History of the Organs at Manchester United Methodist Church
List of Stops - Sanctuary (pdf)
List of Stops - Chapel (pdf)
Sanctuary Console Chapel Console
MUMC's history of organs began with a pump organ played by Dadge Ferguson in the historical chapel. There is no other
information about the organ, except that it was in service up until 1952. In 1952, the pump organ was replaced by a
Baldwin organ, secured by Shattinger's Music Company, and played for many years by Organist, Dorothea Bante.
After many years of use for worship services, weddings, funerals and festive occasions, it began to show its age and was
finally replaced in 1999 by the current Allen Digital Organ. This organ was purchased by memorial gifts and was first
used as an interim organ in the current sanctuary while the pipe organ was being enhanced.
The sanctuary pipe organ, first built in 1969, was a two manual, 11 rank Wicks, first purchased when the congregation was
expanding and outgrew the current chapel. By the mid-1980's, MUMC saw another growth in membership, and again the
pipe organ needed to expand in order to keep up with the demands of the music ministry. A special campaign to raise the
funds began in 1986 and in just 90 days, one third of the money had been raised, with the other two thirds secured in
pledges. The pipe organ took a dramatic leap from just 11 ranks to 32 ranks, and a new three manual console. The tonal
design and voicing were done by N. Frederick Cool, owner of the Temple Organ Company. The organ was first used in
worship services on December 6, 1987.
By the mid-1990's, MUMC once again saw a growth in membership, and plans were underway to build a new sanctuary,
education and music space. As a part of the new building, the pipe organ played an integral part of that process. In
addition to moving the pipe organ from the old sanctuary (currently Fellowship Hall) to the new sanctuary, another
enhancement to the organ would be necessary. Quimby Pipe Organs, Inc., in Warrensburg, MO, was selected as the
builder/restorer for this project. During the construction process, the pipe organ was completely dismantled and shipped
to the QPO workshop where most of the enhancement work would be done. By early 1999, the pipe organ came back to
MUMC, installed, and was ready to play for its first worship service on Easter Sunday, 1999.
Today, the pipe organ consists of 38 ranks of pipes, with the existing three manual console from the previous sanctuary.
In addition, a new facade, new circuitry, solid-state combination action and a moveable platform were also added.
FORMER ORGANISTS:
- Dadge Ferguson
- Dorothea Bante
- Glenda Etz
- Barb Nichols
- John Harper
- Kelly Lashley
- Dennis Bergin
- Carol Latimer
- Dana Self
- Ted Cronbaugh
- Barb Davis
CURRENT ORGANISTS:
- Mike Brunetto
- Don Erhardt
- Vaughn Keim
- Tom Lawrence
- John Cargile
