William H. Pilcher
1877

From the St. Thomas Journal (September 14, 1877): "THE NEW GRAND ORGAN AT TRINITY CHURCH. OPENING RECITALS NEXT WEEK. ‘The new grand organ for Trinity church will be completed in a few days. Two organ recitals and sacred concerts will take place on Wednesday and Thursday evenings of next week, when a great treat will be afforded our citizens. The organ promises to be a magnificent instrument, being built by Messrs. Pilcher & Sons, of St. Louis, whose reputation in the United States as organ builders is of the highest character. The organ consists of 28 stops, 2 manuals and a pedal of 30 notes, giving unlimited scope to a good organist for producing music of the most varied description. It has 8 composition pedals. Mr. Wm. Pilcher’s patent bellows is also used in this organ, The case’ is constructed of oak, carved artistically, The upper part consists almost entirely of pipes which fill both arches, and which are beautifully decorated. The stops are voiced throughout, after the most approved methods. The melodies are very beautiful, the flutes are mellow and sweet: while the oboe and trumpet are perfect representations of the orchestral instruments. The opening recitals cannot fail to attract very large numbers of people. The organist of the church, Mr. J. H. Jones, Mr. Pilcher, of St, Louts, will perform on the occasion. Mr. Jones's talents as an organist are well known, while Mr. Pilcher, though a young man, has already acquired a high reputation in the United States. He will perform several selections each evening. with a view of bringing out the various qualities of the instrument. The members of Trinity church choir, strengthened for the occasion, will perform several fine choruses and selections."

From the St. Thomas Journal (August 30, 1877): "The new organ built by Messrs. Pilcher & Sons, is now being erected in Trinity Church, and will be ready for use in a fortnight. The instrument is one of unusual compass, the pipes varying in length from 5/8 of an inch to 16 feet. Mr. Pilcher and his nephew are personally superintending the erection. After it is completed there will be a couple of organ recitals, followed by a special church service on the succeeding Sunday."

Identified through information in the Pilcher factory ledgers. For more information, see the document referenced below.

Possibly the organ at Trinity Church, dedicated in a recital by Wm. H. Pilcher at St. Thomas, Ont, CAN. (St. Thomas Can. Times, 21 Oct 1877.)