2022-06-13 - The *York Dispatch* of July 3, 1953, reported that the organ had arrived in York: Two new pipe organs to be installed in city churches, the First Church of Christ Scientist, 401 East Market street, and the Duke Street Methodist Church, Duke Street and College avenue, arrived in York yesterday. The organs, purchased from the Wicks Oregan [*sic*] company of Highland, Ill., were conveyed here by truck. The installation of the organs will be supervised by William H. Rowland, of Reading, Pa., the Eastern representative of the Wicks Organ Company, who drew specifications for both organs. The new Church of Christ Scientist being erected at a cost of approximately $95,000, and which is nearly completed will have a two manual organ with 21 Deagon [*sic*] chimes, to cost approximately $3,950. It will be placed in a specially constructed organ chamber, with the organ console to face the soloist. Elaborate white grill will cover the tone opening, which faces the auditorium. The *York Gazette and Daily* of July 31, 1953, in an article about the opening of the new building, constructed on the site of the former church, which had been demolished, stated: "Designed on strict colonial lines, the main auditorium has a seating capacity of 252 persons, with seating space for 73 in the balcony. It is equipped with a $3,500 pipe organ." The *York Dispatch* of August 1, 1953, in its article about the opening of the new building, included a photograph of the auditorium; the caption noted: "To the right and left of platform, in wall, is white open grill work, back of which is [*sic*] encased the pipes of the new $3,250 Wicks organ." Sources: "Church of Christ Scientist Opens New Edifice," *York Dispatch*, Saturday, August 1, 1953, 8, Newspapers.com, accessed June 4, 2022, https://www.newspapers.com/image/614184866/. "New City Church to Open Sunday," *York Gazette and Daily*, Friday morning, July 31, 1953, 4, Newspapers.com, accessed June 13, 2022, https://www.newspapers.com/image/383205411/. "New Organs Arrive," *York Dispatch*, Friday evening, July 3, 1953, 10, Newspapers.com, accessed June 2, 2022, https://www.newspapers.com/image/614082827/. -Charles Eberline
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