Luck and talent bring pipe organ to the Idaho Panhandle

Talent and luck brought a Casavant organ to Sandpoint, making it one of the best instrument in North Idaho. How did such an amazing instrument end up in Sandpoint?

Because Scott and Lynn Youngren decided to move to Sandpoint, where they joined First Lutheran Church. It may have been a calling or by accident because FLC’s 1960s-era organ was failing and needed to be replaced. Suddenly Scott Youngren appeared as a well-trained organ specialist ready to upgrade the outdated instrument.

Committees went to work, and the church decided to order and pay for the recent replacement of Casavant components. Along with tech updates, Scott and Don Farnham updated all video and sound equipment. 

Scott’s career in the Navy, electrical engineering, and his degree from California Lutheran College in organ music and performance was the start of his career. Working for Litton Aero Products, he became a test engineer for navigation products until he retired. 

The magic was that in retirement, Scott changed careers again and worked with Nelson, Dodge, President of Church Keyboard of Pasadena. He traveled all over southern California, servicing and installing Rodger’s organs combining his electronic engineering and musical skills. 

The organ music service schedule is first and third Sundays with the talented Corina Hughes. The community is invited to join the congregation at First Lutheran, 526 S. Olive Ave., for special organ music on the first and third Sundays of the month.