Brick Presbyterian Church - New York City (photo: Steven E. Lawson)
Click on images to enlarge
Brick Presbyterian Church

Park Avenue at 91st Street
New York, N.Y. 10128
http://www.brickchurch.org

Organ Specifications:
Park Avenue at 91st Street (since 1940):
► IV/118 Casavant Frères, Op. 3837 (2005)
► IV/110 Austin Organs, Op. 2400; rev. Shultz (1996)
► IV/114 Austin Organs, Op. 2400 (1963, 1986)
► IV/92 Ernest M. Skinner & Son Co. (1940)
1010 Park Avenue at 85th Street (1937-1940):
► III/47 Hilborne L. Roosevelt, Op. 300 (1886)
Fifth Avenue at 37th Street (1858-1937):
► IV/87 Ernest M. Skinner Co., Op. 280 (1917)
► III/50 George S. Hutchings, Op. 428 (1898)
► II/32 Richard M. Ferris (1858)
• Unknown builder (1872) – Lecture Room
Beekman Street (1768-1856):
• none

See also the Chapel Organs at Brick Church.
           
The society known today as The Brick Church was established in 1767 by the Presbyterian Church, then located on Wall Street at Nassau Street, to ease overcrowding. The board successfully petitioned the City for use of a triangular plot of land near the "Vineyard" – an area bounded by what became Beekman Street and Park Row – and then raised subscriptions to erect a new building. Designed in the Georgian style, the edifice was constructed of red brick and had an unfinished steeple. The completed "New Church" opened for worship on New Year's Day 1768. The building soon became familiarly known as "Brick Meeting" or "Brick Church," perhaps to differentiate it from the Wall Street church that was built of stone. During the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) the building was commandeered by the enemy for use as a military prison and hospital, but was restored to religious service in 1784. Brick Meeting became an independent church in 1809.

As City residents migrated northward, plans were made to build a new church nearer its members. The old property was sold in 1856 and became the site of The New York Times offices.

In 1858, a new Brick Church was opened on the northwest corner of Fifth Avenue and 37th Street in the Murray Hill area of Manhattan. Designed by Griffith Thomas, the red-bricked Georgian edifice featured a 250-foot spire that contained the old bell. In 1937, Brick Church merged with Park Avenue Presbyterian Church, located at Park Avenue and 85th Street (in the building now occupied by Park Avenue Christian Church). A lot was purchased on Park Avenue and 91st Street, and a new church building, designed by Lewis Ayres of York & Sawyer, was dedicated in 1940. The weather vane and old bell were moved to the new spire, and the 1917 Skinner organ was moved to the new church. The Chapel of the Reformed Faith, designed by Adams & Woodbridge, was constructed in 1952.
           
"New Church" or "Brick Meeting" (1768-1856) on Beekman Street - New York City (photo: Brick Presbyterian Church)
  
Brick Presbyterian Church on Fifth Avenue at 37th Street (1858-1937) on Beekman Street - New York City (photo: Brick Presbyterian Church)
  
Park Avenue Presbyterian Church - New York City
"New Church" or "Brick Meeting"
(1768-1856) on Beekman Street
 
The Brick Church (1858-1937)
Fifth Avenue at 37th Street
  Park Avenue Presbyterian (1937-40)
Park Avenue at 85th Street
           
  Casavant Frères Organ, Op. 3837 (2005) - Brick Presbyterian Church - New York City (Photo: Keith S. Toth)
Casavant Frères, Limitée
St. Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada – Opus 3837 (2005)
Electric slider chests
Solid State combination action
4 manuals, 101 registers, 88 stops, 118 ranks






In 2002, the Brick Church commissioned organbuilders Casavant Frères of St-Hyacinthe, Québec, to build a new electric slide chest organ of 88 independent stops (101 speaking stops), 118 ranks and 6,288 pipes. Pipe materials and construction reflect late 19th century French practices as developed by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. Winding utilizes double-rise reservoirs along with wooden wind lines and follows the practices of the Casavant brothers in their early instruments. The movable four-manual terraced console, patterned after those built by Casavant in the early 20th century, is of red oak and mahogany and has an ornately carved shell. The façade, designed by Benoît Gendron of Casavant, consists of twin carved, painted, and gilded cases with polished tin pipes. The organ was voiced onsite by Casavant voicers Jean-Sébastien Dufour and Yves Champagne. The voicing was carefully guided by Jean-Louis Coignet, and Keith S. Tóth, Minister of Music.

