Dennis W. Karn
1908

Jim Stettner on October 11th, 2025:
Updated through online information from Andrew Henderson [October 11, 2025]: From *The Tribune* (Welland, ON, April 24, 1908): "The organ, which, as has been stated, was built by the Warren Church Organ Co., Woodstock, is complete in every detail. The great organ consist of four pipes [stops?] from the open Diapason of eight feet in length, to the Dulciana, Melodia and Principal. The swell organ is very complete and the pipes [stops] are six in number, and the notes from the aeoline pipe are exceptionally soft and sweet. There are two pipes [stops] for the pedal organ, the Bourdon for the more stirring notes. This pipes is sixteen feet in length, while the other pipe [stop], also sixteen feet in length, is for the gentler music. There are seven couplers and besides there are 2 pistons, which are combinations to the great organ and the swell organ also. The pedals [movements?] are six in number. The case is of quarter cut oak, and is highly finished, with the front pipes handsomely decorated in gold and colors. The air will be comprised by electricity. The cost of the organ is $1855, and the instrument will be one of the sweetest toned in the Niagara peninsula, as the effect desired is harmony rather than great power and volume of sound." Another contemporary newspaper account stated the organ had tubular-pneumatic action. Considering the relatively low price of the organ, it is likely that the Warren Co. did indeed relocate and install an extant organ possibly on trade from a church in Toronto as mentioned in the church history volume published in 1962.

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Andrew Henderson on October 11th, 2025:
Updated through online information from Andrew Henderson [October 11, 2025]: I have found 4 separate contemporary newspaper accounts that lists the Warren Church Organ Co. as the builder. It is likely that the church history is incorrect, as the organ was further rebuilt by the Woodstock Organ Co. [details forthcoming] prior to the installation of a new Eaton organ in 1956.

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Andrew Henderson on September 1st, 2025:
From the *Welland Tribune* (April 10, 1908): “The new organ for the Methodist Church arrived in Welland on Tuesday evening from the Warren Organ Company’s factory, Woodstock, and as soon as the builders, who are now in Fergus installing an organ there get through with that job, they will be on hand. The gross weight is 5,000 pounds. It has eleven stops, with eleven sets of pipes, and the same number of combinations. In total number, the pipes are over 600, and as the specifications call for melody rather than volume of sound, the music lovers of town are looking for something very fine. The cost of the organ is $1850. The Warren company are specialists in church organs. One of their notable achievements was the building of a $26,000 church organ at Chautauqua, the famous American summer resort and school of instruction.”

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Andrew Henderson on June 25th, 2023:
From *Central United Church: 100th Anniversary, 1862-1962*: "The double-manual organ installed at this time was purchased from the Karn Organ Company of Woodstock. It had been acquired by that company when they installed a triple-manual instrument in a Toronto church. The price, installed guaranteed for one year was $4,000."

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Andrew Henderson on January 25th, 2023:
Central Methodist Church in Welland burned in August 1907, leaving the walls and tower mostly intact. Evidently a new organ had just been placed in the church. The St. Catharines *Daily Standard* on February 10, 1908 reported that Mr. E. W. Walburn of the Warren Church Organ Co. was in final discussions with the church. The *Daily Standard* (April 29, 1908) reported that the new organ was opened on April 28 with a concert featuring Sidney English, Mus. Bac., organist of Knox Presbyterian Church, St. Catharines, and guest soloists.