Bomber Philanthropist - 1927 Salutatorian - Robert Humphrey

 

Ilion High School, Class of 1927 Salutatorian, Robert Humphrey, provided funds to replace and install a $600,000 organ in the Ilion Presbyterian Church, on Second Street.

Marvin Nellenback, Robert Humphrery's close friend, also provided funds for the new organ. The previous organ was no longer usable and had been in use since 1913. In 1999, Mr. Humphrey decided to help replace the deteriorating organ.

The Church Organ Committee spent the next five years meeting with different organ builders and vendors to discuss the project. Church members raised the remaining one-tenth of the funds needed to replace the organ. Casavant Freres Organ Company, Quebec, Canada, was awarded the job and installed the new $600,000 pipe organ named Opus 3854. The organ has 38 stops, 52 ranks and 2,858 pipes.