The organ was dedicated with a recital by Ben van Oosten on November 7, 2005.
               
Grand-Orgue (Manual I) – 61 notes
32
  Bourdon [ext. 16; 1-12 fr. Soub]
—
2
  Doublette
61
16
  Montre
61
2 2/3
   Grande Fourniture III-VII rangs
326
16
  Bourdon
61
1 1/3
   Fourniture II-V rangs
224
8
  Montre
61
1
   Cymbale III-IV rangs
232
8
  Salicional
61
16
   Basson (ext.)
12
8
  Bourdon
61
8
   Baryton
61
4
  Prestant
61
    Grand Orgue Grave  
2 2/3
   Quinte
61
     Grand Orgue Muet  
               
Grand-Chœur (Manual I) – 61 notes
16
  Violonbasse (ext.)
12
16
   Bombarde
61
8
  Flûte harmonique
61
8
   Trompette
61
8
  Violon
61
4
   Clairon
61
4
  Flûte octaviante
61
    Grand Chœur Grave  
16
   Grand Cornet V [fr. Cornet V]
—
     Grand Chœur Muet  
8
   Cornet V ranks (TC)
245
        
               
Positif expressif (Manual II) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
  Quintaton
61
1 1/3
  Larigot
61
8
  Principal
61
1 1/7
  Septième
61
8
  Dulciane
61
1
  Piccolo
61
8
  Unda maris (GG)
54
1 1/3
   Plein-Jeu II-V rangs
233
8
  Flûte harmonique
61
16
   Clarinette basse
61
8
  Bourdon
61
8
   Trompette
61
4
  Prestant
61
8
  Cromorne
61
4
  Flûte douce
61
4
   Clarinette soprano
61
2 2/3
  Nasard
61
    Tremolo (Tremblant doux)  
2
  Flageolet
61
    Positif Grave  
1 3/5
   Tierce
61
     Positif Muet  
               
Récit expressif (Manual III) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
  Bourdon
61
16
   Bombarde
61
8
  Diapason
61
8
   Trompette harmonique
61
8
  Flûte traversière
61
8
   Basson-Hautbois
61
8
  Viole de gambe
61
8
  Voix humaine
61
8
  Voix céleste
61
8
  Clarinette
61
8
  Cor de nuit
61
4
   Clairon harmonique
61
8
  Voix éolienne (TC)
49
    Tremolo (à vent perdu)  
4
  Fugara
61
    Clochettes  
4
  Flûte octaviante
61
    Récit Grave  
2 2/3
  Nasard
61
    Récit Muet  
2
  Octavin
61
    Récit Octave  
8
   Cornet harmonique II-V rangs
245
     Sostenuto  
2
   Plein Jeu harm. II-V rangs
228
        
               
Solo expressif (Manual IV) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
  Flûte majeure
61
16
   Tuba magna (TC, fr. Tuba 8)
—
8
  Flûtes célestes II rangs *
110
16
   Cor de basset
61
8
  Violoncelle
61
8
   Tuba mirabilis
61
8
  Céleste
61
8
   Cor français *
61
4
  Viole d'amour
61
8
  Cor anglais (free reeds) +
61
4
  Flûte de concert
61
    Tremolo (à vent perdu)  
2 2/3
  Nasard harmonique
61
    Solo Grave  
2
  Octavin
61
    Solo Muet  
1 3/5
  Tierce harmonique
61
    Solo Octave  
2
   Piccolo harmonique
61
     Sostenuto
1/3
   Clochette harmonique
61
    
* from E.M. Skinner organ, Op. 280 (1917)
           
