Architecture - The Building
| Central Presbyterian Church 402 N. College, Waxahachie |
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The Stained Glass at Central Presbyterian
The OPUS 809 Organ
Austin Organs Inc.
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On May 9, 1918, a contract for a pipe organ for the new sanctuary of Central Presbyterian Church was signed by Mr. George Marshall of the Austin Organ Company and Mr. O.H. Chapman, Chairman of the Building Committee. The cost of the organ was six thousand dollars; however, some additions to the organ increased its cost by fifty dollars. It was also at this time that birch was chosen instead of oak as the wood for the console. Originally the organ consisted of 14 ranks of pipes to provide 26 speaking stops. The organ has been expanded now to 19 ranks of pipes to provide 28 speaking stops.
This was the very beginning of the Austin Opus 809. The money for the organ was given by Mr. and Mrs. Homer N. Chapman. The first time the new Austin was played was on April 20, 1919, by Mr. John Bert Graham. This was also the first time the new sanctuary of Central Presbyterian Church was used.
The Austin has remained intact with all the original mechanisms and all the voices, with the exception of 3, for 90 years in its original location, due to the faithful efforts of Central Presbyterian members. May it serve for centuries to come. In the words of J.S. Bach, “Solo Deo Gloria,” to the Glory of God!
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16: 17-19 (King James Bible)