Andrew Henderson on June 25th, 2023:
From the *Welland Tribune* (May 21, 1907): "The new organ was built by the Warren Co. and they have, in installing it in this church, built in the keyboard and pipes of the old organ. But on the whole the organ is new. The style is of gothic design greatly in harmony with the general architecture of the church. New features are the pedal and swell organ which are operated by the pedals and top key-boards respectively, and these make an organ of the following stops ... The case is of solid oak decorated with gold fleur-de-lis on blue back. The organ has altogether 723 pipes. The old organ had only 324. The pulpit platform has been moved out nearly two feet and the choir loft enlarged. Steps have been built from the choir loft to the body of the church. Mr. John Springer, an expert along organ lines, has had charge of the building of the new organ."
The organ was damaged or destroyed as a result of two fires that struck the church within weeks: "First, a roof fire in June caused water damage throughout the structure, and two months later, a city street roller with spiked wheels ruptured a gas main. The resulting explosion and fire destroyed most of the building, leaving only the bell tower and foundation walls standing. The church was rebuilt on the same foundation, reflecting the style and character of the original structure." *(City of Welland Heritage)*