+ made in France, late 19th century
               
Pédale – 32 notes
32
  Soubasse (ext.)
12
5 1/3
   Quinte
32
16
  Flûte
32
4 4/7
   Grande Septième
32
16
  Contrebasse
32
4
  Octave
32
16
  Violonbasse
G-C
4
   Flûte
32
16
  Soubasse
32
2
  Cor de nuit
32
16
  Montre
G-O
32
   Contre Bombarde (ext.)
12
16
  Bourdon
RÉC
16
  Bombarde
32
10 2/3
  Grande Quinte
32
16
  Basson
G-O
8
  Flûte
32
16
   Bombarde
RÉC
8
  Violoncelle
32
8
  Trompette
32
8
  Bourdon
32
8
   Baryton
G-O
6 2/5
  Grande Tierce
32
4
   Clairon
32
               
Couplers (Multiplex)
    Grand Orgue à la Pédale   Grand Orgue au Positif
    Grand Chœur à la Pédale   Grand Chœur au Positif
    Récit à la Pédale   Récit Grave au Positif
    Récit Octave à la Pédale   Récit au Positif
    Positif à la Pédale   Récit Octave au Positif
    Postif Octave à la Pédale   Solo au Positif
    Solo à la Pédale   Solo au Récit
    Solo Octave à la Pédale   Solo Octave au Récit
    Récit Grave au Grand Orgue   Grand Chœur au Solo
    Récit au Grand Orgue    
    Récit Octave au Grand Orgue   G.O. – G.C. / Positif Reverse
    Positif Grave au Grand Orgue      (including divisional combinations;
   not affected by combination action,
   crescendo or full organ)
    Positif au Grand Orgue  
    Solo Grave au Grand Orgue  
    Solo au Grand Orgue   Union des Expressions
    Solo Octave au Grand Orgue      (All Swells to Swell)
    Pédale au Grand Orgue   Coupure de Pédalier (Pedal Divide)
               
Adjustable Combinations (256 levels of memory)
   
Grand Orgue/    
Grand Chœur Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 Thumb
Positif Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 Thumb
Récit Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 Thumb
Solo Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6 Thumb
Pédale Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6 Toe
Généraux Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10- Thumb (1-20) and Toe (1-12)
  11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20
Rappels de division (Divisional Cancels) Thumb pistons on key cheeks
Rappel (General Cancel) Thumb
Général suivant (Sequencer Generals forward) Thumb (5) and Toe (2)
Général précédent (Sequencer Generals previous) Thumb (2) and Toe (1)
Niveau de mémoire suivant (Memory Level forward) Thumb (2)
Niveau de mémoire précédent (Memory Level previous) Thumb (2)
Adjusteur (Setter) Thumb
Verrouillage des combinaisons (Comb. Adjuster Lock) Push-button code
Sauvegarde des combinaisons (Memory Storage System)
               
Reversible Pistons
   
Grand Orgue à la Pédale Thumb and Toe
Grand Chœur à la Pédale Thumb and Toe
Récit à la Pédale Thumb and Toe
Positif à la Pédale Thumb and Toe
Solo à la Pédale Thumb and Toe
Positif au Grand Orgue Toe
Récit au Grand Orgue Toe
Solo au Grand Orgue Toe
Soubasse 32' Thumb and Toe
Contre Bombarde 32' Thumb and Toe
Appel (programmable) Thumb and Toe
Clochettes Thumb and Toe
Effet d'orage (five notes) Toe
Tutti Thumb and Toe
               
Balanced Pedals
    Crescendo (4 modes, programmable)    
    Positif Expression    
    Récit Expression      
    Solo Expression      
               
Accessories
    Concave and radiating pedal clavier (A.G.O.)
    Adjustable organ bench with gauge
    Music rack light with on/off switch (hidden)
    Pedalboard light
    Crescendo indicator light (amber)
    Tutti indicator light (red)
    Combination action adjuster lock indicator
    Expression indicator lights (four for each expression – amber)
    MIDI In/Out with preassigned channels
               
Casavant Frères Organ, Op. 3837 (2005) - Brick Presbyterian Church - New York City (Photo: Keith S. Toth)
  
Casavant Frères Organ, Op. 3837 (2005) - Brick Presbyterian Church - New York City (Photo: Keith S. Toth)
  
Casavant Frères Organ, Op. 3837 (2005) - Brick Presbyterian Church - New York City (Photo: Keith S. Toth)
           
Austin Organs Inc.
Hartford, Conn. – Opus 2400 (1963, 1986); rev. Bruce Shultz (1996)
Electro-pneumatic action
4 manuals, 110 registers, 90 stops, 114 ranks


From 1995-96, the Austin organ was rebuilt, enlarged, and tonally revised by Bruce Shultz of Bruce Shultz and Associates of Philadelphia. Several stops from the 1917-1940 Ernest M. Skinner organ were incorporated in the four-manual instrument.
               
