Database Manager on April 19th, 2015:
Altered and relocated existing organ. Identified by Scot Huntington, using information found in preserved organ graffiti and church history. -- Information relative to this instrument is builder graffiti found on a piece of the original reservoir maintained with the present organ, in addition to church records.<br>In Cherry Valley, the colonial-era congregation erected their fourth building in 1828, a substantial and elegant frame structure which was provided with an organ about which no details are known. This was replaced in September, 1852 with a large instrument purchased second-hand from "Trinity Church, New Jersey", which had been substantially renovated there. Graffiti details were written on the cover of the reservoir, still on display in the Cherry Valley church: <br>"August 11 1839 Double feeders added to bellows, pedal sound, pedal pipes Action to Swell bafs, copula stop, pedal keys, and the organ revoiced and equalized by Henry Crab of Old England. A decidedly indifferent organ made into a decent instrument by Henry Crabb senior, Henry Crab junior, and John Crab." <br>The organ was also relocated to Cherry Valley by the Crabb family, and a contemporary pew map shows an organ with a substantial foot print in an alcove extension behind the pulpit. <br>The organ was "remodeled" and moved into the congregation's fifth and present building in 1873, an imposing stone structure given by a wealthy parishioner. Graffiti further indicates the organ was "repaired by Julius Hoffmann 1883." <br>1910 Session records state the old organ was "completely worn out and beyond repair." The organ was replaced by a 2-15 C.E. Morey, No. 276, 1911 (Database ID 6058), and he allowed $175 on the old instrument taken in trade.