Joseph Harris Ridges

Joseph Harris Ridges, the builder of the Tabernacle organ in Salt Lake City,
was born 25 April 1827 in Hampshire, England. He was trained in organ
building as a youth in Southampton, England, and built his first organ in
Australia, where he was converted to the restored gospel. Having come to
the attention of Brigham Young, he moved to Salt Lake City, where he was
asked to design an organ suitable for the tabernacle. When the tabernacle
was opened for use in 1867, Ridges’ organ was one-third complete. It was
finished in 1877 with 2,638 pipes. Through the years, the organ has been
rebuilt, electrified, and enlarged to 10,814 pipes. Joseph Ridges died 7
March 1914 in Salt Lake City.
Source:
Encyclopedia of Latter-day Saint History
Edited By Arnold K. Garr, Donald Q. Cannon, Richard O. Cowan
US/CAN Book 289.309 G191e
Page 1030