The Great Organ at Methuen Memorial Hall. America's first concert pipe organ, built in Ludwigsburg, Germany 1857-1863 by E. F. Walcker and Company. Survived 3 month's sailing in ships through Atlantic gales, and threat of confederate sinking in Boston Harbor at the height of the American Civil War. Installed in Boston's Music Hall, onstage. When the Boston Symphony was founded in 1881, floorspace onstage was needed and in 1884, the organ was moved to storage. It was eventually purchased by Edward F. Searles for $1500., and built this cathedral-style hall to house the instrument in 1909. Henry Vaughan, who designed hall, also was one of the architects of Washinton's National Cathedral. Casework by interior designers for the fabulously wealthy, Herter Brothers of New York. Ernest M. Skinner, noted organ builder, purchased the Hall for $10,000 in 1930 following Searles death. Famous organists Marcel Dupre and E. Power Biggs played it, and it still is used today. 6, 088 pipes, 116 ranks, 4 manuals, 5 divisions, 85 stops. Casework in Old Growth Black Walnut.