First Presbyterian Church

301 First Street N.W.
Mount Vernon, IA 52314

Builder: Austin Organ Co., Op. 346-a, 1911.
Manuals: 2
Ranks: 11
Action: Austin Universal Chest (c)

Notes: The present stone building was erected in circa 1905. The attendance had outgrown the wood structure. It was decided by the congregation that a new church was to be built on the northwest corner of Main Street and First Avenue. Stone for the church was from the quarry one-half mile away in the east end of town. It is said to be made out of the finest building stone in the state, Anamosa limestone.

The cornerstone of the church was laid on September 5, 1895, and the dedication of the new building was on March 5, 1896. In 1911, the church received a fine pipe organ in memory of the William Armstrongs, former members. It came from their son who lived in Chicago. They family left the church a farm, the income from which would service the organ and create a music fund. These gifts have added much to the worship services of the congregation.

May 1908 original contract price: $3,400. Water motor. New coupler and key boxes installed in 1915.

Factory records, James R. Stettner, and Organ Historical Society as of 2006.