Note: Not extant. Not playable. (in this location)
2013-11-23 - Altered and relocated existing organ. Identified by T. Daniel Hancock, using information found in Westminster Presbyterian Church history, 2nd edition, 2010. -- The 1932 Wicks organ was moved to the new location in October 1963, and was crudely adapted from its original configuration of two unified divisions on one main windchest to the requirements of the new location, which featured a centrally located choir with organ chambers on either side, as is recorded in the 2010 church history: <br>"In order to save money, a free-lance organ repairman was paid $1,980 to reinstall the instrument after the move. He claimed to be a Wicks representative, but Wicks officials later denied any association or responsibility. To adapt to the dimensions of the new church, the windchest of the organ was cut into two separate divisions rebuilt. It never functioned properly again. In order to conserve on wire, all relay voltages were doubled, with resulting electrical arcing and deterioration of relay contacts. During the period of 1963 to 1984, approximately $10,000 was spent in efforts to repair and refurbish the organ. One worker of uncertain ability worked on it several times changing the organs nature so badly that the Wicks Company even requested that we remove their name plate from the console as they did not wish to be identified with the instrument. Most organists from the Springfield area as well as authorities from outside the area honored the organ in its last years with the distinction of being one of the worst organs they had ever seen, played, or heard.<br>Though the Westminster organ was undoubtedly damaged by improper treatment, most opinions were that it was never truly a good instrument even in its prime. As age and mistreatment took their toll, the cost and frequency of repair until further expenditures seemed fruitless. There were embarrassing electrical failures resulting in stuck notes, ciphers, and cross-overs which were totally unpredictable. On one occasion a B natural key stuck and sounded continuously throughout a funeral service. Only the most devoted organist was willing to play and even then most undertook the challenge as an adventure." <br>This organ was replaced with a new Moller pipe organ in 1986. The old organ was sold to members of the United Methodist Church in Fair Grove, Missouri, for $1.00, with a fair understanding of the organ's shortcomings; members of the church intended to work on it themselves, and see if they could make out of it an operational instrument for use in their worship. -Database Manager
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