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J.W. Steere OPUS 1 - 1867
www.parsonsorgans.com
J.W. Steere OPUS 1 - 186720 stops, 24 ranks
Opus 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 craftsman-ship 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 congrega-tion 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 profession-als who were sympathetic to the histori-cal 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.
Prior to installing the organ in a new loca-tion, Parsons will complete a full restora-tion 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 con-figuration, but would entertain practi-cal, “reversible”, changes to enhance the organ for church use. John Wesley Steere left his father-in-law’s company, William A. Johnson Organ-builders, 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 & Turn-er. 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 show-piece 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.
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 see-ing this organ go to a worthy home where quality, tradition and the historic signifi-cance of this organ will be valued. It is extremely rare to find an organ of this vin-tage in original condition; it is even more rare to find an Opus 1.
Please call our office with any questions.
Mr. Dave McClearyProject Manager
888.229.4820www.parsonsorgans.com
19 stops, 23 ranks
Great, 56 notes, Manual I Swell, 56 notes, Manual II, enclosed 8' Open Diapason 16' Bourdon Bass 8' Dulciana (Bass from Gamba) 16' Bourdon Treble 8' Gamba 8' Open Diapason (TC) 8' Stopped Diapason Bass 8' Keraulophon (TC) 8' Clarabella (TC) 8' Stopped Diapason Bass 4' Principal 8' Stopped Diapason Treble 4' Wald Flute 4’ Principal
2 2/3' Twelfth 4' Suabe Flute 2' Fifteenth Cornet Dolce III
Sesquialtera III 8' Bassoon Bass 8' Trumpet Bass 8' Oboe 8' Trumpet Treble Tremulant
Swell to Great
Pedal, 25 notes, parallel & flat
Bellows Signal 16' Double Open Diapason Pitch: a1=440hz 16' Bourdon
Dimensions: Great to Pedal 15’ W x 15’ D x 16’ H Swell to Pedal
