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JOHNSTOWN -- The bellowing sound of a pipe organ hasn't been heard at St. Mark's Episcopal Church for 80 years.

"We've had electronic organs since 1936, but even the electronic organ that we had in ‘77 was also destroyed," the Rev. Nancy Threadgill said.

But at Sunday morning's Christmas service, sounds from the M.P Moller pipe organ filled the room.

Threadgill said when First Christian Church on Vine Street disbanded, St. Mark's was given the opportunity to purchase the organ.

"We're hoping that it will bring a lot of joy to not just the people here at St. Mark's, but the people of Johnstown as well."

Josh Dunmeyer is a guest organist who's played at various churches throughout the area.

"It is a beautiful church,” Dunmeyer said. “It is obviously a beautiful location in the heart of Johnstown, and very honored and pleased to be able to play for them, and feature this amazing organ."

The pipes reverberate through the halls.

"It's wonderful. We're really enjoying it, and you can feel the vibrations coming off of the pipes as the organ is played,” Threadgill said. “And I can sit in my office now and hear the organ as it's being played here in the church."

"The word that comes to mind is majestic,” Dunmeyer said. “It is an awesome feeling, as Rev. Nancy had stated, you really get a feel for the organ, and the rumble, the thunder of, the glory of, what you're actually doing and providing for services."

The church had the organ refurbished and installed in November. It was first used for a wedding at the beginning of this month. The congregation welcomes the new addition.

"They're very much in favor of it and they were very supportive of it because of course it cost us some money to have it refurbished, and our congregation came through with the money that we needed," Threadgill said.

"It’s an awesome feeling to not only serve in the glory of God, but also provide for the parish and the community, so that we can come together and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas," Dunmeyer said.

From one historic church to another, Threadgill said "It is a gift from God, and it's not just a gift to the people of St. Mark's, but a gift to the people of Johnstown as well."

The minister said the project is costing the church about $145,000. She said the congregation still has a few thousand dollars to go, but is confident it will get the money.

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