Pipe Organ Database

a project of the organ historical society

A. B. Felgemaker Co. (1889)

Location:

First Methodist Episcopal Church
113 West Central Avenue
Van Wert, OH 45891 US
Organ ID: 55343

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Status and Condition:

  • This instrument's location type is: Methodist Churches
  • The organ is no longer at this location; destroyed, dispersed, relocated or taken in trade.
  • 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: Information unknown or not applicable
All:
We received the most recent update for this division from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Main:
We received the most recent update for this console from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Database Manager on February 27, 2018:

Updated by J. A. Hefner, listing this website as a source of information: https://www.flickr.com/photos/showalter_solutions/17047578539/in/album-72157651703263710/
See https://www.flickr.com/photos/showalter_solutions/17047578539/in/album-72157651703263710/
This image predates the 1979 organ installation; it appears the Felgemaker was electrified and the console replaced. Perhaps this occurred in the 1920s after the electric blower's installation.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on January 03, 2017:

Updated by J. A. Hefner

The church history booklet mentions the organ was hand-pumped when first installed 1889, water power for the organ was installed 1892-3, and it was rebuilt with an electric motor in 1919 thanks to a $3376 bequest.

In 1979, Dr. Noehren built the current organ; no information on the Felgemaker's fate.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on July 26, 2016:

Updated through online information from William Dunklin.
The congregation, now First United Methodist Church, still occupies this building as of 2016. The congregation now owns a Robert Noehren organ which stands behind a modern case. Fate of the Felgemaker is unknown.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on June 28, 2015:

This entry describes an original installation of a new pipe organ. Identified by William Dunklin, using information found in a vintage postcard.
http://www.vanwertfirst.net/home/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Sample-175-booklet-2.pdf

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

Instrument Images:

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