Database Manager on March 4th, 2011:
Identified through on-line information from James R. Stettner. -- Information for this entry was provided from the church website, which states, "In 1963, a new chapel was erected on the north end of the campus and was originally planned to include an electronic organ. The Westmoreland Chapel and pipe organ were dedicated in 1965 with Dr. E. Hermond Westmoreland present for the ceremonies. The organ was built by John Fort of Dallas, TX, and featured two manuals and 33 ranks of pipes. The organ served the congregation well for 40 years. However, due to several causes, the organ was in much disrepair. The chest design that was used in the organ was an experimental "membrane� chest that caused many problems from early on. Other issues included collapsing pipe work due to the heat generated by the number of windows in the chapel and mechanical problems within the console. In 2004, it was decided to replace the organ, which was made possible through a generous gift by the South Main Baptist Foundation and the Mary Lucille Stroud family." Only the 16' Principal pipes remained as a silent facade for the replacement electronic organ.