Mr. Joseph Meyer

The Organist

“In October, 1868, a fine organ was added to the church at an expense of twenty-two hundred dollars. Its introduction was attended by a sad event, as the following recital will show. Arrangements had been made to dedicate the organ on Sunday, Oct. 11, 1868. On the Saturday evening previous religious services were held. Mr. Joseph Meyer presided at the organ, he being mainly instrumental in its procuring, and contributed largely towards defraying the costs. He appeared supremely happy, like one whose one aim in life had been accomplished. Upon that memorable evening as he sat before the organ, its beautiful strains of sacred music rising and swelling in harmonious accord, the opening hymn had been given out and sung, the pastor arose to offer the opening prayer; but few words had been pronounced, when an unusual commotion was observed in the organ gallery, which put a sudden stop to the religious services. To the consternation of the congregation, it was discovered that the organist, Mr. Meyer, had dropped dead from his seat, stricken down, as it were, in the very heyday of his happiness. The cause of his death was heart-disease. The organ was dedicated the next day. The dedicatory sermons were preached by the Revs. B. F. Schenck, D.D., and P. S. Fisher, the former discoursing in the English language, and the latter in the German.“

Linn, John Blair, “St John’s Reformed Church.” History of Centre and Clinton Counties, Louis H. Everts, 1883, p 322.

Boalsburg Village Conservancy – 2025