The organ… was not used by the early Christians, who used vocal music exclusively… The writings of the early Church Fathers are quite clear on this point. This practice of exclusively vocal music was the Church’s custom for about 1,000 years. At some point, a rudimentary organ began to be introduced to support Gregorian chant. It was not played independently — its role was exclusively to support the singers. It was in no way the kind of instrument we associate with the organ today… Large organs such as the one installed in 1361 in Halberstadt, Germany (the first known permanent installation), began the development of our modern church organ. From this time on, the organ, especially in northern Europe, began to play a more prominent role in liturgy.
--James Gilman (http://www.catholicvoiceoakland.org/2010/05-10/commentary.htm)
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Additional thoughts and ramblings:
There's nothing quite like the sound of a big pipe organ filling a church. I've rarely been a member of a church with a real pipe organ and don't get me wrong, I love piano, guitar and all the rest. But in college I went to church at a Cathedral just a few blocks away from campus and when a skilled musician played the organ it was something special to hear. You could feel the vibrations of the low grumbling notes as it lifted our spirits. I think most people associate the organ with church music at this point in time and see it as kind of old fashioned. I like tradition and the organ but it's all a matter of perspective. Historically speaking it was once the 'new kid on the block' as chant with no harmony was seen as the best music for church. Weather chant, organ, piano, guitar or accordion (I've been to a few polka Masses too), the main thing is that the music in the liturgy should lift up our hearts in praise and adoration. To quote the great St Augustine, "he who sings, prays twice."
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