From 1958-1960 The Sanctuary underwent a major remodeling program that included a significant expansion of the chancel. The organ was removed and placed in storage during much of this time. When re-installed all four divisions of the organ were placed in a new pipe chamber located on the south wall of the chancel, several feet above floor level. In 1988 the organ was renovated and enlarged by thirteen ranks which required a larger console and more space for the new pipes. An additional pipe chamber was constructed on the north wall of the chancel across from the existing one to house the entire Swell division and a portion of the Pedal division. The renovated organ was dedicated on Sunday, October 16, 1988 and has remained unaltered until present.

In July of 2003, organ consultant, Robert G. Capra visited First Presbyterian Church to assess the condition of The Sanctuary organ. He recommended that the existing instrument be totally re-voiced and expanded by approximately twenty ranks. Miller Pipe Organ Company of Buford, Georgia, was selected to be the general organ contractor. The first proposal and specifications for the renovation were submitted by Miller Pipe Organ Company September 5, 2003, and were approved shortly after by The Session. These plans included the addition of several digital ranks and a movable platform on which the console would be placed, designed by Walker Technical Company of Zionsville, Pennsylvania.

In December, 2005 the Möller console was removed from its fixed location in the center of the chancel and shipped to Walker Technical Company for refurbishment. There it was stripped of its former mechanical components and replaced with a new digital operating system. In addition, new draw knobs, tabs, pistons, expression pedals and illuminated menu display were added. The console was returned and installed in March, 2006.

During the three months that the console was in Pennsylvania, Miller Pipe Organ Company began its work here. Before any tonal work could begin repairs and re-bracing of most of the existing pipe chests were performed. Once all repairs were completed Mr. Miller and his team of specialists began adjusting the tonal color of each of the 2,315 pipes. This process is known as re-voicing. Some pipes were too strong and others needed to be stronger. It took approximately one month to make the necessary adjustments to every pipe in both chambers. Now all the pipes speak with greater clarity and have a better presence in the room, making the instrument more effective in worship and in recital.

In addition to re-voicing the organ, Miller Pipe Organ Company added three ranks of pipes (Gemshorn, Voce Umana and 4’ Pedal Flute), replaced the 8’ Great Principle with new pipes, and united the 8’ Pedal Principle which was previously divided between two chambers in the 1988 renovation. The pipes used for Gemshorn and Voce Umana were made by the Kimball Pipe Organ Company and were originally installed in First Baptist Church, Bristol, Virginia. They are estimated to be one hundred years old. The Möller 4’ Pedal Flute was taken from Roswell United Methodist Church, Roswell, Georgia and is also estimated to be approximately the same age.

In its present state, the organ has 63 ranks of pipes, 51 stops and 2,315 pipes making it one of the largest instruments in the Fayetteville metropolitan area. The organ is now capable of playing a much wider range of literature and is better suited to support congregational singing.

First Church is truly blessed to have an instrument of this caliber accompanying weekly services and assisting in worship. Perhaps the most remarkable thing to note throughout this process is that all funds were generously given by individuals who value and support the music ministry of this great congregation. We give thanks to God for this blessing and for the gift of music.