William Church, an antiques dealer, built a home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, of which half was given over to a large two-story music room and organ chamber. He accumulated organs and parts from various instruments, and filled the organ chamber.

The organ itself was made of parts of at least four pipe organs:

1. E.M. Skinner Opus 465 of 1924
2. M.P. M�ller Opus 7246 of about 1955
3. Austin parts from about 1925
4. Kilgen parts from about 1925

There were also several percussion stops and "toys" �from theater organs. The organ was controlled by an �olian-Skinner console, from Opus 1233 of 1951.

When Mr. Church retired and moved in 2000, he donated the organ to the Virginia Beach Symphony. The organ was put into storage, intending for it to be installed in The Pavilion, the Symphony's concert venue. However, that building was later slated for demolition so a larger hall could be built. When the plans were finalized, it became evident that there would not be sufficient space for the large pipe organ to be installed. Thus the organ was offered for sale.

About this time St. John the Evangelist Church of Warrenton, Virginia, was making plans to enlarge their church, which would require a much larger pipe organ than their existing 1966 Wicks organ. Having assisted in the removal of the Mr. Church's organ, we knew the value of the parts, and realized that St. John the Evangelist Church could use the best parts, together with their existing Wicks pipe organ. Thus the organ was purchased from the Virginia Beach Symphony, the more theatrical parts were sold, and the parts of value were restored and rebuilt. The Wicks organ remained in the gallery chamber, rebuilt to have a more flexible specification. The Skinner and M�ller organs were installed in a chamber above the altar.

As the �olian-Skinner console had originally controlled five divisions, it was perfect for us to use for St. John's Church. The Choir and Positiv divisions are both located in the Choir gallery chamber. The Swell and Great are located in the chamber above the altar. Pedal stops are provided in both locations. The original exposed pipes have been painted gold, and are visible at each end of the church.

The result may be thought of as two separate organs played from the same console. When accompanying the choir in the gallery, that organ is used. When accompanying a soloist or group near the altar, the chancel organ is used. To support congregational singing, both organs are used together.

The result is a very flexible design that can play music of all periods and accompany soloists or groups, as well as a full congregation.