Dietz Memorial UMC is home to Nebraska's oldest tracker organ still in its original home. Built in 1888 by Philipp Wirsching of Salem, Ohio, this traditional pipe organ is believed to be the earliest (Opus 15), chiefly unaltered organ by Wirsching. Originally, a young boy was hired for 25 cents each Sunday to sit in the room beneath the organ and pump the bellows. The organ was electrified in the 1920s and was last used in 1965.
Led by generous benefactors, efforts are in the early stages of planning to restore the organ to its original glory. Bedient Pipe Organ Company of Lincoln has provided a restoration estimate of $125,000. The organ would be taken piece-by-piece to Lincoln where it would require several months of work. The project would include extensive repairs to the pipes, electric blower, and leather components. To learn more about the pipe organ restoration project, call Pastor Mark Richardson at 402-709-6692.
Led by generous benefactors, efforts are in the early stages of planning to restore the organ to its original glory. Bedient Pipe Organ Company of Lincoln has provided a restoration estimate of $125,000. The organ would be taken piece-by-piece to Lincoln where it would require several months of work. The project would include extensive repairs to the pipes, electric blower, and leather components. To learn more about the pipe organ restoration project, call Pastor Mark Richardson at 402-709-6692.
Photos courtesy of Anna Reed, Omaha World-Herald