Clark Wilson and the Mighty Morton

On Saturday, June 18, 2016, Clark Wilson, the esteemed organist for the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA), posed for a portrait for me at Columbus’s historic Ohio Theatre. Wilson, who began his tenure as CAPA’s resident organist in 1992, has become synonymous with the theater’s iconic “Mighty Morton” organ.

The “Mighty Morton,” installed in 1928, is one of the few theater organs still in its original home. Manufactured by the Robert Morton Organ Company, this four-manual, 34-rank pipe organ boasts over 2,500 pipes and is powered by a 25-horsepower turbine-type blower located beneath the stage. Its design allows it to be raised and lowered via a screw-driven assembly, enabling it to be concealed during non-organ performances.

Wilson’s association with the “Mighty Morton” has been central to CAPA’s Summer Movie Series. For over two decades, he has provided live musical accompaniment to silent film presentations, enhancing the cinematic experience with the organ’s rich tones. Notably, in 2016, he accompanied the 1927 silent film “Sunrise” during the series.

In 2019, CAPA initiated a restoration campaign for the “Mighty Morton,” aiming to raise $125,000 to preserve its grandeur. The campaign received support from over 500 donors, ensuring the organ’s continued prominence in Columbus’s cultural scene. CAPA

Wilson’s dedication to the “Mighty Morton” and the Ohio Theatre has left an indelible mark on Columbus’s artistic landscape. His performances continue to captivate audiences, preserving the legacy of a bygone era while enriching contemporary cultural experiences.