Historical information

Circa 1870, “Estey”, American-made, small Harmonium, (commonly known as a Gospel Organ). Initially purchased by Mr John Box, This example folds up into a small wooden case. It was often borrowed and could frequently be seen on the roadside, waiting to be picked up by horse and cart for delivery to a place of worship, often a local hall or private home. This organ was donated to the Baptist Church in the 1920s, from the estate of John Box, and was in constant use.

Significance

This 'Estey' harmonium belonged to the local Bentleigh Baptist Church, Vickery Street, Bentleigh. It was often borrowed for delivery to a place of worship, often a local hall. There was also a “Methodist Mission to Chinese”, located in Lydia Street, Bentleigh, where the Methodist religion was taught to those interested Chinese.
Pioneer settlers welcomed the support and fellowship provided by their gatherings for regular religious worship

Physical description

Circa 1870, “Estey”, American, small Harmonium, (commonly known as a Gospel Organ). This example folds up into a small, wooden case so that it could be easliy transported to Religious Services