Note: Not extant. Not playable. (in this location)
2004-10-30 - Church consecrated with an organ (builder not named). . . . furnished with both an organ and a bell. -Database Manager
2007-07-15 - According to Stephen Schnurr's article on the church in the <i>2007 Organ Atlas,</i> this was "surely a reed instrument." -Database Manager
2014-07-17 - Updated through online information from Timothy E. Conyers. -- St. Paul's is among the earliest congregations of the Episcopal denomination established in Indiana. Services were first held in Richmond in 1837 and the church organized on February 12, 1838. Land was purchased in 1839 and a brick edifice was begun; the bricks being fired on the site by members of the congregation. In 1842 the basement was completed and roofed so services could be held on location. The church was fully completed by July 1849. This is the same building used today, although its tower and facade were remodeled in 1892 to the present form.<br>Church archives contain three references to an organ in use in those early years. All three accounts were written in 1888 by early church members for the 50th anniversary of the Church. (Handwritten Paper by H.B. Payne; Paper written by Elizabeth Strickland and read at the 50th anniversary celebration; Letter by Mrs. A.L. Myrick, whose father served on the first Vestry).<br>On January 8, 1846, the Vestry ordered the purchase of an organ at an expense not to exceed $140. The organ was purchased from Christ Church, Dayton, Ohio, for $140 and set up in the basement. Even though a roof was placed over the basement, conditions in this setting were less than ideal at times. It was reported, "Possibly you could still find some of the high-water marks on the basement walls should you examine closely; Benches and stools stood several inches deep in it during the melting snow and spring rains." The unfinished building became known as 'God's Barn' by the locals. There must have been some sort of protection for the organ and other chancel furnishings as one person wrote, "[The organ] was set up in the basement of the Church within the limit." We assume this to mean there was some sort of raised platform area. When the building was completed the instrument was moved upstairs and used until about 1858. It was sold to St. John's Lutheran Church of Richmond, Indiana, where it was used for many years and reported as being there in 1888. It is presumed the organ no longer exists. -Database Manager
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