The year was 1867. That is when the seeds of Springfield Gardens United Methodist Church were sown. Initially known as the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Springfield L.I. the congregation began its spiritual journey.
Fast forward to 1927. The town underwent a name change. It became Springfield Gardens. The church followed suit. It adopted its current name. This coincided with the rise of a housing development. The Long Island Rail Road station also adopted the name.
Let’s talk about music. In 1911, the Springfield Gardens United Methodist Church acquired a remarkable organ. It was built by Reuben Midmer and Sons of Brooklyn. This organ boasted tubular pneumatic action. It had two manuals and 16 stops. The instrument comprised 15 ranks. The organ cost the church 2800 dollars.
By 1957, Louis F Mohr and Co recorded the organ’s specifications. They noted its tubular action. The console was detached. Though the organ is now gone. The facade remains. Bronze display pipes still grace the church.
The Great Organ. It had 61 notes. The organ featured an Open Diapason. It also featured an Octave. Viola di Gamba added depth. Flute d’Amour brought sweetness. Dulciana offered gentle tones. Chimes added sparkle. Melodia completed the ensemble.
The Swell Organ was enclosed. It had 61 notes. It featured a Bourdon. Stopped Diapason provided warmth. Open Diapason offered brilliance. Flute Harmonique added clarity. Salicional offered delicate sounds. Oboe brought reedy textures. Aeoline created ethereal effects. A Tremulant added vibrato. Voix Celeste sang softly.
The Pedal Organ had 30 notes. Bourdon grounded the sound. Lieblich Gedeckt borrowed from the Swell. Couplers linked the divisions. Swell to Great connected sounds. Swell to Pedal created depth. The organ had combination pistons. These controlled stops. Balanced Swell Pedal allowed expression.
The church has a mission. It is to know Jesus. It is to share His love. It is to grow His church. The Springfield Gardens United Methodist Church embraces inclusivity. They welcome all persons. This is regardless of background. They welcome all to worship. They welcome all to serve. They welcome all to participate fully.