order to pay mortgages held by the Andrews and Skinner's son, Richmond H. Skinner. In June 1943, a fire destroyed the organ factory building, but the music hall was largely undamaged. In July, the mortgage sale was completed, with Essex Savings Bank buying the property at auction for $55,000. In May 1946, eight local residents founded a charitable organization to buy and maintain the music hall, operating it as a cultural center. In 1947 the Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company was engaged to rebuild the organ. The tonal structure of the organ was changed and a new detached console was added. Current usage The Music Hall currently hosts numerous concerts and recitals and sometimes provides practice time for student organists. Most events occur in spring and summer, when there are up to three events a week. The hall is frequently rented for weddings and other private functions. As a wedding venue, it offers the unusual characteristic of looking like a traditional church while having no religious symbolism or affiliation. See also National Register of Historic Places listings in Methuen, Massachusetts National Register of Historic Places listings in Essex County, Massachusetts References Methuen Memorial Music Hall Cinematreasures discussion of the Boston Music Hall Music venues in Massachusetts Buildings and structures in Methuen, Massachusetts Individual pipe organs National Register of Historic Places in Methuen, Massachusetts Buildings and structures completed in 1909 Event venues on the National Register of Historic Places in Massachusetts