Walter S. Spencer
1884

From the Thorold Post (August 29, 1884): "Sometime since the congregation of St. John's Church came to the conclusion that their old organ was not up to the times, and that they must either have it thoroughly repaired or a new one procured. On getting estimates it was found that it would cost very little more to get a new organ than to repair the old, and the former course was widely decided upon. Negotiations were entered into with Mr. Spencer, organ builder of Hamilton, who agreed to furnish the church with a first class organ, which he valued at $1,600. This organ was the one formerly used by St. George's Church, St. Catharines, but which had been entirely rebuilt and fitted up with the latest improvements. On Sunday the organ was used for the first time and good judges have pronounced it to be a first-class instrument, with sweet yet powerful tones. The following is the list of the fourteen stops it contains--Gamba, Fugara, Flute, Stop Diapason, Stop Diapason Bass, Dulcinea [sic], Tremulant, Principal, Twelfth, Fifteenth, Ped Bourdon, Open Diapason Bass, Coupler Manual to Pedal. The first named stop is an entirely new one, and is a first class imitation of a bass viol. There are no less than five distinct movements. The case is painted to match the wood work of the church, and the pipes in front are handsomely painted in buff mounted with gold. Miss Weeks, the able organist, is very much pleased with her new organ, and thinks it cannot be beaten in the Niagara District. It is a great pity that such an awkward position has been chosen for the new instrument, instead of being placed in the gallery as the old one was, it is located on the floor next to the chancel, the front facing the side of the church. This position is said by many to be anything but a good one for either congregation, choir or organist. We congratulate the congregation of St. John's Church on thus securing such an excellent organ, for we firmly believe that music is the handmaid of religion, and that a good organ is an excellent aid to congregational or choir music." And according to the Thorold Post of November 7, 1884, the opening concert was performed after Evening Prayer by Professor Aldous of Hamilton and the quartette of St. Thomas' Church Choir, St. Catharines, accompanied by St. Thomas' organist Mrs. Mittleberger.

Organ relocated without any change.
Identified by Andrew Henderson, using information found in The Thorold Post (July 16, 1918; Feb 25, 1919) and other historical sources.
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