History of Pipe Organs

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History of Pipe Organs at FPC

1873

Purchased first organ. It was described as a “sweet-tone imitation pipe organ of 7 stops and a pedal bass, and as a piece of furnishing is very ornamental withal.” Cost about $300.00. Was used at Eagle Hall and probably later at the Red Brick Church.

1912

Felgemaker Organ (Erie, PA) installed by Easter, April 7, 1912 (the first service held in the newly finished Sanctuary) and used at the dedication of the Sanctuary. The organ was a gift of the women of FPC. They presented a number of concerts by “prominent organists to introduce their fine organ to the congregation and to the public.”

The Felgemaker organ had 3 manuals: Great, Swell, and Choir with Pedal—31 stops with 16 couplers. Echo organ in the dome. The women had raised the money by having dinners at 35 cents and 50 cents. The organ was paid for by the time of the dedication. Cost in excess of $9,000.00 (about $20,000 in today’s currency.)

During the latter part of Anderson’s pastorate, the Felgemaker organ was rebuilt and electrified.

Deagan tubular chimes were place in the tower (during Anderson’s pastorate). On rack on south end of tower roof. Now at the church camp.

1948

New Reuter organ installed. (Dr. Luccock/Harold Decker, director of Music). Entirely new instrument—only the façade pipes and casework were retained. Dedication December 12, 1948. Dedicatory recital played by architect of the organ William Harrison Barnes. The New organ contained 60 stops, 2674 pipes, and had 3 manuals plus pedal.

1955

Balcony organ installed. A gift of Dorothy Englehart Paynter in memory of C.E. and Adelia Jane Potts and Charles A. and Emma Potts Englehart. Purchased from Reuter. Assembled and installed by George Vollmer and Glen C. Thomas.

1967

New Reuter console installed. Dr. Wallace Dunn, Organist, explained that the old one simply wore out. The pistons wouldn’t work anymore.

1977

Replacement organ for Chapel ordered from Saville Organ. Wasn’t ready until Good Friday, 1978.

1977

Contract let for renovation of Balcony organ. Finished by February 1978 and connected Balcony organ to main console.

1987

Major tonal work done. Many ranks of pipes replaced. Others renovated. Work done by Don Hoyer of Lawrence, Kansas.

1988

John Obetz played rededication recital of Sanctuary Organ. Fee was $1,750, paid by the Economy Corner.

1995

Choir loft remodeled. Console placed in pit and faced East.

New digitalized carillon installed in Sanctuary in memory of Flossie Krause. Endowed for future upkeep. Replaced an earlier electric carillon which was no longer working.

2001

First meeting of the Organ Renovation Committee. Gary Huffman was Chairperson.

2003

Dedication of new 3 manual Rodgers Trillium 957 in Chapel, played by David Josefiak and Dr. Wallace Dunn.

2007

Began raising funds for renovation of Sanctuary Organ. Fund raising was successful and order was placed for new console. Established organ maintenance and improvement fund for future organ improvements.

2008

New console delivered and installed. The new console, custom built by the Rodgers Organ Company, included existing pipe work plus the addition of numerous digital voices and MIDI capabilities. The console contains 4 manuals and pedal, with a 100-level piston system. Completed on March 29, 2008.

Dedication of the Sanctuary Organ in honor of Dr. Wallace M. Dunn during 11:00 a.m. Worship, April 13, 2008, played by David Josefiak, Senior Organist, First Presbyterian Church.