Mel R. Willetts (1980)

2010-06-13 - Church exterior. 1980 sanctuary to the right. (Photograph from an archival source: Ontario Heritage Trust, submitted by Jim Stettner/Jim Stettner)

2023-08-22 - Moller console, ca. 1940s, originally installed in a church in Woodstock, Ontario (Photograph by Doug Babbitt, Wallaceburg, ON, submitted by Ian Mason/Ian Mason)

2020-03-07 - In 2001, the 1914 Karn-Warren console was replaced with this used Moller console from a church in Woodstock, Ontario (Photograph by Ian Mason/Ian Mason)

Consoles

Main

Notes

2021-12-02 - Only two recordings are known to exist of the Karn-Warren organ of First Baptist Church, Wallaceburg. In 1972, the Deacons Board asked church member Mr. Harold Frost to make a record of his gospel songs which had been so much appreciated over the years. Mr. Henry Schack, recording engineer of Wonderland Studios, London, Ontario, was engaged to record and produce the record. He brought his recording equipment to the church, and with Mrs. Barbara Myers, church organist as accompanist performing on the Karn-Warren pipe organ, the record *Wayfaring Songs* was produced. The record launch took place in March, 1973. Since the production of Mr. Harold Frost's first record had been so successful, he was asked to make another. Once again, the Karn-Warren organ was used to accompany Mr. Frost. This record, entitled *With God's Love*, was produced in 1976. (*A History of First Baptist Church*, pgs. 14-16) * In 2021, Mrs. Barbara Myers still serves as the congregation's organist. -Ian Mason

2021-12-02 - The Karn-Morris organ from the 1903-built church was installed by John Bright of London, Ontario in the Christian Education Hall at the congregation's new site in 1969 (99 Thomas Avenue). The 1903-built church was demolished soon afterwards. “One of the advantages was that because the console would be closer to the working parts of the organ, the original wiring could be used; thus, saving funds. The organ was installed on the platform of the Christian Education building with two chambers made on either side of the platform to hold the pipes and bellows, etc. Ductwork and wiring were all under the platform.” (Barbara Myers, organist) The organ was later re-installed in the new church in 1980 by Mel R. Willetts, who was the Moller representative in this area. Many members of First Baptist assisted with the re-installation. Two members who were electricians completed all the wiring. The organ was introduced at the first worship service in the new building on Nov. 16, 1980. In 2001, Willetts replaced the Karn-Morris console with a used Moller console from a church in Woodstock, Ontario; otherwise, the organ is in original condition. -Ian Mason

2023-08-15 - In early 2023, it became apparent that major repairs to the organ were necessary. In August, 2023, the decision was made to remove the entire organ and it was subsequently parted out. -Ian Mason

Stoplist

Source: Doug Babbitt, Wallaceburg, ONT. August 22, 2023. Corrected/Updated by James R. Stettner from console photo

GREAT Open Diapason 8, Melodia 8, blank, Dulciana 8, Principal 4, Flute Harmonique 4, Chimes, , Great Super Octave (4')

SWELL (Expressive) Bourdon 16, Open Diapason 8, Stopped Diapason 8, Viol D'Gamba 8, Voix Celeste 8, Aeoline 8, Harmonic Flute 4, Flautina 2, Oboe 8, Tremolo, , Swell Sub Octave ([16']), Swell Super Octave ([4'])

INTER-DIVISIONAL COUPLERS Swell to Pedal ([8']), Great to Pedal ([8']), , Swell Sub to Gt. (16'), Swell to Great (8'), Swell Super to Gt. (4')

FINGER PISTONS General (1 - 3), Swell (1 - 4), Great (1 - 4), Pedal (1 - 3), Full (rev), Cancel

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