First Presbyterian Church: Sanctuary
201 E. Franklin Street
Winchester, IN
Note: Not extant. Not playable. (in this location)
Images
c. early 1950s - Choir & pipe facade (Photograph from an archival source: Church archives, submitted by Timothy E. Conyers/Timothy E. Conyers)
c. 2000 - South sanctuary window (Photograph from an archival source: Church website, submitted by Timothy E. Conyers/Timothy E. Conyers)
c. 2000 - Stained glass in sanctuary (Photograph from an archival source: Church website, submitted by Timothy E. Conyers/Timothy E. Conyers)
c. 2000 - Franklin Street entrance showing round tower on left where organ was located (Photograph from an archival source: Church website, submitted by Timothy E. Conyers/Timothy E. Conyers)
c. 2000 - Main entrance on East Street (Photograph from an archival source: Church website, submitted by Timothy E. Conyers/Timothy E. Conyers)
Notes
2021-11-09 - This instrument is known only by a photograph in the church archives and a reference in a church historical booklet at the Winchester Public Library.
The booklet entitled, "Centennial History, First United Presbyterian Church of Winchester, Indiana, 1882 - 1982," contains an excerpt from a local newspaper dated June 1, 1904. The article describes the dedication of the present building and mentions a pipe organ twice.
"...the building complete with furnishings, pipe organ and real estate represents a total outlay of $26,000.00."
"...the music committee is to be highly congratulated upon its...selection of a pipe organ...."
These references would indicate the pipe organ was purchased and installed in 1904, the same year the building was erected.
From the photograph taken c. 1950: The design of the sanctuary used the semi circular seating plan with the pulpit and choir being in the corner. The organ facade and case was located behind the choir with an attached keydesk. The pipes and mechanism of the instrument were placed in the corner round tower with the pipe facade filling the tower arch. In the photograph the pipes are a solid color but may have originally been stenciled when the instrument was built, as was the custom of that period.
Sometime around 1960 to 1970 the pipe organ was removed and replaced with a formal chancel area. The current instrument in use is either an electronic instrument or a pipe - electronic hybrid purchased when the chancel platform was remodeled. On the back wall above the overflow room is a cantilevered cabinet (possibly speakers ?) with pipes in front. The console sits behind the communion table and a railing, within the round tower of the former pipe chambers. Although I have been in the sanctuary a few times, I have not had the opportunity to examine the current instrument to determine its type. -Timothy E. Conyers
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