Great Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes
16
  Violone (ext.) +
12
1 3/5
 
Seventeenth
preparation
8
  Principal +
61
 
  Fourniture IV ranks +
244
8
  Bourdon +
61
 
  Scharf III ranks +
183
8
  Viola +
61
16
  Contre Bombarde +
61
4
  Octave +
61
8
  Trompette +
61
4
  Nachthorn +
61
8
  Basson +
61
2 2/3
  Octave Quint +
61
4
  Clairon Harmonique +
61
2
  Super Octave +
61
 
  Chimes  
               
Swell Organ (Manual III) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
  Flûte Conique
61
2
  Doublette + *
61
8
  Diapason Conique +
61
 
  Sesquialtera II ranks +
122
8
  Rohrflöte +
61
 
  Plein Jeu IV ranks
244
8
  Flûte Conique *
61
16
  Bombarde +
61
8
  Flûte Celeste (TC) *
49
8
  Trompette +
61
8
  Viola da Gamba +
61
8
  Hautbois +
61
8
  Voix Celeste (TC) +
49
8
  Vox Humana
61
8
  Viol d'amour + *
61
4
  Clairon
61
8
  Viol Celeste (TC) + *
49
 
  Tremulant  
4
  Principal +
61
 
     
4
  Harmonic Flute +
61
 
  Cymbelstern  
               
Choir Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
  Geigen Principal +
61
2
  Blockflöte +
61
8
  Gedeckt + *
61
1 3/5
  Tierce +
61
8
  Gemshorn + *
61
8
  Trompette Harmonique +
61
8
  Erzähler Celeste (TC) + *
49
8
  Orchestral Oboe +
61
8
  Kleine Erzähler II ranks *
110
8
  Krummhorn +
61
4
  Montre
61
8
  Tuba Mirabilis +
SO
4
  Waldflöte +
61
4
  Tuba Clairon +
SO
2 2/3
  Nazard +
61
 
  Tremulant   
               
Positive Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes
8
  Holzgedeckt +
61
1
  Sifflöte
61
4
  Nason Flute +
61
 
  Scharf IV ranks
244
2
  Oktav
61
8
  Rohr Schalmei +
61
1 1/3
  Quint
61
       
               
Solo Organ (Manual IV) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
  Clear Flute +
61
8
  English Horn +
61
8
  Violoncello +
61
8
  French Horn *
61
8
  Cello Celeste + *
61
8
  Clarinet +
61
4
  Concert Flute +
61
8
  Tuba Mirabilis + [20" w.p.]
61
 
  Grand Chorus V ranks
305
4
  Bombarde Clairon
61
16
  Bombarde +
61
 
  Tremulant  
8
  Bombarde +
61
 
     
               
Pedal Organ – 32 notes
32
  Contra Bourdon (ext.) + *
12
4
  Waldflöte
32
16
  Contra Bass *
32
2
  Choral Bass (ext.) +
12
16
  Bourdon *
32
 
  Mixture IV ranks +
128
16
  Double Open Diapason +
32
32
  Contre Bombarde + *
SO
16
  Violone +
GT
16
  Bombarde +
SO
10 2/3
  Gross Quint +
32
16
  Bombarde +
GT
8
  Principal
32
16
  Tuba Magna +
SO
8
  Bourdon
32
8
  Tuba Mirabilis +
SO
8
  Major Bass +
32
8
  Bombarde +
GT
8
  Viola +
GT
4
  Clairon +
GT
4
  Choral Bass +
32
4
  Tuba Clairon +
SO
               
