W.B.D. Simmons & Co.
1863

The organ was originally installed in the semi-circular balcony in the rear of the church and originally cost either $1,500 or $1,800 (sources differ). About ten years later, it was moved behind the pulpit in the front of the church.

"The moving of the organ from the garret was not a very expensive or laborious work, but to move the congregation to permit it to be done, was a task, the magnitude of which cannot be appreciated in these days of ready acceptance of new ideas. A campaign document was printed, headed 'five reasons why the organ and choir should be removed to the rear of the pulpit,' and a copy was placed in every pew at a prayer meeting service. At the conclusion of the service, Mr. Samuel Orr, the nestor of the congregation, arose in his place, and with a copy of the tract in his hand, proceeded to advocate the change.

"That settled it. Whatever Mr. Orr's sound judgment approved, was surely done. The organ was moved and the present choir loft was erected."

The organ was sold in 1883 and replaced with a Pilcher.

Source: Mary F. Reilly and Emily Orr Clifford, A Century of History of the Walnut Street Presbyterian Church of Evansville, Indiana (Evansville: Kirkpatrick–Heim Ptg. Co., 1921), 153. Note that while Samuel Orr may indeed have been the wise, respected elder he is depicted as in this quote, the author—his granddaughter—may not be the most unbiased and reliable source.

Additional information on the organs at Walnut Street Presbyterian Church can be found on the Evansville, IN, AGO website at http://www.evansvilleago.org/organs/evvwalnutst_pres.htm.