Featured on National Television – America By Design: Restoring St. Patrick Church (Hubbard, OH) Fire Damaged Pipe Organ
“Temper us in fire, and we grow stronger.” — Cassandre Clare
Leek Pipe Organ Company is honored to have its restoration work featured on the nationally televised series America ByDesign™ as part of the restoration story of St. Patrick’s Church in Hubbard, Ohio.
The project appeared in Season 5, Episode 7 of America ByDesign™, alongside several nationally recognized architectural and restoration projects across the United States.
The Leek Pipe Organ Company feature is presented from 14:55 mins through 18:31 mins within the America ByDesign™ Episode 7 broadcast below.
A Story of Faith, Craftsmanship, and Community
The St. Patrick’s Church restoration represented far more than rebuilding an instrument. During a major fire remediation project, the church’s historic 1967 pipe organ had to be carefully removed, restored, reconfigured, and reinstalled before it could once again fill the sanctuary with music.
The America ByDesign™ feature highlights the craftsmanship, planning, and collaboration required throughout the project while also showcasing the importance of preserving historical and musical landmarks within local communities.
As described in the episode:
“The St. Pat’s Church Restoration showcases a community’s resilience through a masterful preservation of a landmark.”
Behind the Scenes of the Restoration
In the video below, Project Architect Jay Crafton shares his firsthand experience working with James Leek and Leek Pipe Organ Company throughout the restoration process.
He discusses:
- the complexity of dismantling and rebuilding the organ,
- the coordination required between restoration and construction teams,
- and the moment the restored organ returned to St. Patrick’s Church for its first Mass after the project.
Watch the featured interview below:
Preserving Musical Heritage for Future Generations
Pipe organs are among the most complex musical instruments ever created, combining artistry, engineering, woodworking, and acoustics into a single instrument. Restoring them requires specialized expertise and a deep respect for the role they play in worship and community life.
Leek Pipe Organ Company is honored to continue preserving these remarkable instruments and the traditions connected to them for future generations.
