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Sunday, July 28, 2013

The Organ



When the sanctuary was built in the late 1920's the organ was an important aspect of the worship scheme. That organ has been built by the Geneva Organ Company of Geneva, Illinois.  It was purchased through the local branch of the John W. Jenkins' Sons Music Company.  They also installed it for the dedication in May of 1928.


The dedication occurred on May 21 at  8 p.m. in a special recital with Powell weaver, organist of Grand Avenue Temple in Kansas City, Kansas.   He was assisted by baritone, Kennis N. Wessel.

Weaver was a concert organist and composer who had received his musical education at the New York City Institute of Musical Art under the directorship of Frank Damrosch.    He later studied privately with Pietro Yon (organ) and Perry Goetschius (composer). Additionally, he spent two years studying in Italy with Remnigo Kenzi and Ottorino Respeghi in Rome. 

Wessel was a "Wesley boy" who had been educated in New York City under Francis Rogers, Bruno Hahn and Arthur Belbore.

Musical selections included "Prima Sonata", "Marche Russe", "Swing Low, Swing Chariot", "Italia Rhapsody", "Jesus Bambino", and "Toccato from Fifth Sympanthy" by Widor.  

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A special "Friends of Wesley" group is made of individuals, organizations, and businesses who wish to support the historic preservation of the century old and historically significant Wesley Methodist Church (Wesley United Methodist Church) founded in 1910.

The inspiring windows dating to 1928 honored people significant to local Oklahoma City history but also to the history of Oklahoma Methodism.

The church founding and development was guided by lay people who were leaders in Oklahoma City development in real estate, banking, business, and education.

It stands as a rare remaining example of Methodist Churches in the English Gothic style and as work by a significant early architectural firm.

Donations may be sent to:

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Wesley United Methodist Church
1401 NW 25th
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma