Jos. Gratian
1890ca.

Updated through online information from T. Daniel Hancock. -- From the "Alton Daily Telegraph,� December 6, 1881, p.3: "ALTON ORGANS. A new organ has been ordered from Mr. Joseph Gratian, for the M.E. Church, now near completion at Hannibal, Mo. This will be the first pipe organ in the Missouri M.E. Conference. The proposed organ has been specially planned for the church, will be placed in an alcove, back of the pulpit; but neither organist nor choir will be in front of the organ. The choir room is formed in one corner and opens into the church by a lofty arch, the organist being seated in the choir room but not in sight of the congregation. Every pipe organ in Hannibal except the first one, which is of eastern make, was made in Alton.�

As of 1968, the organ had not been playable in several years because the blower connection was broken off by a deliveryman while shoveling coal into the basement. It was in a very bad state of disrepair. Built when congregation occupied upper floor of downtown business. Relocated to new sanctuary in 1909. Moved to Scott's Chapel Methodist, Hannibal, MO late 1940's.