PDF - Parsons Pipe Organ Builders

J.W. SteerE OPUS 1 - 1867
www.parsonsorgans.com
J.W. SteerE OPUS 1 - 1867
19 stops, 23 ranks
20 stops, 24 ranks
Great, 56 notes, Manual I
8' Open Diapason
8' Dulciana (Bass from Gamba)
8' Gamba
8' Stopped Diapason Bass
8' Clarabella (TC)
4' Principal
4' Wald Flute
2
2 /3' Twelfth
2' Fifteenth
Sesquialtera III
8' Trumpet Bass
8' Trumpet Treble
Swell to Great
Bellows Signal
Pitch: a1=440hz
Dimensions:
15’ W x 15’ D x 16’ H
O
pus 1
of John Wesley Steere,
destined for a Long Island
landfill, has been rescued by
our firm and is available for
purchase. This tracker organ is a splendid
example of mid-19th Century craftsmanship and is a testimony to the longevity
of quality built pipe organs. Originally
built for the Third Presbyterian Church
in Albany, NY, this 145-year-old organ is
structurally like new. In 1923, the organ
was moved to Blessed Sacrament Church
in Albany where it served that congregation until the early 1970’s. It was during
the move to the famed Bourne Mansion
in Oakdale, NY, that the windchests were
re-tabled by a reputable New England
organbuilder to correct wind leakage
(common to chests of this era). The organ
was relocated and installed by professionals who were sympathetic to the historical significance of this organ; retaining its
original double rise bellows, pipework,
windchests, façade casework, as well as
the complete key and stop actions. The
unique double thickness swell box and
double layer of mechanically controlled,
hitch-down expression shades give ample
dynamic control over the Swell division.
Swell, 56 notes, Manual II, enclosed
16' Bourdon Bass
16' Bourdon Treble
8' Open Diapason (TC)
8' Keraulophon (TC)
8' Stopped Diapason Bass
8' Stopped Diapason Treble
4’ Principal
4' Suabe Flute
Cornet Dolce III
8' Bassoon Bass
8' Oboe
Tremulant
Pedal, 25 notes, parallel & flat
16' Double Open Diapason
16' Bourdon
Great to Pedal
Swell to Pedal
Prior to installing the organ in a new location, Parsons will complete a full restoration of the leather components and tracker
connections along with cleaning and tonal
regulation. Typical of the period, the
voicing style is refined and gentle. Given
the historical significance of this organ,
we prefer to install it in its original configuration, but would entertain practical, “reversible”, changes to enhance the
organ for church use.
The Parsons’ family relationship with the
Steere family dates back to 1890 when
Gideon Levi Parsons married John Wesley
Steere’s niece and became a voicer with
the firm. We have a keen interest in seeing this organ go to a worthy home where
quality, tradition and the historic significance of this organ will be valued. It is
extremely rare to find an organ of this vintage in original condition; it is even more
rare to find an Opus 1.
John Wesley Steere left his father-in-law’s
company, William A. Johnson Organbuilders, in 1866 and built this organ and,
possibly, one other under his own name.
In 1867 he partnered with another Johnson
alumnus, George W. Turner, at which time
the name of the firm became Steer & Turner. Mr. Turner left the company in 1891,
and the name was changed to J.W. Steere
and Sons. Steere organs were well known
for their superior quality workmanship
and refined tone. It is clear that Opus 1
was to be used as the company’s showpiece organ. Interestingly, John Wesley
spelled his last name without the final “e”
until about 1880, about the time the sons
became involved in the company.
Please call our office with any questions.
Mr. Dave McCleary
Project Manager
dmc@parsonsorgans.com
585.831.6218
888.229.4820
www.parsonsorgans.com