Regarding St. Augustine Presbyterian Church. Let’s uncover its hidden stories. This church in the Bronx has a unique past.
St. Augustine Presbyterian Church was founded in 1938. Rev. Edler Garnet Hawkins was the founder. The church quickly grew. During the 1940s and 1950s, it had over a thousand members. The congregation was mostly African-American and Puerto Rican.
Rev. Hawkins achieved a significant milestone in 1964. He was elected the first African-American moderator. He led the United Presbyterian Church. Rev. Hawkins served St. Augustine until his death in 1977.
The church building has its own story. It was built in 1906 in a neo-Gothic style. Originally, it housed the Woodstock Presbyterian Church. In 1938, that congregation merged. They joined the Home Street Presbyterian Church.
The church houses a unique organ. It’s an Austin Organ Company creation. The organ’s Opus number is 1788. It was built in 1931. The organ features electro-pneumatic action. It has 3 manuals and 15 ranks.
Originally, this organ wasn’t in a church. It was built for radio station WHK. The station was part of the Radio Air Service Corp. in Cleveland, Ohio. This “unified” theatre organ had an Art Deco console. It even included an automatic player. The organ cost $16,500.
In 1950, the organ was donated. The Bethel Home of the Jehovah’s Witnesses in Brooklyn received it. It was installed in a new building addition. The organ was used there until about 1960.
By that time, the organ needed major repairs. The Witnesses decided to sell it. They felt pipe organs didn’t fit their religious profile. So, in 1961, St. Augustine Presbyterian Church in The Bronx acquired the organ.
However, as of 2009, the organ was unplayable. The console appeared disconnected. The pedalboard was detached. It sat in a corner. The pipework was in good shape. The unenclosed Tibia was in bad condition.
Imagine the sounds this organ once produced. From a radio station to a church. This organ has traveled quite a journey. St. Augustine Presbyterian Church carries a rich history. It reflects community and change. This church stands as a testament to faith and music.