| Researchers: | David Gustner | dgustner@gmail.com |
| Richard Brothwell | RBrothwell@aol.com | |
| Lynne Greening | lyngre@voyager.net | |
| Cathy Rose | laddie2270@aol.com | |
| Ken Wright | kdw@i2k.net |
Rebecca Angeline Rose was born in Brandon Township, Oakland County, MI October 31, 1840. At the age of 27 she married William Marcus Hall. Mr. Hall was born in New York State in 1839, and came to Michigan when he was 8 years old, settling with his parents near what is known as the Six Mile Road later removing to Royal Oak, and in about 1874 to their farm in Troy. For many years they traded in live stock and became widely known.
Mrs. Rebecca Hall was also the donor of a three manual pipe organ with harp and chimes to the First Baptist Church at Willets and Bates Street in Birmingham, MI. This $12,000 organ was especially constructed for the building. The gift was reported in the May 31, 1928 issue of the Birmingham Eccentric. The Church as well as the organ is still in existence in 2000 and has been photographed by David Gustner, a descendant of Rebecca's brother, Ransom Rose, and contiues to be played weekly. On April 29, 1925 the Church records state "Mr. Edwards announced for Mrs Rebecca Hall that she will give the pipe organ for the new church. Three cheers were given for Mrs. Hall." She was known as "Grandmother Hall" by the congregation at that time.
The organ itself required five weeks of construction. There are 21 sets of pipes, ranging in size from the size of a lead pencil, to 34 feet in length. In all, there are over 1850 pipes. There is a set of 25 Cathedral chimes and a Harp consisting of 49 bars. The three manual console, located at the Chancel at the front of the church is connected to the organ pipes by a series of cables. This instrument was made by the M.P. Moller Pipe Organ Company of Hagerstown, MD. An organ recital by Professor L.L. Renwick, of the Metropolitan Methodist Church, of Detroit, was the feature of the organ dedication April 9, 1929.
After the death of her husband in 1909, Rebecca lived with her daughter and son in law, Mr. and Mrs. P.W. Parmenter, on Crooks Road, and we believe the above photograph was taken at that home.
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