The rich history of the pipe organ at First Church in downtown San Diego spans over a century, marked by several relocations and extensive renovations to accommodate the church’s evolving needs. Originally, the church housed a two-manual Hook and Hastings organ, dedicated in 1888 within a three-story brick building at the corner of 4th and Broadway. This organ was later enlarged by Murray Harris and reinstalled in the new church auditorium at 9th and C streets in 1907, designed by architect Irving Gill. In 1929, a new three-manual, 27-rank Pilcher organ with 1,877 pipes was dedicated but was subsequently put into storage when the church moved to Mission Valley in 1964. A smaller organ by Dowling and Blackinton was installed in 1967, and in 1971, the Pilcher organ was refurbished, expanded, and finally placed in the church's rear gallery.

Over the following decades, the church continued to enhance its musical capabilities under the guidance of Daniel Burton, organist and composer in residence from 1975 to 1985. His efforts culminated in a major expansion project led by L. W. Blackinton & Associates, starting in 1986. This project significantly transformed the organ, adding a four-manual console, slider chests, and 54 new ranks, resulting in a grand instrument with 107 ranks and 6,042 pipes, dedicated in January 1989. Further expansions were made, including the addition of an 8' Festival Trumpet in 2010 and a reconfiguration of the Chancel Positiv in 2021, which added expressive resources for choral accompaniment. Today, the organ boasts 110 ranks and stands as the largest in San Diego County, a testament to the church’s commitment to supporting exceptional musical experiences.

Additionals: Tremulant Swell, Swell to Swell 16 – U/O – 4, Cymbelstern, Tremulant Choir, Choir to Choir 16 – U/O – 4, Great to Pedal, Swell to Pedal, Choir to Pedal, Positif to Pedal, Swell to Great 16', Swell to Great 8', Swell to Great 4', Choir to Great 16', Choir to Great 8', Choir to Great 4', Positif to Great 8', Choir to Swell 16', Choir to Swell 8', Choir to Swell 4', Choir to Positif 8', Swell to Positif 8', Great to Positif 8', Crescendo Pedal, Great to Pedal reversible

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