Replaced by Samuel Bohler in 1891. Unknown if any material reused.

The organ was built and sold on bond, in 1810 for $425 [a reverse mortgage in effect], and was paid in full [$625] in 1849 to Charles Hanzelman (Heintzelman), (1814-1883). The bond appears to have been guaranteed by a presentation of gold and silver valued at $850, given to the church in 1810. See DOCUMENTS tab for the original bond/warranty and receipt.

The relationship between the original builder and Charles Hanzelmann is unknown. The Heintzelman's even today operate a funeral business. It appears that making coffins and organs were not incompatible professions in the 19th c. FindAGrave has an obituary posted for Charles, who apparently died by suicide.

The first church organ we purchased was in 1810. It was made by Frederick Obenhauen, Jr., the son of a Lutheran pastor who served the church a few years previously. This is the handwritten bond for the organ (3 images). The family came from Holland; cf. Glatfelter's Pastors and People, Pa. German Society in 2 vols., 1980 & 1981, for more details about the pastor.

Information received via email from Mary Redline, church historian, 2024-11-04