Hymn Fest puts historic George Kilgen organ in the spotlight
A Hymn Fest is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Hannibal, Mo. While putting together a story on this event for the Courier-Post's Saturday edition, I conducted a little bit of research on the church and its historic presence in Hannibal.
The George Kilgen organ was originally installed in 1878, and there has only been one major expansion to the organ since that time, and that expansion was in 1928.
Among the musicians who have played this instrument through its history is William M. Jenkins, in 1902. The St. Louis Republic reported on March 13 of that year:
Mr. William M. Jenkins, organist for Immanuel Episcopal Church, Old Orchard, will officiate at the organ of the Trinity Episcopal Church, Hannibal, Mo., next Sunday afternoon, and in the evening will give an organ recital.
Read the Courier-Post story:
