Unfortunately this theatre was torn down in the 1970’s. I grew up in this community and visit as often as possible and all that is there now is a vacant lot.
I doubt you remember me but many years ago (5 or 6) I served as Dean of the Knoxville AGO chapter and we had a couple of concerts at the Tennessee on the Wurlitzer prior to its restoration. Hector Olivera was one of the concerts we presented. Just wanted to thank you for the wonderful musical extravaganza on Monday, Sept 3. I couldn’t believe the attendance and it was actually my first time in the theatre since it has been restored. I travel so much now ( you might remember I was the Gen Mgr at Knoxville Area Transit) that I don’t get to many organ events in Knoxville anymore, although I am currently the organist at Central UMC.
Also, FYI, I understand my great friend and handbell mentor from 25 years ago in Abilene Texas is practicing on the Wurlitzer. So glad you found Charles Parham. A tremendous organist. He, like you are true treasures.
As the current organist at Central Methodist I will let everybody know it is a 42 rank Moller installed in 1958. While the organ is a typical 1950’s Moller, it does have some very nice ranks, although the organ is in need of restoration. The pedal actually has a 6 ½ Mixture that is pretty unique. I wish someone had the foresight to keep some of the Wurlitzer ranks as Central’s music is occasionally appropriate for a theatre organ sound and the Moller is completely straight with no working tremulants. Orchestral ranks are debatable. I haven’t (in three years of playing there) found much orchestral sound. We do have an installed harp that several of us are looking at restoring.
Unfortunately this theatre was torn down in the 1970’s. I grew up in this community and visit as often as possible and all that is there now is a vacant lot.
Sorry, I meant the Wurlitzer console 1357 at Central UMC.
I have pictures of the Moller 1357 at Central UMC and it had the traditional horseshoe console.
Randall,
You should have received an email from me.
Dr. Snyder,
I doubt you remember me but many years ago (5 or 6) I served as Dean of the Knoxville AGO chapter and we had a couple of concerts at the Tennessee on the Wurlitzer prior to its restoration. Hector Olivera was one of the concerts we presented. Just wanted to thank you for the wonderful musical extravaganza on Monday, Sept 3. I couldn’t believe the attendance and it was actually my first time in the theatre since it has been restored. I travel so much now ( you might remember I was the Gen Mgr at Knoxville Area Transit) that I don’t get to many organ events in Knoxville anymore, although I am currently the organist at Central UMC.
Also, FYI, I understand my great friend and handbell mentor from 25 years ago in Abilene Texas is practicing on the Wurlitzer. So glad you found Charles Parham. A tremendous organist. He, like you are true treasures.
Thanks again for the concert.
As the current organist at Central Methodist I will let everybody know it is a 42 rank Moller installed in 1958. While the organ is a typical 1950’s Moller, it does have some very nice ranks, although the organ is in need of restoration. The pedal actually has a 6 ½ Mixture that is pretty unique. I wish someone had the foresight to keep some of the Wurlitzer ranks as Central’s music is occasionally appropriate for a theatre organ sound and the Moller is completely straight with no working tremulants. Orchestral ranks are debatable. I haven’t (in three years of playing there) found much orchestral sound. We do have an installed harp that several of us are looking at restoring.