Wicks Organ Co.
Opus 633, 1926

Updated through online information from Timothy E. Conyers. -- The construction of the Wicks pipe organ, Opus 633, was the result of a fire on December 27, 1925, that had destroyed the previous pipe organ and pulpit platform. The damage was estimated at $8,000. Repairs to the church were completely covered by insurance; although the Meeting minutes mention funds collected by the Music Committee for a new pipe organ being turned over to the Treasurer. In less than three months a new organ company had been selected and the instrument built, all due to the tireless efforts of the Trustees who meet every evening during this period. The contract stipulated the instrument had to be ready for use on or before April 4, 1926 (Easter Sunday), when the congregation would return to the remodeled sanctuary after having worshiped in the courthouse for three months. The cost of the organ was $3233.00.
Information gleaned from the contract: The case is made of oak and finished to match the furnishing of the building. The facade pipes are artistically grouped and richly decorated in gilt. The attached console has a casing and finishing to harmonize with the case of the organ. The manuals are of the overhanging type with ivory keys. The pedalboard naturals are capped with white maple and sharps in black walnut. The action is electric throughout with a separate and individual valve directly under each speaking pipe. The valves are of an electro magnetic type, and in an individual direct electric circuit with the contact of the corresponding key in the console. The Crescendo Mechanism operates electrically and affects all speaking stops and couplers. The Chests are of the universal wind type. Swell Box expression is effected by a series of vertical equilibrium shades swinging on ball bearings and operated by the balanced Swell Pedal. The metal pipes of more than 4 ft. speaking length (below Tenor C) are made of heavy annealed zinc. The metal pipes of shorter length, from Tenor C upwards are made of an alloy pure block tin and lead, varying in proportion as the various stops require from 40 to 95 per cent of pure tin. In the construction of the wood pipes, seasoned California Spruce, Sugar Pine, Michigan White Pine and Walnut are used. The reed pipes have tongues or reeds made of spring brass, highly tempered and polished. The stems of these pipes are made of high grade annealed zinc, and the top part or bells of the pipes of a 45 percent alloy of pure block tin and lead. (Sources: 1926 Monthly Meeting minutes; Organ contract in church archives).

Updated through online information from Timothy E. Conyers.

An original installation. Identified by Timothy E. Conyers, based on personal knowledge of the organ.
-- The Wicks organ replaced an Estey organ, (opus 121), that was destroyed by fire in Dec. 1925. The sanctuary seating is in the Akron style (half circle style) with the pulpit platform at the southwest corner. The organ case is located behind the pulpit with an exposed pipes facade. The pipes of the facade are in a gold color. The two manual and pedal console is attached to the center of the case. The instrument is in excellent condition and used regularly.