Williamson-Warne & Associates was founded on November 06, 1983, but can trace its history back to January 1970. At that point Richard Warne, the then associate music director of First United Methodist Church of Hollywood California was also put in charge, as one of his assigned duties, to oversee the maintenance of the chapel organ.

Richard Warne and Michael Williamson
carrying a 16' Open Diapason pipe circa 1971

Richard, because of his experience with organs, decided to perform the maintenance on the chapel organ himself, rather than contract it out to another firm. Richard recruited one of his music students, Michael Williamson to assist him. In December of 1970, the music director of First United Methodist Church of Hollywood California, retired suddenly (and without much warning) because of health reasons.

The position of music director was offered to Richard, which he graciously accepted. Shortly after taking over the position of music director, he also assumed the duties of organ maintenance for the Sanctuary organ. Richard recalls 'When we took over the maintenance of the Sanctuary organ, there were over 300 dead notes, and enough dirt in the organ to start growing plants'. Obviously something needed to be done. With the assistance of some interested people, Richard and Michael began the task of cleaning and re-leathering the organ.

Richard Warne and Michael Williamson
reviewing drawings circa 2005

From this the interest grew to people noticing the difference with the organ, and began donating money towards the project. Several people in fact gave money toward the purchase of new stops and features.

Organists, especially some of Richard's students began to notice the positive changes to the instrument, and asked if our services were available elsewhere.

Thus in 1975 Richard Warne & Associates was founded.

The name was later changed to Williamson-Warne & Associates to reflect the activity of the partnership between Richard Warne and Michael Williamson.

Our firm was founded on the tenets that no matter how large or small the instrument, nor what work is necessary, that each musical instrument deserves the best care and treatment possible.

Williamson Warne Shop - 1983

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