Thomas J. C. Williams, in a description of the Church in his A History of Washington County, Maryland, records that “there was no carpet on the floor and the church was unheated, it being considered improper that the congregation should enjoy the comfort of a fire while listening to the minister and performing their devotions. For many winters the worshippers were to sit with pious exaltation in the cold and comfortless church during Sabbath services.”
HOWEVER, THERE WAS AN ORGAN IN THE NORTH GALLERY!
In 1870, when the chancel was placed at the south end of the church, a new organ, built by Pomplitz at a cost of $1600, was placed in the gallery at the north end, where the choir loft was also situated.
In 1900, a new Moller organ was installed in the southwest corner of the church. Mathias P. Moller was a faithful and active member of St. John’s since his arrival in Hagerstown n 1881. At this time the recessed chancel was created and the choir was moved to the front of the church.
In 1931, the four-manual organ which was designed and built by M. P. Moller was installed. Many of the pipes from the 1900 organ were in such good condition that they were used in this organ and had the same function as in the previous instrument. This organ was dedicated at services in September 1931.
The Echo and Antiphonal Divisions of the organ which were placed above the ceiling at the rear of the church were destroyed in the fire that occurred when lightening struck the church on July 20, 1969, at almost the very hour that the Eagle’s astronauts made man’s first landing on the moon.
When the great organ was renewed in 1970, the ornamental pipes were replaced with a metallic screen “to better permit the full beauty of the organ tones to reach the worshippers;” and an antiphonal organ with exposed pipes under the memorial window at the rear of the nave replaced the burned-out divisions.
The organ console was updated to solid-state circuitry in 1996. At this time, a new 8ft Trompette stop was installed in the Swell division.
In 2003, ornamental pipes manufactured by Eastern Organ Pipes, Inc. were restored at the front of the organ. This has improved the tone quality of the instrument and created better air circulation.
Starting in December 2005, continuing through 2006 and into February 2007, major renovation was completed on this organ by Hagerstown Organ Company assisted by Steiner Murphy Organ Company. Trivo Company, Inc. also refurbished some of the ranks of reed pipes.
During this renovation, solid state circuitry was installed throughout the organ chambers; and frayed electrical wiring has been replaced. This freed enough space to reinstall a rank of reed pipes which had been removed in 1996. These pipes were renovated into a Clarion stop. These pipes were installed onto the Vox Humana chest. In turn, the Vox Humana pipes were moved to a better place in the Swell chamber and put onto a chest which Mark Steiner made available from another Moller organ which he had rebuilt.
Any necessary repairs to individual pipes were also made at this time; and all releathering has been completed. Insulation, painting and cleaning of the chambers was also done. Some of the ranks of pipes have been relocated for better sound and easier tuning and service.
The unique design of this organ with four completely separate divisions made it possible for us to use part of the instrument all during the renovation.
The attention to detail and concern shown in restoring this instrument will enable us to have organ music for many years to come.
(The historic information is from the red, 200-year anniversary booklet.)
Alleluia! Christ is risen
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Easter Messages from Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson
and Bishop Wolfgang D. Herz-Lane
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Christ is risen! Imagine the power in those words of promise.
When the disciples first heard Jesus speak of his death and resurrection,[…]
