The Schantz Organ, Opus 1234, 1973 III/34
Planning and Installation
Under the supervision of Carter Breeze (1972–1995), Director of Music Ministries at First United Methodist Church of Conway, the Schantz Organ Company was selected in July 1972 to build a new pipe organ. Al Lunsford, area representative for the Schantz Organ Company; Carter Breeze; and George Singleton, a member of First UMC and a Schantz employee, consulted on the final organ design. The new pipe organ was installed by September 1973.
First Use and Dedication
The “King of Instruments” was first played in worship on October 7, 1973. On December 2, 1973, a Service of Dedication was held at 2:00 p.m., presided over by Bishop Edward L. Tullis, Resident Bishop of South Carolina, and Dr. Voight Taylor, Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Conway. The new organ was dedicated to the unselfish and devoted organists and choir directors throughout the history of First United Methodist Church of Conway.
Specifications and Additions
The original organ, purchased for $58,000, consisted of 1,813 pipes in four divisions—Swell, Great, Choir, and Pedal—on three manuals and pedal. A set of Mayland Chimes was installed in the Swell division. A Zimbelstern was added in 1974, and a 49-note Welte harp was added in 1989. The final addition to the organ was an Oboe rank in the Swell division in 1993. With these additions, the total number of pipes now stands at 1,874.
