In the historical town of Wiefelstede, the St. Johannes church, built in 1057 by Archbishop Adalbert of Bremen, is one of the oldest stone churches in the Ammerland region. This church, central to the early district-sized parish, houses an organ built in 1730 by Christian Vater, financed through a donation from Major Wolf von Böselager zur Lehe, who sought a burial fitting his status, memorialized by his coat of arms placed on the church's south wall. The organ still contains eight original registers from the time of its construction, marking it as a significant piece of musical heritage.

Over the centuries, the organ has seen several phases of modification and restoration. In 2011-2014, it underwent a comprehensive restoration by Dutch organ builder Henk van Eeken, who focused on reconstructing replaced parts authentically. This restoration effort aimed to restore the organ's original sound and mechanical functions as envisioned by Christian Vater, removing later additions that did not align with the historical design. The organ, embodying a rich blend of history and craftsmanship, remains a centerpiece of the church's musical tradition, reflecting both its past and the ongoing commitment to preserving its cultural and historical integrity.

Additionals: II/I (shove coupler), Tremulant

https://nomine.net/orgel/wiefelstede-st-johannes-orgel-von-christian-vater-1730/