The sound of music will fill the air in Hopewell Township this weekend as members and friends of Zion United Church of Christ gather for a Hymn Sing featuring the sounds of the churchs historic pipe organ.

The organ was built and installed in the church in 1897 at a price of $600; a sum that would have equated to $16,000 in todays economy. Built by the Moller Pipe Organ Co. in Hagerstown, Maryland, the magnificent piece of work is numbered 198 out of 11,000 made by Moller in the companys 107-year existence.

Church member Eugene Smith said the organ is known as a tracker action type model, one where the keyboard is linked with wooden rods and connectors to the pipe chest, which then mechanically produces the sound. Its a beautiful organ and one that is intricate in its design, Smith said. Were very blessed to have such a wonderful sounding piece of history in the church. He said although the Moller Co. installed hundreds of these types of organs, Zion Church is known to have the only organ still in operation in central Pennsylvania. The Moller Organ Co. was in business from 1885 until 1992. Zion Church is fortunate enough to have kept in contact with one of the technicians from the Moller Co., who services the organ for them when needed.

Sundays Hymn Sing, which will begin at 3 p.m., will include old favorites combined with selections chosen by organist Sharon Weaver. Weaver has been the organist at Zion for the past 42 years and has no plans of stepping down anytime soon.

This is the church I grew up in, and I began playing the organ while I was still in high school alongside Clyde Whistler, she said.

Whistler was the previous organist who occupied the bench since the early 1930s. Weaver said she loves playing the old organ.

I really do enjoy playing the organ. Its very relaxing to me, it makes beautiful music and I really have fun while Im playing. I guess you could say its like therapy for me, too, because if Im having a bad day I can come in and play up a storm and all the stress just goes away.

Zion Church is an historic structure in and of itself. The original church was built in 1799. The existing church was built in 1858 and remodeled in 1882. It was an active place of worship up until 1938. From 1938-56, the church was used for special occasions and /or services in the area. Current church members and others reopened the church in 1956 and it has been a place of worship ever since. The membership isnt quite what it used to be, but a faithful group of members maintain the property and keep the church going. The average attendance is anywhere between 25 and 35 each Sunday.

The eldest member of the church recently turned 90. Pastor Mary Jane King has served the congregation since 2010.

Weaver said shes looking forward to Sundays event.

Im excited to play the organ and share its beautiful music with the community. I really enjoy playing for people and seeing everyone sing along. Its a good time for everyone!

Sundays Hymn Sing starts at 3 p.m., and will be followed with refreshments and a time of fellowship. Weaver encourages everyone around the community to come out and enjoy an afternoon of beautiful music! A free-will offering will be taken for the organ fund.

Zion United Church of Christ is located at 20 Zion Road, outside of Newburg, just off of Route 997. For more information about the church and/or Sundays event, call Weaver at (717) 532-8458, Eugene Smith at (717) 713-6153, or Charlie Dickinson at (717) 658-2986.

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Zion UCC Hymn Sing to feature sounds of 1897 Moller Pipe Organ - The Shippensburg News-Chronicle