Antiphonal Great Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes
8
  Principal
61
2
  Spitz Fifteenth
61
8
  Pommer Gedeckt
61
1 1/3
  Quint
61
4
  Prestant
61
 
  Mixture III ranks
183
4
  Flûte Ouverte
61
 
     
               
Antiphonal Swell Organ (Manual III) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
  Salicional
61
 
  Plein Jeu III ranks
183
8
  Rohrflöte
61
8
  Cor Anglais + [free reeds]
61
8
  Dulciana
61
 
  Tremulant  
8
  Unda Maris (TC)
49
8
  Trompette en Chamade +
61
4
  Octave
61
 
       [unenclosed]  
4
  Spitzflöte +
61
 
     
               
Antiphonal Pedal Organ – 32 notes
16
  Salicional
A-SW
8
   Gedeckt
A-SW
16
  Gedeckt
A-SW
4
  Super Octave
A-GT
8
  Prestant
A-GT
       
       
* from E.M. Skinner organ, Op. 280 (1917, 1940)
       
+ new/revoiced stop by Bruce Shultz (1995-96)
         
  Austin Organ, Op. 2400 (1963) previously at Brick Presbyterian Church, New York City (photo: Steven E. Lawson)
Austin Organs Inc.
Hartford, Conn. – Opus 2400 (1963)
Electro-pneumatic action
4 manuals, 99 registers, 77 stops, 104 ranks



In 1963, an entirely new organ was built by Austin Organs of Hartford. Several stops from the 1917/1940 Ernest M. Skinner organ were incorporated into the four-manual 106-rank instrument.

The Brick Church organ was one of a "quartet" of large and important Austin organs installed in 1961 in New York City, the others being at the Church of the Heavenly Rest (Op. 1586-B), Fifth Avenue Presbyterian (Op. 2347), and First Presbyterian (Op. 2408).
               
Great Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes
16
  Contra Gemshorn
73
2 2/3
  Octave Quint
61
8
  Principal
61
2
  Super Octave
61
8
  Bourdon
61
 
  Fourniture IV ranks
244
8
  Gemshorn (fr. 16')
—
     Scharf III ranks
183
4
  Octave
61
8
  Trompete
61
4
  Nachthorn
61
   
Chimes
25 notes
               
Swell Organ (Manual III) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
  Lieblich Gedeckt
80
4
   Waldflöte *
68
8
  Geigen Principal
68
2
  Octavin
61
8
  Rohrflöte (fr. 16')
—
 
  Sesquialtera II ranks
122
8
  Viole de Gambe
68
  Plein Jeu IV ranks
244
8
  Voix Celeste (GG)
61
16
   Fagotto
68
8
  Flute Conique
68
8
  Trompette
68
8
  Flute Celeste (TC)
56
8
  Hautbois
68
8
  Viol d'amour *
68
4
  Clairon
68
8
  Viol Celeste (TC) *
56
 
 
Vox Humana
preparation
4
  Principal
68
 
  Tremulant  
               
Choir Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
  Quintaten
68
2
  Blockflöte
61
8
  Viola
68
1 3/5
  Tierce
61
8
  Holzgedeckt
68
16
   Rankett
68
8
  Erzähler
68
8
  Krummhorn
68
8
  Kleine Erzähler II ranks *
124
4
   Rohr Schalmei
68
4
  Montre
68
     Tremulant  
4
  Spitzflöte
68
     Harp  
2 2/3
  Nazard
61
 
     
               
Positive Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes
8
  Nason Flute
61
1
  Sifflöte
61
4
  Koppelflöte
61
 
  Scharf IV ranks
244
2
  Oktav
61
    Cymbel III ranks
183
1 1/3
  Quint
61
       
               
Solo Organ (Manual IV) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
  Orchestral Flute
68
8
  English Horn
68
8
  Violoncello
68
8
  French Horn *
68
8
  Cello Celeste *
68
8
  Bombarde
68
4
  Concert Flute
68
4
   Bombarde Clarion
68
 
  Grand Chorus V ranks
305
    Tremulant  
               
Pedal Organ – 32 notes
32
  Contra Bourdon *
56
4
  Waldflöte
32
16
  Contra Bass *
32
2
  Choral Bass (fr. 4')
—
16
  Bourdon (fr. 32') *
—
 
  Mixture IV ranks
128
16
  Gemshorn
GT
32
  Contre Bombarde (ext. SO) *
12
16
  Quintaten
CH
16
  Posaune
44
16
  Lieblich Gedeckt
SW
16
  Bombarde (ext. SO) *
12
8
  Principal
32
16
  Fagotto
SW
8
  Bourdon (fr. 32') *
—
16
   Rankett
CH
8
  Gemshorn
GT
8
  Posaune (fr. 16')
—
8
  Rohrflöte
SW
4
  Rohr Schalmei
CH
4
  Choral Bass
44
     Chimes
GT
               
Antiphonal Great Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes
8
  Principal
61
2
  Spitz Fifteenth
61
8
  Pommer Gedeckt
61
1 1/3
  Quint
61
4
  Prestant
61
 
  Mixture III ranks
183
4
  Flute Ouverte
61
 
     
               
Antiphonal Swell Organ (Manual III) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
  Rohrflöte
68
4
  Harmonic Flute
68
8
  Salicional
68
     Plein Jeu III ranks
183
8
  Dulciana
68
8
  Trompette
68
8
  Unda Maris (TC)
56
     Tremulant  
4
  Octave
68
 
   
               
Antiphonal Pedal Organ – 32 notes
16
  Salicional [ext. A-SW]
12
8
   Gedeckt
A-SW
16
  Gedeckt [ext. A-SW]
12
4
  Super Octave
A-GT
8
  Principal
A-GT
       
       
* from E.M. Skinner organ, Op. 280 (1917, 1940)
         
Organ moved from the church located on Fifth Avenue at 37th Street:

Ernest M. Skinner & Son Company
Methuen, Mass. (1940)
Electro-pneumatic action
4 manuals, 125 registers, 80 stops, 92 ranks


The first organ in the present building was originally built in 1917 by the Ernest M. Skinner Company of Boston for the Brick Church building on Fifth Avenue. In 1940, the organ was rebuilt with a new four-manual console and installed in the new building by Ernest M. Skinner & Son Company of Methuen, Mass. The rebuilt organ was dedicated on December 10, 1940, with a recital by Dr. Clarence Dickinson, assisted by the Brick Church Motet Choir and the Chapel Choir of Union Theological Seminary.
               
Great Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
  Diapason
61
4
   Flute Harmonique
61
8
  First Diapason
61
4
   Octave
61
8
  Second Diapason
61
  Grave Mixture II ranks
122
8
  Third Diapason
CH
  Mixture IV ranks
244
8
  Stentorphone
61
8
   Flugel Horn
CH
8
  Erzahler
61
16
  Ophicleide
SO
8
  Gamba
SO
8
  Trumpet
SO
8
  Orchestral Strings
—
8
  Tuba
SO
8
  Dulciana
CH
4
  Clarion
SO
8
  Harmonic Flute
61
8
   Harp (TC)
CH
8
  Waldflote
SO
4
   Celesta
CH
8
  Concert Flute
CH
  Chimes
EC
8
   Flute Celeste
CH
     
               
Swell Organ (Manual III) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
  Bourdon
73
4
   Violina
73
8
  First Diapason
73
4
  Flute Harmonique
73
8
  Second Diapason
73
4
  Octave
73
8
  Salicional
73
2
  Flautino
61
8
  Viole d'Orchestre
73
    Cornet III ranks
183
8
  Voix Celeste
73
    Mixture IV ranks
244
8
  Orchestral Strings
—
16
   Contra Posaune
73
8
  Viole d'Amour
73
8
  Cornopean
73
8
  Unda Maris
73
 8
  Oboe
73
8
  Clarabella
73
8
   Vox Humana (sep. box)
61
8
  Gedeckt
73
4
   Clarion
73
8
  Spitzflote
73
    Tremolo  
8
   Flute Celeste
73
        
