2004-10-30 - This appears in the first Pilcher ledger on a list of churches and organs destroyed in the 1871 Chicago fire. The church also appears on a list of Boyington-designed churches destroyed in the fire. -Database Manager
2012-10-18 - Updated through online information from T. Daniel Hancock. -- Otis, 1913, notes in his book that the organ was completed and ready for the dedication of the church by October 15, 1857, and that this was the first organ in the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago. Period accounts of the dedication are given:<br><br>"There was an impressive sermon by the pastor, Dr. Curtis. Mr. W.H. Currie, the accomplished organist of St. Paul's, brought out the power of the fine organ in a striking manner.""The pulpit is located in front of the organ gallery (at the west end of the Church), semi-octagon in form, and is grained in imitation of English oak. The case, or screen, is executed in the same style of architecture as the other parts of the house, and was designed by the architect to fill the place arranged for it."<br><br>The total cost of the land, building, organ, and furnishings was about $135,000. The organ was destroyed along with the church in the Chicago fire of 1871. -Database Manager
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