Owner
2003

Updated through online information from Ryan Saari (May 1, 2025): As I understand it, this instrument was purchased new (as a stock Reuter model) as opus 467 in 1935 by Koch Funeral Home in KS. In 1988 it was purchased by R. Joseph (Joe) Wiessinger of Belleair, Florida via Reuter in Lawrence, KS. Joe was the Florida representative for the Reuter Pipe Organ Co. now retired.

Joe had it set up in his home (but not playable) for about 14 years. It was and still is not playable primarily because the organ blower and reservoir (abandoned in KS) were originally installed in the funeral home basement with winding coming up through the floor. As you might know, basements are a very rare item here in Florida so, a blower, reservoir and sound enclosure for it have never been built. Joe W. was the church organist for 27 years at Calvary Baptist Church Downtown Clearwater retiring about 20 years ago. Joe was also the organist for my wife and I wedding 38 years ago now! Joe and I became and remain good friends to this day!

I believe the Wilson Ave. Baptist church reference is a misnomer as I know that opus 467 went from Koch Funeral Home to Reuter then to J. Wiessinger in 1989.

I remember it being delivered on the Reuter tractor trailer to Joe's house in 1989 when they were delivering their opus 2101 of 60 ranks to Calvary Baptist in Clearwater. Opus 2101 was eventually sold to a church in the Manatee County area when Calvary moved.

I purchased opus 467 in 2003, refinished the solid walnut casework, re assembled it and here it sits. FWIW, the pipework is 100% unmolested!

This entry represents the installation of a used organ. Identified through online information by the owner, Ryan K. Saari (May 1, 2025).