Pipe Organ Database

a project of the organ historical society

Hook & Hastings (Opus 1492, 1891)

Location:

First Methodist Church
518 19th Street North
Birmingham, AL 35203 US
Sanctuary
Organ ID: 3

Update This Entry

Status and Condition:

  • This instrument's location type is: Methodist Churches
  • The organ is no longer a complete instrument; dispersed/parted out.
  • The organ's condition is unknown.
We received the most recent update for this instrument's status from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.

Technical Details:

  • Chests: Slider
  • 4 divisions. 3 manuals.
All:
  • Chest Type(s): Slider chests
  • Position: In a case at the front of the room.
We received the most recent update for this division from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Main:
  • Manuals: 3
  • Divisions: 4
  • Position: Keydesk attached.
  • Key Action: Mechanical connection from key to chest (tracker, sticker or mix).
  • Stop Action: Mechanical connection between stop control and chest.
  • Stop Controls: Drawknobs in horizontal rows on flat jambs.
  • Combination Action: Fixed mechanical system.
We received the most recent update for this console from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Database Manager on November 22, 2004:

There is little documentary evidence that describes this organ, but surviving photographs do allow some inferences to be made. Additionally, contracts in the church archives, tendered at the time of the 1931 modifications, contain other implications that are of value.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on October 30, 2004:

Electrified in 1923 by local affiliates of Austin Organ Co. Significantly altered 1931 by M. P. Möller. Replaced by Schantz Organ Co., 1960. Two ranks retained (32' Bourdon and Vox Humana).

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on February 11, 2019.
Orla D. Allen to Hon. Hugh Locke: Open In New Tab Letter describing work done on the Hook & Hastings organ.
Document created on 1923-11-05
We received the most recent update for this document from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.

Instrument Images:

Sanctuary Interior, Chancel, and Organ Case: Photograph by Birmingham Public Library Archives; image courtesy of Alan Dismukes. Taken on 1892-01-01

Chancel and Organ Case: Photograph by Birmingham Public Library Archives; image courtesy of Alan Dismukes. Taken on 1895-01-01

Sanctuary Interior, Chancel, and Organ Case: Vintage Postcard (ca. 1908); image courtesy of William Dunklin.

Church Exterior: Vintage Postcard, courtesy of T. Bradford Willis, DDS (1930s).

Detached console; installed after organ was electrified and layout revised : Photograph from an archival source: Church archives, submitted by Richard Byrd. Taken approx. 1940s

This instrument has been viewed 1,427 times.