2005-04-07 - Identified through information in Volume IV p. 63 of the Pilcher factory ledger and the list of Pilcher organs typed by William E. Pilcher of Louisville. For more information see the document referenced below. -Database Manager
2005-04-07 - Original price: $2975 -Database Manager
2011-06-06 - Updated through on-line information from Daniel Hancock. -- As of 2011, the organ is used every Sunday for an early Traditional service, and probably occasionally in a later service. <br>Anecdotal evidence collected c. 2001 from Betty Ann Wyatt, long-time church member and former organist: "Don't know date the organ was installed. (I have my Dad's rally lapel button dated May 5, 1912.) Not sure when the church was completed, but think the organ was purchased a few years later. <br>"My mother told me the ladies in the Missionary Guild made and sold huge pans full of Chicken Pot Pies (creamed chicken, celery, peas and carrots with biscuits on top) until they could purchase the organ for $10,000! [editor's note: this figure is likely incorrect; the purchase price from Pilcher above more liekly] <br>"The original console was next to the organ chest (where the picture of Jesus is now) and you looked into a mirror to see when to discontinue playing the offertory, etc. <br>"The organ was pneumatic and tracker action and a Mr. Gant tuned the organ (and several in the district including the organ at Drury College, Springfield, Missouri). Mr. Gant electrified the action, I think, in the early 1940's, and the action didn't work so great (nor the stops) so the church bought a new console (desk) from the Arkansas Organ Company. <br>"I recall hering that the organ was first installed in the 'Romantic Era' and, to me, the sounds of the pipes are mellow and prettier than some of the newer brassy-sounding pipes. <br>"Mr. Gant used the Swell 8' Stopped Diapason to utilize 4', 2', (1'?), and 2-2/3" all out of that rank of pipes. These were not on the original organ and there were no pistons on the original organ. Work, work!! <br>"Mrs. John (Ruth) Carter was the organist and Maurice Shaffer, Betty (Swope) Adair and myself were allowed the privilege of practicing on the organ before and after it was changed. <br>"The contact board was later enclosed in celotex (fireproof because the contacts made small sparks) to cut down on the clicking noises when the keys depressed. The Dulciana on the Great still sounds like dry bones dancing!! <br>"In 1946 I was invited to substitute on the Austin Organ at the First Presbyterian Church one Sunday and I stayed until Summer of 1966! So I played there 20 years, then back to my home church and played there until December 10, 2002--a total of 53-1/2 years, wonderful years with wonderful people. God is so good!" -Database Manager
Regrettably, it is not possible to display the information about the sponsor of this pipeorgandatabase entry or if there is a sponsor. Please see About Sponsors on Pipe Organ Database.