Notes for Christian Dieffenbach: According to Robinson, "Christian Deffenbach (son of Johann Jacob) also built organs, two of which survive. The first of these, a one-manual, six-rank instrument, was made for Zion Lutheran and Reformed Church at Orwigsburg, PA in 1808. It was rebuilt in 1883 when the congregation built a new church, and served until 1940 when it was placed in storage. In 1968 it was sold to Thomas S. Eader who spent some 500 hours restoring it and installing it in his residence at Ellicott City, MD. The other extant Christian Dieffenbach organ was built in 1816 for Altalaha Lutheran Church at Rehrersburg, PA, having one manual and twelve ranks of pipes. In 1886 this organ was enlarged by Thomas (Christian's grandson) who added a pedal division of one rank, and it continued in use for another 50 years. In 1967 the Dieffenbach family decided to have this organ restored and had a set of medals struck showing the 1816 organ on one side and the 1757 church on another. These came in bronze, sterling silver or gold; the sale was apparently sufficient to cover costs, for in 1972 a contract for its restoration was awarded to Thomas S. Eader, and the organ was rededicated in 1973. Mr. Eader removed the pedal division and, as nearly as possible, restored the organ to its original 1816 appearance and condition.
More About Christian Dieffenbach: Occupation: 1808, Organ builder.
Christian Dieffenbach (b. July 24, 1769, d. date unknown)
Notes for Christian Dieffenbach: