Note: Not extant. Not playable. (in this location)
2005-01-07 - Information identifying this instrument from the Austin Organs, Inc. web site, accessed December 29, 2004: http://www.austinorgans.com/organ-research.htm. -Database Manager
2006-04-12 - Updated through on-line information from David Warfield, Director of Music. -Database Manager
2013-11-09 - Updated through online information from Joshua Ziemski. -Database Manager
2013-11-18 - Updated through online information from Matthew Provost. -- +/- 95% of original Austin pipework still in place in one chamber (right). Console and blower removed; at present in private hands. -Database Manager
2013-11-18 - Updated through online information from Matthew Provost. -- Presented by Gertrude Hakes Gale in memory of Col. Charles W. Gale, dedicated Sept. 30, 1923 -Database Manager
2023-04-05 - In the 1960s, the organ had minor tonal 'updates' by a local technician. Faced with the need for releathering ca. 2013, the congregation opted to buy on time, a 4-manual imitation sound machine dedicated by Hector Olivera. The console of the pipe organ was removed, but the universal air chest and pipework was wisely left undisturbed in the chamber. However, by 2020, the congregation was out of money and dispossessed themselves of the building, moving to a storefront, the imitation was repossesed, and the building has been sold. The Austin remains undisturbed in the chamber. In 2022 the congregation merged with First Congregational, also down to a handful of members and a deteriorating large downtown building. Perhaps this union will help the edifice and congregation survive with renewed energy. Until recently, there were two Baptist churches in Norwich-- Central and First Baptist (originally Norwich Baptist). The Steere & Turner ledger lists a fairly sizeable 1885 two-manual organ for the "Baptist Church", Norwich. The wood frame First Baptist Church dates from the late 19th-century, as does the Richardsonian stone pile Central Baptist in the middle of downtown. It is not certain into which church the S&T was installed, but it is most likely it was [First] Baptist, not Central. What preceded the Austin at Central is unknown. -Scot Huntington
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