Pipe Organ Database

Updated through online information from Timothy E. Conyers. -- In 1991, I did research on the pipe organ at this church. From old newspaper articles it was learned the pipe organ was built in 1897 by Alfred Hillgreen of Salem, Ohio. The Organ Historical Society confirmed that Mr. Hillgreen was with the Salem Church Organ Co., of Salem, Ohio, at that date. The organ was installed in the second building of the congregation (located on the same corner). In 1909, the present edifice was constructed and the instrument was supposedly moved into the new sanctuary without any changes being made. Photographs of the pipe facade and case in both buildings reveal that in appearance the instrument remained the same. My research in church archives, local newspapers and correspondence with Schantz Organ Company did not reveal what company moved the instrument. With this newly discovered memo from the Schantz Organ Company, I believe it was probably the A. B. Felgemaker Co., who moved the organ, since Schantz attributes the instrument to them. Also, until further research proves otherwise, I do not believe this was a new instrument. Union City was a very musically inclined community and has the oldest music club in the State of Indiana. Old newspapers reported in detail accounts from musical events and the building of the pipe organs in other churches in town. To date, I have not located a newspaper report on the move of the organ at the Methodist Church. Perhaps, simply an oversight but highly unusual for the community; which seems to indicate nothing of importance occured with the instrument at that time. Of special note: On Sunday, April 27, 1941, world-famous organist, Gatty Sellars performed a concert on the instrument.

Updated through online information from Eric J. Gastier.

This entry describes an relocated pre-existing organ. Identified by Eric J. Gastier, using information found in Schantz Organ Company memo from 1947. -- Nine ranks of this organ were incorporated into Schantz Organ Company #0039 from 1948 (two manuals, 12 ranks).