The Little Organ That Came Back Home
A True Story

Many, many years ago a beautiful Mason--Hamlin organ was bought for a new church built in the town of Greenwood in 1883. The lovely church stood on the right north corner where Bailey Circle now meets Cambridge Avenue. The name of the church was called The Greenwood Presbyterian Church, very appropriately, because it was the only one in the area. The small organ was a welcome addition to the Sunday School and Sunday morning worship services.

As the new church grew and expanded more room was needed and what used to be a small church became quite a large church, built on north main street in 1899. The name of the church had already been changed to The First Presbyterian Church.

The little organ was troubled and wondered how it could ever do justice to such a big sanctuary. It did not know about the plans of the church leaders to buy a new organ. This time it would be a Pipe Organ with golden pipes. The very first such organ in town. This was in the early 1900's.

The Mason-Hamlin was used for a while in Sunday School The Pipe Organ was installed in the beautiful sanctuary. The small organ had been most effective in its first home, but now times had changed.

When everything was in place in the new church, the Mason--Hamlin was relegated to the back hall, but this was some years later. Days grew into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years, but the little organ was never called into active service in the new sanctuary.

One day a young couple, long time members of the first church, was walking down the long hall of the education building and suddenly spotted the little organ looking forlorn and neglected. Frances and George I., Marshall, Jr. wondered aloud if they might buy the little organ and give it to a good home. Permission was granted and the Mason--Hamlin moved into the Marshall home. The little organ was loved abundantly and was given much TLC. This took place in the late forties.

Changes come when we least expect them. After several years had passed, the Marshalls sold the Mason-Hamlin to the W. L. Bross family. Bill, Belle, Addison and Bill, Jr. had joined First Church in 1939. They received the little organ with open arms! It was the center of attention when the youth fellowship met in the Bross home on Sunday evenings. 'Hymn Sings" were very popular, and the Mason-Hamlin enhanced the voices. This was the good life! Loving care was constantly bestowed upon the little organ. Though the Bross family had kept the little organ for thirty years, a move to a new home meant that some of those years the little organ spent in the attic. Space was at a premium, This was taking place in the !ate sixties and early seventies.

As time passed two families from Rock Presbyterian Church, collectors of antiques, became interested in the Mason-Hamlin. Bob and Mary Neal McCord bought the organ to display with many other old and beautiful items. The time was right. Steve and Carolyn Lawrence then bought the beautiful little organ and began a restoration period immediately. Steve collected antique musical instruments.

The Mason-Hamlin was growing older. The decade of the eighties was beginning. The First Presbyterian Church established a Heritage Room in the nineties to tell the history of the majestic old church. The Heritage Room task force coveted that little organ which was now living in the home of Carolyn Lawrence's parents, Everett and Harriett Dominick. The Lawrences had moved out of town for several years. The organ had been restored by Lee Kwist, a specialist with organs and pianos. Though the organ was now a genuine antique and over 100 years of age, it was more beautiful than ever. Mr. Kwist excelled!

The task force had searched for months for the Mason--Hamlin but had not talked to the right people until early in 1991. It would be their joy to have it back at home in the little niche in the Heritage Room, The Lawrences did not want to sell. Two years passed and the Lawrences returned to greenwood to live. In the meantime Bill Clark, task force photographer, and Robert Glick, church organist, visited the Dominicks to take photographs, which would be placed in the Heritage Room history albums. One day in early spring of 1993, out of a clear blue sky the Lawrence offered to sell the Mason-Hamlin to the Heritage Room. It would return to its original home. 'Its sojourn had lasted over 100 years! Throughout all those years the little organ had remained in the realm of Presbyterianism.

On April 16, 1993 Farrs (House of Music) moved the Mason-Hamlin to its final home - the Heritage Room. The organ was a beautiful gift from the Payne Henderson Barnette family in memory of Martha Wharton Barnette, wife and mother. Martha was a beloved member of the Heritage Room Task Force. She died October 12, 1992. The Dominicks came with the organ to the Heritage Room. Harriett played "Amazing Grace" - and everyone joined in singing the beautiful old hymn. The little organ had finished its long journey. Thank you, Henderson and family for this treasure. It will be cherished. It was meant to be.

Everyone come to see our pride and joy!