The First United Methodist Church of Canton, Texas, has a rich and vibrant heritage since its founding in 1856.  Canton is the county seat in Van Zandt county which means that it has been the primary center of trade and commerce within this rural area.  And, the "First Monday Trade Days" are world re-knowned as the world's largest flea market, with several hundred thousand visitors monthly.
      The musical history of Canton's First United Methodist Church is one of triumph and of tragedy.  Although, there are few records remaining of our church music history, a few major artifacts have survived the years, and these pages will focus primarily on the organs.   Much of the information has been gathered through personal interviews, documents, and some hearsay.  All attempts have been made to give credit for informational sources, but pardon us if we overlook someone.
       In this series of sites, you will learn some of the history of two congregations with a shared history of two pipe organs. To adequately tell the story of the organs, one must include some history of another church, Mariadahl Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mariadahl, Kansas.  This community cannot be found on any modern day maps as the community proper, no longer exists. But, a small part of it exists to this very day in Canton, Texas, and still serves God's greater plan.

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Did you ever wonder how the Pipe Organ began?  
Or, why the Pipe Organ became the primary instrument in churches? <<Click Here>>  
Want to learn how a Pipe Organ works?  <<Click Here>>