1991-02-22 - Bachmann Keydesk (Photograph by James R. Stettner/Database Manager)
1991-02-22 - Manual and Builder's Nameplate (Photograph by James R. Stettner/Database Manager)
2004-10-30 - From Friedens Lutheran, Myerstown, Pennsylvania in 1908. Moved and rebuilt 1933 by Balcom & Vaughan. -Database Manager
2007-11-11 - Updated through online information from James R. Stettner. -- According to Dr. Orpha Ochse in her book <i>The History of the Organ in the United States</i> (pg. 63), the organ was moved to Tacoma in 1904. However, the parish history gives a date of 1908, and a newspaper article in 1933 prior to the "rebuild" of the organ also reiterates the 1908 date. According to the St. John's history, parishioner Aaron Beckley learned that his old home church (Friedens Lutheran) was being presented with a new organ. He wrote and requested that the Bachman be given to St. John's English Lutheran. This request was granted, providing St. John's would pay the freight from PA to WA. The organ arrived in Tacoma and was set-up by an undocumented organ builder who "added [the] pedal bass." This may not be accurate. It is not presently clear if the pedalboard was added with the 16' Bourdon at this time, or if the pedalboard existed and the independent Pedal register was added, or if this is incorrect information. The original keydesk does have 9 seemingly original drawknobs, but does not have a drawknob for a pedal coupler. In 1932, St. John's English Lutheran merged with Our Saviour's Lutheran at the St. John's building and became Luther Memorial Lutheran. The organ remained unaltered until a contract was signed with Balcom and Vaughan of Seattle in 1933 for the rebuilding of the organ. In truth, this was more of a "new" organ made from various used parts. -Database Manager
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