On Sunday, June 23, 2013, 3:00 p.m., almost exactly one year since the last concert was held and the restoration work began on McKenzie United Methhodist Church’s historic pipe organ, the restored Hillgreeen-Lane Pipe Organ will be featured in another concert; the program will demonstrate the rich sounds now resonating from the organ’s chamber, providing high and low notes not heard for a number of years.  Chimes have also been restored to the organ, the original having been damaged and removed.   In addition to the work on the mechanic components and the console, the façade pipes have been restored,  giving the pipes a clean, classical  appearance. 

The organ was installed in November 1918, Reverend Rex Wilkes serving the congregation; Mrs. Eugene Erwin was church organist and D. W. Rowton was Sunday School Superintendent.  A dedicatory recital was provided by Mrs. Cassidy of Dallas.  A long line of organists have served McKenzie in this role: Mr. Allan Dale Owens, Lorraine Lane, Elizabeth Thompson, Lucille Fladger, Willie Reed Gandy, Dorris Jolly.  All of these followed Mrs. Erwin as organists.  Mrs. Waltermeir followed Annie Brewer.   Caroline Whitlock is currently the church organist. 

While all of the specific individual roles have yet to be confirmed, Dan Vaughan, who has spent the last year on the restoration project, and who is choir director and organists for First Presbyterian Church, Rockwall, Texas, will  lead and present a program on the organ, play duets with Emily Ashcraft and Chris Caffee on the piano.  The program will also feature Monte Ashcraft, McKenzie UMC’s director of music, on the trumpet and Chris Caffee on the organ.  Chris will also play the organ for two hymns.  The program will last for approximately one hour, followed by a reception in the Annex of the church.

Rededication of the restored organ will be conducted at the 11:00 a.m. church service.