The History of Organ Building in Erie: From the mid-1800s to Present
Erie, Pennsylvania has a rich history in the art of pipe organ design and
fabrication. Since the mid-19th century, hundreds of artisan craftsmen
involved in organ building emigrated to North America – many to Erie, which
became a Mecca for these new Americans and remains a center of the organ
history in North America. Join Paul Fischer, author of Making Music: The
History of Organ and Piano Industries in Erie, Pennsylvania, to explore the
history of organ building in Erie, complete with a demonstration of the 59th
rank, three manual Lawrence Phelps tracker pipe organ by Bruce Gingrich,
music director and organist of the First United Methodist Church in downtown
Erie, at the church, located at 707 Sassafras St.
– Bruce Gingrich and Paul Fischer
SPECIAL FREE PROGRAM/LECTURE Performance at First United Method
Church, 707 Sassafras St.
Bruce Gingrich has served as the Music Director and Organist of the First United
Methodist Church in downtown Erie since 2001. In 2006 and 2009, he was guest
organ soloist with the Erie Chamber Orchestra. In 2004, Gingrich presented a master
class and organ recital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He holds degrees in Organ Performance,
Church Music, and Accounting. Prior, he served as the Customer Service Manager
for Organ Supply Industries in Erie and was a consultant with the former Tellers Pipe
Organ Company, also of Erie
