Better Pipe Organ Database


Hook & Hastings Opus 2076 (1905)

Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, South: Church
Pearl Street and McKinney Avenue
Dallas, TX

Note: Not extant. Not playable. (in this location)


Images


Unknown - Church Exterior (Vintage Postcard, courtesy of T. Bradford Willis, DDS (1910s)/Database Manager)

1970s - Building exterior (Demolished Landmark Structures, City of Dallas/Paul R. Marchesano)

Consoles

Main


Notes

2005-03-01 - Identified from company publications as edited and expanded in <i>The Hook Opus List 1829-1935</i>, ed. William T. Van Pelt (Organ Historical Society, 1991). -Database Manager

2011-01-03 - Updated through on-line information from T. Bradford Willis, DDS. -- Trinity Methodist Church was designed in the Prairie School Gothic style by James E. Flanders, a Dallas architect. This historic structure was destroyed by fire in 1985. -Database Manager

2011-01-03 - Updated through on-line information from T. Bradford Willis, DDS. -- The text on the church's Official Texas Historical Marker states: "Trinity Methodist Church - Founded in 1884, the Trinity Methodist congregation acquired this site in 1895 and in 1903-04 erected this structure in what was then a neighborhood of fashionable residences. This was one of 125 churches in Texas designed by James Edward Flanders (1849 - 1928), who was familiar with the Chicago School of Architecture. The contractor was J. W. Slaughter, a leading builder and developer of the Oak Lawn area. The structure is dominated by the entrance tower and gabled cruciform roof of fish scale shakes. The interior has a spacious auditorium with elevated choir and pulpit and an organ chamber framed with rich cast stone ornamentation. Brilliant stained glass windows in Gothic shapes give counterpoint to the severity of the walls. Very fine materials and workmanship characterize the building. As a rare example of prairie style architecture, this edifice has enhanced the religious and cultural life of the city for several generations. No longer in use as a church, this structure has a new role as a cultural element in the city. It was bought in 1975 by the American Institute of Musical Studies, as headquarters for its activities." -Database Manager

2011-01-04 - Updated through on-line information from T. Bradford Willis, DDS. -Database Manager

2011-02-14 - Updated through on-line information from T. Bradford Willis, DDS. -- According to a Dec. 14, 1904 Dallas Morning News article, "An order for a $6,000 pipe organ to be placed in the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, corner McKinney avenue and Pearl street, will be given within the next few days. The instrument is to be finished ready for use some time in May. It will contain 1,100 pipes, twenty speaking stops, and will have full pneumatic action throughout. It will occupy a space 21 feet wide, 14 feet deep, and 26 feet high, said to be one of the best organ chambers in the State." -Database Manager

2011-02-14 - Updated through on-line information from T. Bradford Willis, DDS. -- According to a July 5, 1905 Dallas Morning News article, "David E. Grove Jr., organist and choirmaster at St. Matthew's [Episcopal] Cathedral, has been engaged to give the opening recital on the new pipe organ at the Trinity Methodist Church, McKinney avenue and Pearl street. The recital is to be given for the benefit of the organ fund, and will take place on Friday night at 8 o'clock." -Database Manager

2015-06-14 - Updated through online information from T. Bradford Willis. -Database Manager

2024-10-02 - Blending the Chicago School and Prairie styles, the Trinity Methodist Church was an innovative and unique anchor at the corner of McKinney Avenue and Pearl Street. The church was designed by James Flanders and completed in 1904, bringing a new progressive, contemporary style of architecture to the city. The ornamentation, especially the intricate stone frieze detailing, was inspired by the work of Louis Sullivan. In 1974, due to its architectural significance, Trinity Methodist Church became Dallas’ first listing in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1976, it church became the first individual historic landmark in the City of Dallas. The church closed its doors in 1974 due to a dwindling congregation. Redevelopment attempts were underway when arson caused the church to burn in 1981, gutting the structure. -- City of Dallas, "Demolished Landmark Structures" web page, accessed 2024-10-02 -Paul R. Marchesano


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