               
Choir Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
   Gemshorn
73
1 1/7
   Septieme
61
16
  Contra Gamba
73
2
  Piccolo
61
8
  Diapason
73
16
  Fagotto
73
8
  Dolce
73
8
  Clarinet
73
8
  Orchestral Strings
—
8
  Flugel Horn
73
8
  Dulciana
73
8
  English Horn
SO
8
  Kleine Erzähler
73
8
  French Horn
SO
8
  Concert Flute
73
8
  Tuba Mirabilis
SO
8
  Quintadena
73
8
  Harp (TC)  
4
   Flute d'Amour
73
4
  Celesta  
2 2/3
   Nazard
61
     Tremolo  
1 3/5
  Tierce
61
       
               
Choir Echo Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
  Gedeckt
—
8
  Flugel Horn
—
8
  Vox Angelica II ranks
—
8
  Vox Humana
—
8
  Chimney Flute
—
   
Chimes
27 notes
    Mixture III ranks
—
16
   Pedal Bourdon
—
               
Solo Organ (Manual IV) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
  Diapason
73
8
  English Horn
73
8
  Stentorphone
73
8
  French Horn
73
8
  Harmonic Flute
73
16
   Ophicleide
73
8
  Gamba
73
8
  Trumpet
73
8
  Gamba Celeste
73
8
  Tuba
73
8
  Orchestral Strings
—
8
  Tuba Mirabilis
73
4
   Solo Flute
73
4
  Clarion
73
8
   Musette
73
    Tremolo  
8
  Orchestral Oboe
73
       
               
Solo Echo Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
  Gedeckt
73
8
  Flugel Horn
73
8
  Vox Angelica II ranks
134
8
  Vox Humana
61
8
  Chimney Flute
73
   
Chimes
27 tubes
    Mixture III ranks
183
    Tremolo  
       
16
   Pedal Bourdon
12
               
Orchestral Strings (floating) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
  Gross Gamba
73
8
  Viole Celeste
73
8
  Gamba Celeste
73
4
   Octave
73
8
  Viole d'Orchestre
73
    Tremolo  
               
N.B. The Orchestral Strings was a separate string organ of five ranks of various scales and voicing tuned as a large celeste and in its own box, which was controlled automatically by the swell shoe of the manual on which the strings were drawn. If drawn on two or more manuals at the same time, the Swell Organ shoe would control this box. The tremolo of each manual controlled its tremolo.
               
Pedal Organ – 32 notes, enclosed
32
  Bourdon
68
8
  Still Gedeckt
SW
32
  Resultant
—
8
  Cello
CH
16
  Diapason I
44
5 1/3
  Quint Bass (fr. 32')
—
16
  Diapason II
GT
4
   Flute (fr. 32')
—
16
  Violone
32
32
   Bombarde
56
16
  Gemshorn
CH
16
  Trombone (fr. 32' Bomb.)
—
16
  Bourdon (fr. 32')
—
16
  Contra Posaune
SW
16
  Lieblich Gedeckt
SW
16
   Fagotto
CH
16
  Echo Bourdon
32
8
  Tromba (fr. 32' Bomb.)
—
16
   Gamba
CH
8
   Tuba
SO
8
  Octave (fr. Diapason I)
—
4
   Clarion
SO
8
  Gemshorn
CH
     Chimes
EC
8
   Gedeckt (fr. 32')
—
        
               
Couplers
    Swell to Pedal 8', 4'   Solo to Choir 8"
    Great to Pedal 8'   Swell to Solo 16', 8', 4'
    Choir to Pedal 8', 4'   Great to Solo 8'
    Solo to Pedal 8', 4'   Choir to Solo 16', 8', 4'
    Swell to Great 16', 8', 4'   Great to Great 16', 4'
    Choir to Great 16', 8', 4'   Swell to Swell 16', 4'
    Solo to Great 16', 8', 4'   Choir to Choir 16', 4'
    Solo to Swell 8'   Solo to Solo 16', 4'
    Swell to Choir 16', 8', 4'   Pedal Divide for Swell & Solo to Pedal
           
               
Reversibles
    Great to Pedal   Swell to Pedal
    Solo to Pedal   Solo to Great
    Choir to Pedal    
               
