Note: Not extant. Not playable. (in this location)
2009-01-24 - Identified from factory documents and publications courtesy of Stephen Schnurr. -Database Manager
2009-09-03 - Updated through online information from Jeff Scofield. -Database Manager
2012-09-27 - Updated through online information from Timothy E. Conyers, former organist. -- This organ is in excellent condition and was used regularly until the recent building structural problems given below. The choir and organ are to the left side of the nave area. The sanctuary seating is in the "Akron-style" facing the southeast corner of the sanctuary. The choir and organ is on the left side of the congregation in a large square alcove. The choir seating thus faces the congregation's left side. The console is detached and on the left of choir area. The pipes of the Great are exposed in a modern arrangement. The Swell and Pedal divisions are located in a chamber behind the exposed Great. The horizontal style Swell shutters separate the chamber from the Great. (Note: There may be some pipes of the pedal division also exposed but cannot remember for certain.) At one time a red curtain covered the Swell shutters. It was removed sometime before my tenture as organist in the mid 1990's.<br><br>In 2011 a pillar supporting the vaulted sanctuary roof began to sink and the entire ceiling vault was in danger of collapsing. The sanctuary and large fellowship hall below the sanctuary have been completely sealed off from the educational building. Structural engineers were called in to assess the damages to the building. The pillar has been shored up to prevent further collapse. The congregation is in the process of selecting specialized contractors to correct the problem. The church board has decided not to rush the work so that the appropriate structural corrections can be made in an attempt to save this historic building. As of May 2012, the two huge stained glass windows have been covered over on the inside to prevent damage when repairs begin on the building.<br><br>Also, as of May 2012, the console and exposed great pipes were covered in plastic and a plywood wall was built separating the organ / choir alcove from the sanctuary. This was done to prevent damage to the organ should the sanctuary ceiling collapse, since the organ / choir area is not under the same roof as the main sanctuary. The congregation has been meeting in the local YMCA for the past year.<br><br>Information regarding structural issues supplied to me by the church secretary. She did not mention if the pipes of the Swell and Pedal divisions have also been covered with plastic. -Database Manager
2015-01-11 - Updated through online information from Timothy E. Conyers. -- After careful study of the building structural damage, examining various options, and the needs of a shrinking congregation and its future ministry; it was deemed beyond the means of the congregation to save the building. The beautiful and historic church sanctuary was deconsecrated on Sunday, 5 October 2014 and will be torn down in February 2015. Stained glass windows, chancel furniture and other items were salvaged for use in a future building. The pipe organ will not be kept and although this saddens many in the community, the decision was made to allow the instrument to have a future life in another congregation or institution. Several pipe organ companies placed bids for its removal. When a future sanctuary is built the congregation plans to use an electronic instrument. (Source: Church newsletter; personal correspondence with church secretary). -Database Manager
2015-02-09 - Updated through online information from Timothy E. Conyers. -- Reynolds Associates, Inc. Pipe Organ Builders, Marion, Indiana, was awarded the contract to remove the pipe organ in preparation for the demolition of the building. The instrument was last played on Wednesday, 21 January 2015, by one of the organ company workmen. It was reported that after three years of silence, the instrument was still in excellent condition and sounded beautiful in spite of the cold room. By Thursday evening, 22 January 2015, all the pipes had been crated and removed to the warehouse. The wind chests, pipe racks, salvageable mechanical parts and the console were removed on Friday. I was able to speak with one of the workmen on Friday, 23 January 2015. He reported this instrument was the best example of a Moller pipe organ in the area and it is fortunate to be saved from demolition. When questioned about the future life of the organ, he stated Reynolds already had two clients who expressed interest in the instrument. Hopefully the instrument will be kept intact and not dispersed. Thus ends the history of over 100 years of pipe organs in First United Methodist Church, Winchester, Indiana. Three instruments all by M.P. Moller. -Database Manager
2018-12-22 - Updated by Timothy E. Conyers, who gave this as the source of the information: Personal knowledge. <br> <br>This congregation was dissolved by the Muncie District of the United Methodist Church shortly after the building was demolished. Members were attached to a satellite church of the The Compass Church (United Methodist), based in Selma, IN. The property in Winchester, now consisting of only the educational wing, was sold for a drug rehabilitation center. The Compass Church uses only contemporary music with a band. Plans are in process to build a new building east of town but they will remain a satellite church and not an independent congregation. -Database Manager
Stoplist copied from the factory specifications Source: Source not recorded Date not recorded
Winchester, Indiana
First Methodist Church
Möller Op. 10450 1969 2/20
GREAT
8' Principal 61
8' Rohrflöte 61
8' Gemshorn Celeste II SW
4' Octave 61
2' Blockflöte 61
III-IV Fourniture 201
Tremolo
SWELL
16' Gedeckt 12
8' Gedeckt 61
8' Viola d'Amore 61
8' Gemshorn Celeste II 134
4' Nachthorn 61
2' Prinzipal 61
1 1/3' Larigot 61
II Cymbel 122
8' Trompette 61
4' Trichterregal 61
Tremolo
PEDAL
16' Contra Bass 32
16' Gedeckt SW
8' Prinzipal 12
8' Gedeckt SW
4' Octave 12
4' Gedeckt SW
16' Double Trumpet 12 SW
4' Clarion SW
Swell to Swell 16
Swell to Swell 4
Swell Unison Off
Great to Great 4
Great to Pedal
Swell to Pedal
Swell to Pedal 4
Swell to Great 16
Swell to Great
Swell to Great 4
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