WILTON – In 1870, the members of the Second Congregational Church spent $1,500 for a pipe organ. The instrument was built and installed by John W. Steer and George W. Turner of Westfield, Mass., during the pastorate of Rev. Daniel E. Adams. It is one of the few remaining tracker organs with its original pipe ranks in place. No pipes have been replaced. The organ was electrified in 1936, and chimes were added later, but no other modifications have been made.

Every year the organ has been tuned and serviced by Andover Organ Co., but now it needs some extra care. Two of the keys do not produce a sound, just a clacking noise.

This summer Andover Organ Company will remove the Great manual keyboard and the actions and take them back to Methuen for rebuilding. They will also remove the coupler mechanisms from the foot pedals and rebuild them. There are other adjustments, lubrications, replacement of leather and felt parts, and repair to keys.

When the work it completed it will be returned to Wilton, reinstalled, tuned and adjusted. The cost of these repairs is $11,000.

The church has received a grant of $5,000 from the Ella Anderson Trust and will use funds from the Hutchinson Music Fund, leaving $5,157.55 to be raised. A generous friend has offered to match any donations.

A “tracker” organ is one in which the keys on the manual and the foot pedals are connected directly, by a mechanical link, to the valves that allow air into the pipes.

The organ was first used for a worship service on Dec. 3, 1870.

The organist was William Abbot.

Until it was electrified, air pressure to the pipes was supplied by a bellows, which had to be pumped by hand, usually by a young man from the congregation. The last person to provide that service was Harold Jowders, who continued as a choir member for many years.

The bellows are still there behind a screen at the back of the organ.

The organ is considered “unique” and is beloved by organists who come to play it.

Committee members said, “We should do all we can to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.”

Donations to the fund may be made to the Second Congregational Church, P.O. Box 246, Wilton 03086. Indicate “Organ Fund” in the memo line.

The committee hopes to have the organ back in service in time for observances of the church’s 200th anniversary next year.

The music Committee includes Deb Degan, Darcy Bartsch, Dana Dahl, and John Hutchinson.