Meet Kraig Kunkel & the Story Behind the Sound
Kraig Kunkel at the organ bench in St. Paul’s sanctuary, where he has helped lead the congregation in song since 2001.If you’ve worshiped in the sanctuary at St. Paul, you’ve probably heard Kraig Kunkel’s music—even if you haven’t met him yet. From the organ loft, Kraig has helped lead the congregation in song since 2001, serving the church through music as he guides hymns and accompanies the liturgy on St. Paul’s Reuter Opus 1650 Pipe Organ.
An Unexpected Journey to the Bench
While Kraig has been a fixture in the church’s loft for over two decades, his path to the organ began with a simple 'yes' to an unexpected need. While attending Charity Lutheran Church in Burleson, Texas, the congregation found itself without an organist, and Kraig was asked to fill the void. He had played piano since age five, but the organ was entirely new territory.
Rather than letting a lack of formal training stop him, he stepped up to serve. With just two minor lessons on the electric organ under his belt, he dove in. “Three weeks later, I was playing for worship,” Kraig recalls.
From those "trial-by-fire" beginnings, Kraig became largely self-taught on the pipe organ. He refined his skills through a deep-seated commitment to helping our congregation lift their voices in song. His story is a notable example of an everyday disciple: someone allowing God to use their talents exactly where they are.
A Legacy Built Through Service
Kraig isn’t the only one who answered a call with quiet determination. The very pipes he plays exist because of the faithful service of the congregation’s women.
In the 1950s and 60s, members of the Lutheran Ladies Service League (now Lutheran Women in Mission) raised the $31,000 purchase price – a significant sum at the time -- by working as waitresses at civic luncheons and special banquets at Fort Worth’s historic Hotel Texas. Their efforts made it possible for St. Paul to install the organ, which was dedicated in 1968.
Their story is a powerful example of living generously, showing how Christ’s love compels us to give of our time for His glory. That legacy was honored in 2020 when the organ was restored and enhanced, adding 455 new pipes to support the congregation’s voices more fully.
Building Authentic Community
Week after week, Kraig brings these pipes to life, accompanying the liturgy and maintaining a musical legacy that has flourished at St. Paul for generations. By leading us in song, he helps foster an authentic community—reminding us that we reflect God’s image when we engage in life and worship together.
For Kraig, helping lead worship through music feels “awesome”—a sentiment shared by many in the pews. The organ carries that legacy forward: from the women who built its foundation through service to the musician who continues to share its voice today.
St. Paul’s Reuter Opus 1650 pipe organ, featuring 1,100 pipes, was dedicated in 1968 and enhanced in 2020.