Jan 16, 2020 - Photo showing chancel, with console to the left (Photograph by William Kibler, for the Altoona MIrror, submitted by Steven Ickes/Steven Ickes)
2005-04-07 - Identified through information in Volume VII p. 158 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 - Ledger index says reeds voiced by Syl Kohler {EC} -Database Manager
2011-08-28 - Updated through online information from Jeff Scofield. -- The organ was divided and elevated on each side of the chancel, with the console at the left of the choir; the Echo division was placed in a left rear chamber, speaking through grille openings on the balcony; the church is now known as the Simpson-Temple United Parish. -Database Manager
2015-07-24 - Updated through online information from Steven Ickes. -- This instrument is mostly Pilcher, but Fritzsche made some minor adjustments (and maybe added a couple stops) in the 1980s. Sorry, but I have no stoplist, and I moved away from Altoona 10 years ago. <br> I wish I could offer more info, but I only heard the organ and had a chat about it with the organist at the time in 2003 about the modifications and mechanicals. I am fairly sure that all normal AGO specs were followed. -Database Manager
2020-06-12 - A bit of good news: Simpson-Temple United Parish had voted to disband earlier in 2019. However, on 22 December 2019, the congregation voted to donate their buildings (church and education building) and most of their contents to a local organization, ArtsAltoona. As the congregation retains the right to worship there (as long as they sustain the ministry expenses on their own, surely easier without the building costs), it is almost certain that the organ will stay put. See [https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2020/01/church-donated-to-artsaltoona/] for more info and a photo of the chancel. -Steven Ickes
2024-05-22 - ArtsAltoona is now the owner of the former church. The pipe organ needs electrical repair. Information received online from Sherry Dilling on 2024-05-21 -Paul R. Marchesano
Source: Stoplist copied from The Diapason, May 1929. Received from Jeff Scofield September 21, 2019. 1929
GREAT Open Diapason 8, Grossflöte 8, Clarabella 8, Octave 4, Dulciana 8, Chimes, Chimney Flute 4
ECHO (on GT or CH) Cor de Nuit 8, Vox Angelica 8, Unda Maris 8, Vox Humana 8
SWELL Gedeckt 8, English Diapason 8, Salicional 8, Voix Celeste 8, Flute Harmonic 4, Aeoline 8, Oboe 8, Tremolo, Cornopean 8
PEDAL Open Diapason 16, Octave 8, Lieblich Gedeckt 16, Bourdon 16, Flute 8, Violoncello 8
CHOIR Clarabella 8, Gamba 8, Dulciana 8, Chimes, Clarinet 8, Chimney Flute 4
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