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The Christ Church building was completed and dedicated in February 1895 but one important feature was missing – a pipe organ. To that point the congregation had relied on a harmonium or reed organ, but funds were obtained and later that year an organ ordered from the firm of S.R. Warren & Son of Toronto at a cost of $4,000. Details are sketchy but the instrument was reported to have two manuals encompassing 61 notes, a further 30 notes in the pedals and a total of 44 stops. “The case is of chestnut and the front pipes are by far the largest on the coast.” The organ chamber was on the west side of the chancel (which was considerably shorter in those days) with the console at the back of the choir stalls facing west. This meant the organist was unable to lead the choir from the console, necessitating the use of a choirmaster to direct the music. 

This hierarchy of duties is born out in the contract of the musician the church hired, Adolf Gregory: “Mr. Gregory to have absolute charge of the choir” and “to provide, and pay the salary of, an organist” – he received $40 a month to cover both salaries. Born in Chester, England, William Adolphus Gregory (1863-1925) studied in Italy before arriving in B.C. in 1891. Described as a Professor of Music, he was involved in the Philharmonic Society, was Principal of the Vancouver Conservatory of Music, and directed an early version of the Vancouver Symphony before later moving to California. His initial organist was Bertha Reid (1873-1897) of Mount Forest, Ontario, who unfortunately soon had to resign her position due to consumption.

The organ’s bellows were originally pumped manually for $5 a month. Later an electric motor which cost $175 was installed; in the summer of 1909 this motor was stolen, subsequently being found in a second-hand shop. Electrician John Short, who allegedly was systematically robbing the church of electrical fixtures, was charged with the crime. Further ignominy followed. 1909 also marked the completion of an extension to the chancel. Perhaps there were flaws in the work, for in November heavy rains leaked through the roof and badly damaged the organ, leaving it unplayable. It was decided to buy a new Hope-Jones “Unit” organ (at a cost in excess of $18,000), but for over eighteen months Christ Church was left without a ‘king of instruments.’