Pictured is what the historic pipe organ looks like from the sanctuary of the Wellston Hope Methodist Church. (Telegram Photo by Jeremiah Shaver)
The congregation of Wellston Hope Methodist Church at 219 E. First St., Wellston, is taking on the huge project of raising $10,000 for the repair of the church’s historic organ.
The repairs needed for the restoration include the bellows, or blower. The bellows supply air to the pipe organ in order to produce the rich melodic sound of the pipe organ compared to the sound of the currently popular electronic organs used today by many churches.
Pictured are the organ pipes behind the wall of the sanctuary of the Wellston Hope Methodist Church. (Telegram Photo by Jeremiah Shaver)
Local historian, the late Gordon Morrow, wrote that the organ was probably installed in late 1925, making it 100 years old. He also pointed out that the pipe organ was constructed by the Prante Organ Works Co. of Chillicothe and was pumped by hand. He noted the pumpers often fell asleep during the service or sneaked out for refreshments.
On June 18, 1925, Dr. J.O. Hawkins gave $5,400 to the Votteler-Holtkamp-Sparkling Organ Co. of Cleveland. This was the cost of the newly installed church pipe organ.
The church has the only pipe organ in the city of Wellston and has, over the years, made improvements. The bellows are original.
The work on the bellows or blower is to be done by the Peebles-Herzog Co. of Columbus, Ohio. Peebles-Herzog has given the church the price of $9,410 for the bellows. The church is responsible for the cost of the licensed/certified electrician. There is a five-year warranty against defects in material and workmanship.
Those who wish to donate may call the church at 740-384-2663 or send monetary donations to Wellston Hope Methodist Church, P.O. Box 620, Wellston, Ohio 45692.
A Chinese Auction will be held to raise funds on Saturday, May 10 at South Elementary School, State Route 93, Hamden. The auction will be from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m.
This photo shows the air ducts that lead under the floorboards of the pipe organ, to dated bellows, or blower equipment, which needs to be repaired. (Telegram Photo by Jeremiah Shaver)
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