Owner
1947-1960

The private party (name unknown) that purchased the instrument and removed it from the Mead residence only stored the pipes and wind chests, and as is often the case with residential organs did not realize a functioning instrument. Some of the pipework showed up "for sale" on the internet that had been donated to Chico State University where Munetaka Yokota was building a new instrument for the music school. Although the pipes were in very good condition they were not consistent with the aesthetic of the new organ. We purchased several ranks for a new Rosales Organ, Opus 13 in Concord, California, whose design was in progress and the savings allowed adding a stop to the new instrument.

Dr. Mead purchased Murray M. Harris Op. 1 (1894) from Church of the Ascension in Sierra Madre, California, and electrified the mechanical action. In 1947, Mead purchased the 1888 Kilgen from the Sunday school auditorium at Pasadena Presbyterian CHurch; some of this organ was added to the Harris organ. After developing a specification inspired by the neo-Baroque movement, he purchased pipework (as funds allowed) from German makers, including Giesecke, Gebruder Kas, and Laukhuff. Windchests were homemade with direct electric action. The Positiv division was built and voiced by Dirk Flentrop of The Netherlands. In 1953, Dr. Mead purchased the 4m Kimball console from St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, Los Angeles. Friday evening recitals were played by local organists; due to their popularity they were extended to include Saturday and Sunday evenings. Following Dr. Mead's sudden death (from a brain tumor) in 1961, the organ was eventually sold to a private party, and later the pipework was parted out.