Jim Stettner on April 16th, 2021:
The Kimball organ was originally built for Mason Methodist in Tacoma, WA. When they got their new Aeolian-Skinner, the Kimball was sold to First Church of Christ, Scientist in Olympia. It was likely electrified at the time of moving and re-installation, which was done by Seattle Kimball Rep. Charles W. Allen. A new console was provided at this time as well, and it seems possible that tonal changes were made. The windchests were releathered in 1993, and the organ was removed to storage in 2004. The congregation built a new, smaller edifice, and the organ could not be accommodated nd was placed for sale ca. 2009.
The church was anxious to find a home for it as it was costing them monthly storage fees for an instrument they couldn't use. No buyer was found for the organ, so it was taken by Arthur Hixson of the Olympia area, who planned to install it in his home. The organ was stored in the barn mostly, and never installed. a 2016 email received by Jmes R. Stettner of Seattle from Arthur Hixson shared, *"The Kimball sat out in the barn for years and I just didn't have time to work with it. I asked everyone I know if they wanted it, but no takers. The 8' and smaller pipes went to Dodrill [Pipe Organ Foundation, Mercer Island, WA.] and the 16's to [Martin] Pasi. I broke up the chests 'till I could lift the parts and all 3000-lb or so went to the dump."*