Pipe Organ Database

a project of the organ historical society

Henry Pilcher's Sons (Opus 923, 1917)

Location:

Harmon Memorial Baptist Church / Norwood Baptist Church
2037 Courtland Ave.
Norwood, OH 45212 US
Sanctuary
Organ ID: 17405

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Status and Condition:

  • This instrument's location type is: Baptist Churches
  • The organ is unaltered from its original state.
  • The organ's condition is good, but not in use.
We received the most recent update for this instrument's status from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.

Technical Details:

  • Chests: Information unknown or not applicable
  • 15 ranks. 1,052 pipes. 3 divisions. 2 manuals. 31 stops. 15 registers.
All:
  • Position: In center chambers at the front of the room. Facade pipes or case front visible.
We received the most recent update for this division from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Main:
  • Manuals: 2
  • Divisions: 3
  • Stops: 31
  • Registers: 15
  • Position: Detached, reversed keydesk (mechanical action).
  • Manual Compass: 61
  • Pedal Compass: 32
  • Console Style: Traditional style with roll top.
  • Stop Controls: Stop keys above top manual.
  • Pedalboard Type: Flat radiating pedalboard.
  • Has Crescendo Pedal
  • Has Tutti Reversible Toe Pistons
  • Has Combination Action Thumb Pistons
  • Has Combination Action Toe Pistons
We received the most recent update for this console from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Database Manager on February 27, 2018:

Updated by Mike Davis, who has heard or played the organ.
Sources: Henry Pilcher's Sons: Opus List and Historical Sketch
Personal: I was the organist here for a couple of years in the 1990s, and have played this organ as recently as late April 2017. It sounds fantastic and is in excellent working order with only a few minor issues (i.e. some chimes do not relay). I understand that the church has not regularly used the organ for some time. As of February 2018 the congregation will be relocating soon, and the facility will be repurposed and it will no longer be used as a church building. I do not know of plans for this organ, but the renderings I've seen of the upcoming renovation do not appear to include the organ.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on March 26, 2013:

Updated through online information from Don Hurd. -- Was a very nice organ when I last saw it in the 1990's

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on August 31, 2011:

Updated through online information from Jeff Scofield. -- Renamed Norwood Baptist Church at some point.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on April 07, 2005:

Identified through information in Vol. V p. 106 of the factory ledger and a list of Pilcher organs typed by William E. Pilcher of Louisville. For more information see the document referenced below.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on April 07, 2005:

In William Pilcher's list, 18 stops crossed out and 15 written in.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Stoplist copied from <i>The Diapason</i> February 1917: Open In New Tab
We received the most recent update for this stoplist from Database Manager on September 21, 2019.
Pilcher Organs: Open In New Tab Summary of Pilcher Sources by Soosie Schmitt
Document created on 2005-04-05
We received the most recent update for this document from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.

Instrument Images:

Front of sanctuary, organ case, facade and console: Vintage postcard, courtesy of Mike Davis (1970s).

Building exterior: Photograph by Mike Davis (2012).