Note: Not extant. Not playable. (in this location)
2005-04-07 - Identified through information in Vol V p. 119 of the Pilcher factory ledgers. For more information see the document referenced below. -Database Manager
2005-09-28 - On-line update from David Dowty -- In 1968-71 organ was moved from its original favorable location (roomy 2-story chamber, centrally located) to rear gallery, possibly by Otto Hoffman; due to height limitations, six display pipes (from 8' Open Diap.) were lowered but their chest was not; instead served by 7' extended windways, resulting in very slow speech. Organ otherwise unchanged except for blower, has original tubular pneumatic action, original leathers; was playable as of 1986, later condition unknown. Typical small Pilcher disposition; Oboe is labial. -Database Manager
2008-11-07 - Updated through on-line information from John B. Johnson. -- This organ was reconfigured by Otto Hoffmann and moved the balcony when the church was remodeled in the 1990s. Effort was made to save this little organ when the church was closed in 2004. The organ was removed by Jim Peterson in 2006 and its present condition and location are unknown. -Database Manager
2012-07-17 - Updated through online information from John B. Johnson. -- This latest information came to me about this little Pilcher organ on the occasion of my last visit to Coleman, Texas in March of this year. I understand that the instrument has been taken down and stored professionally by Mr. Jim Peterson of Ft. Worth, Texas and is still in storage in Coleman. Anyone interested in the instrument can call or write the United Presbyterian/Christian Church of Coleman, Texas, ATTN: Organist for futher information concerning the disposition of the Pilcher organ. I have not played the organ in at least ten years, but at that time, even when it was in need of releathering, it still had a splendid sound for a ten rank organ of 1917 vintage. I remember asking an organ builder of excellent reputation about Henry Pilcher's work to which he responded that "those little organs wore like iron and performed beautifully for many years." This one is nearing its 100th birthday, and with refurbishment could make it to to 200--a real milestone in a country where we tend to throw away valuable things when they are a mere 50 or 60 years old. For what it's worth there is an identical Pilcher instrument at the First Baptist Church in Coleman, only one rank larger of 1919 vintage. Unfortunately, this instrument has fallen silent after its action was changed to EP in 1954 and its facade was divided and placed behind grill work, a loud reed and mixture were added later, and its facade cut down to fit the chamber. An old two manual drawstop console was added, all of which have long since fallen into disuse. However, the original twelve ranks of Pilcher pipework and chests are still there for anyone who might be interested. Dean, AGO, El Paso -Database Manager
from console & pipe chamber, 1961 [I was organist 1961-1964] Source: Source not recorded Date not recorded
Coleman, Texas
First Presbyterian Church
Henry Pilcher's Sons Op. 939 1917 2/10
GREAT
8' Open Diapason 61 (1-25 in facade)
8' Dulciana 61 (1-12 in facade)
8' Melodia 61
SWELL
8' Violin Diapason 61
8' Stopped Diapason 61
8' Aeoline 61
8' Vox Celeste 49
4' Flute Harmonic 61 (harmonic from tenor c)
8' Oboe 61 (labial; pipes marked 'Oboe-Gamba')
Tremolo (affects whole organ)
PEDAL
16' Bourdon 30
16' Gedackt 12 (ext. of Sw Stopped Diapason)
Swell to Pedal Unison
Great to Pedal Unison
Swell to Great Sub
Swell to Great Unison
Swell to Great Super
Great to Great Super
Crescendo pedal; 4 combination pistons (fixed)
[Received on line from David Dowty January 13, 2010.]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.