Richard Craig Hamar
1971

Updated through online information from T. Daniel Hancock. -- "The [Congregational Church in Killingworth] was organized in the 1730's, but the present building was begun in 1817 and completed in 1820. It is attributed to the well known early 19th century architect, Ithiel Town. The organ is very unusual-- it is a two manual organ built in 1875 by E.L. Holbrook, a regional builder from East Medway, MA. Holbrook was a mostly self taught builder whose work was rather shoddy in some respects: one might perhaps call him a folk organ builder. The case of the organ looks rather crude in comparison to the work of the best builders of the period. It sports a painted board across the front with the motto, 'Let All The People Praise Thee', and also has something that was very experimental at the time: exposed Great pipework. Richard Hamar, who restored the organ in 1971, was with us for the day, and he explained what he had done in the restoration. Especially interesting was the printed program of the dedication of the organ in 1875. Typical of the time, it featured vocal solos and choral works in addition to organ works. All of the organ works on the program were performed by the builder." (excerpted from Stephen Roberts posting to Piporg-L)

Updated through on-line information from Maryann McCary. -- Rebuild in 1971 by Mr. Hamar included: replacement of hand pumping bellows by an electric blower; addition of two ranks in the pedal section, extension of the pedal compass 5 additional notes. The rest of his work was a restoration back to the original description. The original dedication and rededication programs from 1875 and 1971 are preserved in the church.

The original builder was E. L. Holbrook (1875).

Status Note: There 1994

Rebuild and enlargement. OH 1975 indicates he restored original specification and enlarged pedal division from 25 notes to 30 notes.