That simple statement by organist Robert Green summed up a lot more about the First United Methodist Church’s pipe organ than he probably thought it would.

First, it’s been around for 100 years.

“It was built by the Henry Pilcher’s Sons Organ Company out of Kentucky in 1908,” Green said. He’s played organ since the ninth grade and went on to get two degrees in music. He’s also worked for two organ companies.

Second, it doesn’t look like the usual pipe organ from that era.

“I think that the façade is bigger than normal, much wider,” Green said. “The oak paneling is even unusual. A lot of pipe organs are shoved back in a chamber and this one is freestanding. This is more like they did them in Europe.”

Third, it hasn’t had much rehabilitative work for its age.

“Pipe organs are generally built to last at least 50 years. It’s really pushing it to last 100. It’s even amazing that the 1954 rebuild is still going,” Green said. “A lot of organs rebuilt then are in need of a great overhaul.”

The only major changes made to the organ are the placement of the playing console and the addition of an electric fan to the bellows that create wind to sound the pipes.

A piston controlled by a water pump originally ran the bellows. Green has heard stories of overflow water from the pump running down Third Street during services.

“And everyone knew that meant the organ was on,” Green said.

The organ is the centerpiece of the church’s sanctuary and plays an important role in the worship services.

“At some churches people may think the organ is too loud, but here they are just first class,” Green said. “Piano and organ are very important here. We use them together and separate. It’s what I call the Belton experience. It’s grounded in tradition while moving forward.”

The church’s pastor, Darren Walker, said he is proud to share in the historical moment.

“I think it’s all really neat,” Walker said. “It’s amazing to be a part of a church with this kind history and length of service.”

Walker also mentioned the organ is part of the reason why some old-timers called the church the “Cathedral of the Southwest.”

Green has been the organist at the church for three and a half years and finds it “interesting” to be the organist during the anniversary.

“It’s a testimony to this church to see to it that is has lasted all this time,” Green said. “Part of it is good building, but also good love and care too.”

At Sunday’s celebration, there will be hymn singing and solo works by Green. The event will be followed by a reception.

Just like his simple words used for describing the organ, Green’s comment about performing was another exercise in understatement.

“It’s just an honor,” he said.

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Mechanical, musical Miracle

Robert Green’s love for organs is more than a musical one. “Organs are both mechanical and musical,” Green said. “It’s a rather complicated piece of machinery besides being a musical instrument.”

Green isn’t sure about the original cost, but after a little research he learned most organs that size and age were purchased for $2,500.

“Most of it is original. The facade is original, the wind chest, the bellows and the wooden framing,” Green said. “You can’t put a price on its historical significance.”

Today, an organ of equal size would cost $300,000, Green said. “And that’s on the low end.”

Like most pipe organs, it can imitate other instruments with its 1,081 pipes.

“This one has flute-like sounds and string-like sounds. I won’t say they are exact copies though,” Green said.

The organ is number 629 out of about 1,800 made by the Henry Pilcher’s Sons Company from Kentucky.

The organ’s pipes are handmade.

“Even to this day they are handmade,” Green said. “No machine makes them.”

Today, the wait for an organ of equal size would be a year and the installation would take about three weeks. Green wouldn’t even guess how long it took to install the organ 100 years ago.

“I’ve always wanted to know how this organ got here,” Green said. “I’m guessing train. I just don’t think they brought it down on a truck from Louisville, not with the old road system. It probably came on a train.”

rrenfrow@temple-telegram.com