Chattanooga’s Historic Austin Pipe Organ Captivates Again

News Summary

The Austin pipe organ in Chattanooga’s Memorial Auditorium, a cultural landmark, is experiencing renewed interest as restoration efforts continue. Once a hub of musical performance, this organ played a pivotal role in the community’s post-war revival. With a storied history dating back to its inaugural recital in 1925, plans for future performances signal a bright resurgence for this cherished instrument and its contributions to local heritage.

Chattanooga’s Vintage Gem: The Austin Pipe Organ

Nestled in the heart of Chattanooga is the magnificent Austin pipe organ sitting proudly inside Memorial Auditorium. This remarkable instrument isn’t just a musical apparatus; it’s a remarkable piece of history that echoes through the city’s cultural landscape. As the community makes waves with revival efforts, let’s take a closer look at this organ’s storied past and its importance for the future.

A Musical Milestone: The Historic Recital

Back in February of 1925, the excitement in Chattanooga was palpable. Gertrude Steele Chambers wrapped up her captivating series of nine lectures titled “The New Psychology — the Hope of the World” on the very day that Edwin Lemare, a virtuoso organist, captivated audiences with his inaugural performance. This was not just any concert; it was the first public recital on the recently completed Austin pipe organ, which had a jaw-dropping price tag of $50,000 at the time—equivalent to over $920,000 today! Tickets for this grand evening were a modest 50 cents—about $9 today—making it accessible to many music lovers eager to embrace a night of artistry after the somber years of World War I.

A Tribute to War Heroes

Memorial Auditorium itself stands as a tribute to local soldiers and sailors who served in the Great War. The community was hungry for cultural nourishment after the war’s end. Hence, with the establishment of the Chattanooga Symphony in the 1930s, the demand for arts and concert music surged. It was a time when the community sought connection, and the Austin pipe organ became an emblem of that quest for harmony and beauty.

The Rise and Fall of a Musical Legend

Edwin Lemare, hailing from the picturesque Isle of Wight, was only eight when he began his journey as an organ player. By 17, he had already established a foothold in London as an organist and choirmaster. His arrival in Chattanooga as the municipal organist brought a wave of inspiration. He was dedicated to performing 32 Sunday concerts a year over five years, funded by a local newspaper mogul. His tenure included a staggering 128 recitals, and folks could barely contain their excitement until his final curtain call in May 1929.

Complications soon followed Lemare’s departure when the torch was passed to McConnell Erwin, a blind musician who carried on the organ’s rich tradition until support began to dwindle by 1932. There were attempts to resuscitate the organ concerts in 1940, yet it seemed that life had slipped away from this once-bustling corner of Chattanooga’s artistic fabric.

A Shaky Future Ahead

By the mid-1980s, reports surfaced revealing the Austin pipe organ was in distress. Concerns of neglect and vandalism threw its future into question. However, all was not lost. With initiatives led by passionate community members, including the indefatigable Evelyn Gibbs, rallying support from local music groups, restoration efforts began to take shape. Fast forward to 2005—the organ was nearing the finish line in its restoration journey, with a potential value of over $2 million.

Preserving Musical Heritage

Chattanooga’s musical heritage runs deep, thanks in part to organizations like the Chattanooga Music Club, which has championed the preservation of sounds from the past. The Austin pipe organ is celebrated for its distinctive sonic qualities, setting it apart from your everyday church or theater organs. But there’s concern about keeping the music alive—without regular performances, this sumptuous instrument risks falling into disrepair. Every note played contributes to its preservation, a sentiment that stands strong among fervent advocates and music lovers alike.

A Bright Hope on the Horizon

As the city moves forward, exciting plans are surfacing for future concerts and performances using the Austin pipe organ. This revitalization effort isn’t just about preserving a musical tool; it reflects the community’s values and priorities. It’s about ensuring that the sounds of the past continue to resonate in the hearts of Chattanooga’s residents, creating a symphony that reverberates through time.

So keep those ears open and mark your calendars! Chattanooga’s beloved Austin pipe organ is set to take center stage once again, inviting everyone to come together and bask in the harmony of revival.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Times Free Press: A Century Ago Chattanooga’s Municipal Organist
• Chattanoogan: A Holiday Spectacular Sponsored By…
• Tennessean: Steve Sloan’s Death
• Online Athens: Rare Organ Hidden in Macon City Auditorium
• Times Free Press: British Organist Featured in Free Patriotic Concert
• Wikipedia: Pipe Organ
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Organ Music
• Google Search: Chattanooga Music History
• Google News: Austin Pipe Organ Chattanooga
• Google Scholar: Chattanooga Municipal Organist