Pipe Organ History

Pipe Organ History There was no organ in the church built on the present site in 1854.  Mr. Copeland Carpenter could be seen each Sunday morning walking from his house on Bullis Road carrying a small melodeon on his back, which contained the instrument his daughter played hymns on for many years.  Through the influence of Rev. J.B. Harry, who served the church from 1912 – 1914, an organ fund was started.  A loft was added to the church and our present organ was purchased and installed in 1915.  This organ was the last one made by the bankrupt Hinner Organ Company in Pekin, Illinois and required someone to pump the bellows for it to be operated.  Miss Frances Young became the organist and continued to play for twenty years.  Mrs. Helen Finch took lessons from Miss Young and later served as organist for several years.

Electricity came to Marilla around 1920 and soon after this the organ was electrified.  In 1954 extensive repairs were needed to worn parts, so additional funds were sought for the organ fund.  At this time the choir members gave minstrel shows to help raise the amount needed and the repairs were made.  Also, at this time the chimes were added as a result of their efforts.

Mrs. Marion Newton began playing in 1940 as a substitute then became the permanent organist and served until 1965.  During this period Joe Ayers was a substitute player.  In 1965 Cindi Striegel started playing three Sundays a month and Joe Ayers would play the other.  After six months Cindi Striegel became the full-time organist and served until 1968.  Mrs. Newton returned at that time and served until retiring in 1973. Kim (Specht) Mitton learned to play the organ and became the permanent organist on Christmas Eve 1973.  Kim Mitton celebrated 41 years this past Christmas 2014 and continues to serve as our organist today. Laury (Simme) Nyberg and Louise Reukauf served as substitute organists during her tenure.

Major repairs were made to the organ in 1973 by the Schlicker Organ company.  In 2007 the bellows were replaced by Niagara Organ Works.  Also at this time the hand pump system was restored to working condition and can be used as a backup system (It was tried by several youths and a few adults and proves to be a very good exercise).

In April 2015, the organ had extensive repair work done by Heritage Pipe Organ Works, West Valley, NY to restore the pedals to working condition.   The congregation raised the monies needed to restore the Pipe Organ, since our Organ Fund had been depleted.  A free will offering will be taken at our Pipe Organ Anniversary Music Concert.

We are very blessed to have this symbol of the faithful service of those who have gone before us and it is to be hoped that future generations will give the organ the same loving care it has received in the past.

~ Information was compiled by Gladys B. York in September 1983 and by Kim Mitton and Doni Young in 2015. ~