NORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF HARTFORD
Celebrating
100 Years of Music, Worship & Legacy
For nearly a century, North United Methodist Church's historic Austin Pipe Organ has lifted hearts in worship, accompanied countless sacred moments, and inspired generations through music. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we invite you to help restore this treasured instrument so its voice will continue to glorify God for generations to come.
"Praise Him with strings and pipe."
Psalm 150:4
A Century of Sacred Music
For one hundred years, the Austin Pipe Organ has been the musical heart of North United Methodist Church.
Its music has accompanied Sunday worship, baptisms, weddings, funerals, Easter services, Christmas celebrations, choir anthems, organ recitals, and countless moments of prayer.
Today, as we celebrate this remarkable centennial, we also recognize our responsibility to preserve this historic instrument so that future generations may continue to worship through its magnificent voice.
"Every generation has been blessed by this instrument.
Today, we have the opportunity to ensure its music continues for the next century."
The Story of Our Austin Pipe Organ
A Gift of Music
Completed on September 18, 1926, the Boynton Memorial Pipe Organ was donated as a gift to North Church. After nine months of meticulous and painstaking construction by the Austin Organ Company, Austin Opus 1412 was completed at a cost of $6,700 and dedicated to the glory of God.
Music That Shaped Generations
Throughout its history, the organ has supported congregational singing, accompanied choirs and soloists, and provided music for worship services, weddings, funerals, holy days, concerts, and community gatherings.
Built by Austin Organ Company
Austin is the last 'Great Name' from the golden age of organ building. Moving to Hartford in 1899, the company became world-renowned for its innovative engineering and the orchestral power of its wind chests.
A Living Instrument
With 584 pipes sitting atop an 8-rank wind chest, the organ remains a mechanical marvel. Since the tonal renovations in 1987, our church family has remained dedicated to ensuring each pipe continues to sing with clarity.
A Legacy Entrusted to Us
Generations have listened as this organ gave musical expression to joy, grief, faith, thanksgiving, and hope. Its sound is woven into the memories of former and present members, musicians, families, and neighbors.
Its centennial is an opportunity to preserve this sacred legacy for those who will worship, sing, learn, and gather here in the future.
“One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts.”
—Psalm 145:4
Hear the Story. Help Preserve the Legacy.
The story of this organ is the story of worship, music, faith, and community.
Watch this brief video to learn about the organ’s history, hear why restoration is needed, and discover how your support can help preserve its voice for generations to come.
The Story of North UMC’s Historic Austin Organ
After watching, prayerfully consider becoming part of the next chapter in this organ’s story.
Preserve History
Protect one of Hartford's historic instruments.
Strengthen Worship
Restore the music that accompanies weekly worship.
Support Music Ministry
Concerts
Choirs
Hymn Festivals
Community Events
Youth Music Program
Inspire Future Generations
Preserve this ministry for children and adults.
Every gift—large or small—helps preserve a century of sacred music. Together, we can ensure that this remarkable instrument continues to lead worship, inspire faith, and serve the Hartford community for generations to come.