Casavant Frères Ltée.
Opus 2307, 1956

Updated through online information from T. Bradford Willis, DDS.

Updated through online information from T. Bradford Willis, DDS. -- The Official Texas Historical Building Marker states: Austin Avenue Methodist Church Designed by R.H. Hunt, this edifice is a substantial interpretation of Gothic architecture. It was built in 1925 during the ministry of the Rev. Cullom H. Booth. The two-story- equivalent brick structure, which rests on a raised basement, features a prominent bell tower. The original tracery detail in the tower was removed by the 1940's. The original art glass windows and tracery detail in the sanctuary were replaced after a 1954 fire caused extensive damage. RECORDED TEXAS HISTORIC LANDMARK - 1990

Updated through online information from T. Bradford Willis, DDS.

Updated through online information from Jeff Scofield. -- Tonal changes by Casavant in 1997; now 3/39.

Updated through online information from T. Bradford Willis,. -- A piece by Michael Burkhardt was commissioned for the 50th anniversary of the installation of the Casavant organ. The piece was dedicated in memory of Professor Robert Hopkins, Austin Avenue choir director; Mrs. Fred Smith, Austin Avenue organist; and in honor of Nancy Tripp Henson, Austin Avenue organist.

Updated through online information from T. Bradford Willis, DDS. -- The contract/memo of agreement for the Casavant organ was signed in Waco on February 15, 1955 and in St. Hyacinthe, Quebec on February 28, 1955. The cost of the organ was $32,350.00 US. The organ was shipped by rail on the Missouri Pacific Lines and it arrived in Waco on January 16, 1956. The chimes were donated by Mr. Fred N. Oliver, president of Casavant, in memory of his parents, Jefferson D. and Lina N. Oliver, who were early members of Austin Avenue Church. Mr. Fred N. Oliver was the husband of Juliette Casavant. There is an engraved, bronze plate on the console noting this donation.

Updated through online information from T. Bradford Willis, DDS. -- A zimbelstern was dedicated on August 20, 1989 in honor of Nancy Tripp Henson who had served for twenty years as the organist at Austin Avenue Church. The Zimbelstern cost $1,250.

Updated through online information from T. Bradford Willis, DDS. -- The Casavant organ and its chimes were dedicated to the glory of God on March 5, 1961 by Bishop William C. Martin. The Rev. Dr. Erwin F. Bohmfalk was the senior pastor of the church.

Identified through online information from T. Bradford Willis, DDS. -- This was a Methodist Episcopal Church, South; later a Methodist Church; now a United Methodist Church. This is the third pipe organ for the congregation. This is the second organ at the present church edifice. According to records in the church archives, the second organ was by George Kilgen. Except for the blower (still in use with the Casavant organ), the Kilgen organ was lost in a fire.