Note: Not extant. Not playable. (in this location)
2014-08-25 - This entry describes an original installation of a new pipe organ. Identified by Timothy E. Conyers, using information found in "A Tower on High: A History of High Street United Methodist Church" by Margaret Jackson, 1986. -- In 1886, the discovery of natural gas in central Indiana caused a rapid growth to the city of Muncie. The increase in manufacturers and population as a result had a huge impact upon the churches of the city. In 1888 the Methodists built their third building in only 50 years of existence. The building was constructed of red brick with sandstone trimming and was known locally as the "Red Brick Church." It was the first edifice constructed at the present site on High Street. The congregation was renamed the High Street Methodist Episcopal Church.<br>The auditorium had large stained glass windows, gas lighting fixtures and Akron-style seating. The rostrum was semi-circular with choir seating and pipe organ located behind the pulpit. The organ had a case front with a stenciled pipe facade. The keydesk was attached to the center of the case. In existing photographs the keydesk is covered; presumably the cover lifted to form a music rack. The stops were probably drawknobs on terraced jambs.<br>By 1902, with 1300 members, High Street had the largest congregation in the state and the fourth largest Methodist congregation in the United States. Major improvements to the building began in 1902, which included expansion of the auditorium. Balconies were added to the sides of the auditorium and for the first time the church was lighted by electricity and heated by steam. The interior was redecorated in color tones that were predominately green, olive and flesh tints. There are no records of any changes to the pipe organ and the appearance of the facade remained the same. It is possible the power source for instrument was changed to electricity at the same time lighting was installed.<br>The "Red Brick Church� had to be replaced in 1928 due to the continued growth of the congregation. A new Gothic structure occupied the same location and is still used today.<br>(Source: "A Tower on High: A History of High Street United Methodist Church� by Margaret Shepard Jackson, 1986). -Database Manager
2014-08-28 - Updated through online information from Timothy E. Conyers. -Database Manager
2015-06-14 - Updated through online information from Timothy E. Conyers. -- This was the first pipe organ in Delaware County, Indiana. The dedication recital was held May 28, 1889, in the newly built church. (Source: "History of Delaware County, Indiana" by G.Kemper; Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1908, page 171.) -Database Manager
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