Aeolian-Skinner Organ Co.
Opus 1282, 1954

Updated through online information from Ryan Patten.

Updated through online information from Ryan Patten. -- The dedication recital was given by Virgil Fox, and, among other pieces, he played Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. Information given from a parishioner who attended the 1955 dedication of the instrument.

Updated through online information from Ryan Patten. -- The original organ at First Congregational was a 1889 Johnson and Son organ of 15 ranks. On April 25, 1954, upon recommendation of the Organ Committee, the congregation authorized the signing of a contract with the Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company of Boston, Massachusetts in the amount of $20,000 for the rebuilding and enlarging of the organ. The new instrument incorporates a major portion (10 ranks) of the old Johnson pipework, which was in excellent condition. Additions to the original organ by Aeolian-Skinner (16 ranks) provide appropriate voices for the proper interpretation of all types of organ literature – Classic, Romantic, and Modern. The tonal design was developed by Mr. Joseph S. Whiteford, Vice-President of Aeolian-Skinner at the time. The organ was moved from the former First Congregational Church, Southwest Street, Bellevue, Ohio on March 20, 1978. The move was under the supervision of The Schantz Organ Company, Orrville, Ohio. Two weeks were required to repair and reinstall the organ.

Identified through information adapted from E. M. Skinner/Aeolian-Skinner Opus List, by Sand Lawn and Allen Kinzey (Organ Historical Society, 1997), and included here through the kind permission of Sand Lawn:
Replaced 1889 two manual Johnson & Son, #712; retained some Johnson pipework; no information.