The Story of our Pipe Organ

The original organ, a 2-manual Kimball, was purchased in 1901.  Installation was completed in the early part of 1902, and the organ became the first pipe organ in Bonham.  It had 8 ranks of pipes; the bellows were manually operated; the console was attached to the wall; and the pipes were exposed.

Miss Vanhorn from St. Louis played the dedicatory recital, afterwards teaching Maude Massey, who became the first regular organist.  Lynwood Massey, her brother, pumped the bellows before an electric motor was attached.

In 1947 the Maas cathedral chimes were added in memory of Mrs. Hewlett Martin by her family.  In 1952 electric action was added to the organ; the console was moved in front of the choir; a standard keyboard, pedal board and standard couplers were added.

In preparation for the opening of our present sanctuary in 1961, the organ was rebuilt and redesigned.  The instrument retained all of the original pipes and had 7 new ranks added, making it a 16 rank 2-manual organ.  The new ranks were made in Holland.

So the pipe organ we now hear each Sunday has been sending forth its beautiful voice for almost 109 years.

A list of some of the organists of First United Methodist Church:

Maude Massey

Elizabeth Baggarly

Ethelleen Williams

Pam Taylor

Ken Frerichs

Beverly Christian

Patti Felmet