
While our son-in-law Randy Ferguson attended vocational school in Tacoma, he worked for Martin Pasi at his shop in Roy. Randy is a precise, skilled, exceptionally fine wood worker and he had the opportunity to utilize his many skills while working in the Martin Pasi organ building shop.
Myron Oen worked closely with Martin from beginning to end in the restoration project. Former Sitka Lutheran Church Pastor (1981-91) Michael Meier (working in Seattle in the 1990s) appeared at Martin's shop periodically and was there for the formal presentation/concert of the Kessler inside Martin's shop when it was finished just before being sent to Sitka.
Martin has many friends, co-workers, expert organ builders who hold Martin close to their hearts. Martin's daughter Maurine (now an expert organ builder, trained in the same fashion as Martin in America and Austria) will carry on his tradition of expertise.
As the Kessler filled the SLC sanctuary with its lovely music during the dedication service in Sitka Lutheran Church, members brought prayers of Thanksgiving that we were able to find such a classy world-renowned organ builder to refurbish our ancient Estonian treasure.
I would suggest that Sitka Lutheran Church attach a plaque to the Kessler Organ recognizing Martin Pasi's contributions. I also would like to recognize Dr. Harvey Huiner, organist, professor of music and summer volunteer at Sitka Lutheran, who professionally recorded several classic musical pieces that were combined for a CD commemorating the Kessler Organ. The assistance of his wife Marjorie, plus assistance from Pastor Jim Drury and church volunteers Arne and Phoebe Peterson, provided key contributions to the production of the CD honoring the Kessler Organ.
Others have provided notice of this key artifact of the 1844 Kessler Organ including Dr. David Dahl, professor of music at Pacific Lutheran University, author of "Alaska's Oldest Organ Plays Again After a Century," Rev. Ross Hidy and Dr. Toivo Harjunpaa – all prominent figures in transforming a dusty artifact hidden in the corner of Sheldon Jackson Museum to a cherished musical treasure restored – placed in a specially designed swallows nest on the balcony of Sitka Lutheran Church and noticed and played by many prominent musicians across the globe.
Thank you, Martin Pasi. Your contributions are noticed and your name is treasured among many who cherish the Kessler Organ. Future musicians, worshippers at Sitka Lutheran Church, classic organists, small children and historians alike now access the keyboard of this musical treasure. Somehow, this tiny organ transforms the large sanctuary of Sitka Lutheran Church with its hefty majestic tones into a spiritually inspiring place. God Bless you, Martin Pasi, for your superb work in transforming this fire-damaged artifact into an inspiring musical treasure for tourists, worshippers, musicians and members of Sitka Lutheran Church.
Martin Pasi died peacefully on Sunday, September 6, 2026, after an extended illness, surrounded by his family. Private services and interment will be held at Saint John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota. Public memorial celebrations will be planned for later in the year.
Harvey Brandt, Sitka
