2022-08-05 - August, 2022 The Kimball organ was installed in the new sanctuary of the First Methodist Church of Oklahoma City, OK, both being dedicated on the same Sunday in 1904. The first Methodist Church was the first church established in what was then Oklahoma Territory, just days after the 1889 land run. In less than a year, a small frame building was built and dedicated as the first sanctuary. The Women's Society purchased a reed organ for the structure, and it served until the 1904 pipe organ was dedicated in the new building. Oklahoma became a state three years later, in 1907. In 1926 a rank of reed pipes was added, and the organ was relocated from the south side to the east side of the sanctuary, in an expansion of the space. The original white facade pipes were removed, and the functioning pipes placed behind a fabric layer, framed by dark stained wood to match the new alter area. The console was placed back into the center of the elevated choir loft. It's currently unknown when the second, electro-pneumatic, console replaced the original. The third, current Wicks console was installed around 1985, and relocated to a south balcony area, giving the organist a better view of the choir conductor and a better sound mix. The 1995 Murrah Building bombing, being just across the street from the church, took the instrument into storage for the next three years, while a new sanctuary was being built adjacent to the original building, which is now a beautiful fellowship hall. The pipe organ was then relocated into the new building, requiring some repair from the bomb effects, updated to solid state, and thoroughly cleaned of plaster dust that had settled in the pipes. The dedication of the new First United Methodist Church sanctuary took place in April 1998, and the Kimball pipe organ once again took its place leading worship and celebration. Even the Covid pandemic did not silence the instrument, as worship services were live-streamed during the entire time that in-person services were suspended. As of this writing, the organ will be undergoing some required maintenance in the coming months, which, being the current organist of 40 years, is going to be very welcome! Information will continue to be updated as I am able. -Sharon Austin
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