William Stone Pipe Organ (1879)
The Avenue Uniting Church is proud to be the steward of a fine historic pipe organ built by Australian organ builder William Stone in 1879.
The organ began life at the Congregational Church in Alma Road, St Kilda, before being moved to St John’s Congregational Church in South St Kilda in around 1888.
The organ was purchased for its present location in 1973 by the former Blackburn Methodist and Presbyterian congregations, now The Avenue Uniting Church. It was carefully restored and installed in the church by enthusiastic members of the congregation, including the organists at the time, Dr William Ralph and Mrs Joy Hearne.
The organ was classified by the Organ Historical Trust of Australia in 2008. It is considered to be the only organ built by William Stone to survive intact. It has a bright and clear sound, and is a fine example of 19th century organ building. It is unique compared to many other organs today, in that it is a tracker (mechanical) action organ. The organ also has a ‘latch down’ swell pedal, another feature not often seen today. Further details on
the organ can be found here.
In 2010 the bottom octave of the Clarionet rank was added. This has given the organ a tremendous lift, particularly when coupling the swell and
pedal divisions.
The organ is used regularly in worship today, and we are fortunate to have two part-time organists, as well as members of the congregation who are able to play this magnificent instrument. The organ is carefully maintained thanks to the expertise of Australian Pipe
Organs.
The organ began life at the Congregational Church in Alma Road, St Kilda, before being moved to St John’s Congregational Church in South St Kilda in around 1888.
The organ was purchased for its present location in 1973 by the former Blackburn Methodist and Presbyterian congregations, now The Avenue Uniting Church. It was carefully restored and installed in the church by enthusiastic members of the congregation, including the organists at the time, Dr William Ralph and Mrs Joy Hearne.
The organ was classified by the Organ Historical Trust of Australia in 2008. It is considered to be the only organ built by William Stone to survive intact. It has a bright and clear sound, and is a fine example of 19th century organ building. It is unique compared to many other organs today, in that it is a tracker (mechanical) action organ. The organ also has a ‘latch down’ swell pedal, another feature not often seen today. Further details on
the organ can be found here.
In 2010 the bottom octave of the Clarionet rank was added. This has given the organ a tremendous lift, particularly when coupling the swell and
pedal divisions.
The organ is used regularly in worship today, and we are fortunate to have two part-time organists, as well as members of the congregation who are able to play this magnificent instrument. The organ is carefully maintained thanks to the expertise of Australian Pipe
Organs.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Great Open Diapason 8 Stopped Diapason 8 (CC-BB) Clarabella 8 (TC) Viol di Gamba 8 (TC) Salicional 8 (TC) Octave 4 Flute 4 (TC) Fifteenth 2 Swell to Great Swell Violin Diapason 8 (gvd bass) Lieblich Gedact 8 Geigen Principal 4 Piccolo 2 Clarionet 8 Pedal Open Diapason 16 Octave 8 (not connected) Great to Pedal 3 combination pedals. . |
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