Wm. Johnson & Son
Opus 671, 1887

This entry represents the installation of a new organ. Identified from the Johnson opus list.

From the San Diego Center: *"The organ was built by Johnson & Sons, in Massachusetts. Levi N. Stevens, pioneer resident and grandfather of Mrs. Paul Mizony, was instrumental in securing the organ, and was the first organist to use it."

"The organ was installed in an alcove, built onto the church for that purpose, and the addition to the building, the organ itself, and its installation cost a total of $1,500, which was quite a venture for a small, pioneer church. The First Congregational Church, which was organized in November of 1869, was the first church in National City, and is believed to be the oldest Congregational church in San Diego County."

"The organ case is built of cherry wood, and it has one manual and one keyboard and pedalboard. The base pedals are only one and one half octaves, and the pipes number approximately 50. At first it was hand pumped, and a boy was paid ten cents a Sunday and five cents for a week-day practice, to pump the organ. On more than one occasion the pumper dropped off to sleep, and the closing hymn was delayed until he could be awakened."

The organ was later relocated by parishioners to the new (2nd) building at 16th & I.