Our Organ

The pipe organ in our church has an interesting history. It is composed of parts of several Estey organs; in its present form it is the work of the late William A, Brys, organ builder, Charlestown, NH. (For all you need to know about Estey Organs: www.esteyorgan.com)

In 1968, the church purchased Estey Organ Company’s Opus 1284. This organ was built for the First Universalist Church, Medford, Mass. in 1914. 1284 was a 10-rank instrument, tubular pneumatic action, and comprised 567 pipes over two manuals and pedal. The organ was first used in worship in our church in late 1968.

Essentially without professional help, members of the church moved the organ, built a building to house it (at the east end of the sanctuary), and installed it, arranging the pipe façade visible to the congregation, and console as they now appear.

In 1976, the console from Estey Opus 3072 (First Congregational Church, Concord, 1936) was purchased,(electro-pneumatic action) along with chests from another Estey, and several additional ranks of pipes were added.

In 1985, William Brys removed the old chests from 1284 and 1248, and installed the pipes on chests from Estey Opus 3247 (St. James Episcopal, Keene, NH, 1957). This was a major reworking of the organ. Most of the original pipes were used, with additions, primarily from deceased Esteys. A very substantial improvement was made in 1995, when Brys installed the Pedal Open Diapason 16’, from Estey Opus 1865 (Lutheran Church of the Advent, Philadelphia, 1920).

In 2003 the Swell division was enclosed in a new swell box, the work done by church members.

In 2005, the Trumpet 8’ was removed from the Swell chest and installed on a new chest, playable from all divisions, and the Gemshorn 8’ planned for the Swell by Bill Brys was purchased from his estate. This work was done by Philip Wellington, with the help of church members.

The organ now consists of 933 pipes, over two manuals and pedal.

It is of interest that of the 26 pipes visible to the congregation, only 16 are speaking pipes. The others are "dummies" used to create the façade for the original organ. They created a pleasant and proper-sized façade in our building, so we arranged them much as they were built.

The organ is used extensively in our music, and it acquits itself well, week after week, year after year. It is a source of great pride that over the nearly 40 years since its first incarnation in our church, a great portion of the work has been done by our own people.