Combination Pistons
   
Solo Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 (thumb)
Swell Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 (thumb & toe)
Great Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 (thumb)
Choir Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 (thumb)
Pedal Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 (toe)
Couplers Pistons 1-2-3-4 (thumb)
General Pistons 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11 (thumb)
               
Mechanicals
    Solo, Swell, Great, and Choir Unison On and Off
    Harp Damper On and Off
    Pedal 32' Silenced
    Manual 16' Silenced
    Pedal On and Off combinations on each manual
    Great & Choir swell pedals to Solo pedal by pedal reversible
    Solo, Swell, Great and Choir swell pedals
    Swell Pedal for entire organ
    Crescendo Pedal, Crescendo Indicator
    Sforzando by piston or by pedal
           
Organ in church located on Park Avenue and 85th Street:

Hilborne L. Roosevelt
New York City – Opus 300 (1886)
Tubular-pneumatic chests
Mechanical key action
3 manuals, 40 stops, 47 ranks


The Hilborne L. Roosevelt organ in the Park Avenue Presbyterian Church was a rebuild of the 1860 Thomas Robjohn organ built for the South Dutch Reformed Church located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 21st Street. In 1911, the organ was moved to the new South church building on Park Avenue.
               
Great Organ (Manual II) – 58 notes
16
  Double Open Diapason
58
4
  Flute Harmonique *
58
8
  Open Diapason
58
2 2/3
  Octave Quint *
58
8
  Bell Diapason
58
2
  Super Octave *
58
8
  Viola di Gamba
58
  Mixture 4 ranks *
232
8
  Doppel Flöte
58
8
   Trumpet *
58
4
   Octave *
58
    
* enclosed in Choir swell-box

 

     

 

     
Swell Organ (Manual III) – 58 notes, enclosed
16
  Bourdon, Treble and Bass
58
4
  Hohl Flöte
58
8
  Open Diapason
58
4
  Flageolet
58
8
  Flute à Pavillon
58
2
  Cornet 3, 4 & 5 ranks
230
8
  Salicional
58
16
   Contra Fagotto
58
8
  Dolce
58
8
  Cornopean
58
8
  Stopped Diapason
58
8
  Oboe
58
4
   Octave
58
8
   Vox Humana
58
               
Choir Organ (Manual I) – 58 notes, enclosed
8
   Geigen Principal
58
4
   Fugara
58
8
   Dulciana
58
4
   Flute d'Amour
58
8
   Concert Flute
58
2
   Piccolo Harmonique
58
8
   Quintadena
58
8
   Clarinet
58

     

     
Pedal Organ – 30 notes
16
  Open Diapason
30
8
  Violoncello
30
16
  Dulciana
30
8
  Flute
30
16
   Bourdon
30
16
   Trombone
30
10 2/3
  Quint
30
        
           
 

Hutchings Organ Case in The Brick Presbyterian Church - New York City (photo: Arnold Moses, Historical American Buildings Survey, 1937)

  The organ case in 1937
  Console of E.M. Skinner Organ, Op. 280 (1917) - Brick Presbyterian Church - New York City (Photo: Brick Church Archives)
  Skinner console prior to removal
Organ in church located on Fifth Avenue at 37th Street

Ernest M. Skinner Company
Boston, Mass. – Opus 280 (1917)
Electro-pneumatic action
4 manuals, 119 registers, 75 stops, 87 ranks



In 1917, the Ernest M. Skinner Company of Boston built a new four-manual organ, retaining the 1898 George S. Hutchings organ case. An unusual feature of this organ was the set of Master expression shutters that controlled the entire organ. Clarence Dickinson played the dedicatory recital in November 1918. When the new church building on Park Avenue was built in 1940, E.M. Skinner & Son was contracted to move and rebuild the 1917 organ.

Dr. Clarence Dickinson

Dr. Clarence Dickinson
 
It was under the leadership of Dr. Clarence Dickinson, who was organist and choirmaster from 1909-1960, that the church's music program rose to national prominence. Dr. Dickinson, along with his wife, Dr. Helen Dickinson, founded the School of Sacred Music at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.
               
Great Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
  Diapason
61
8
  Flute Celeste
CH
8
  First Diapason
61
8
  Dulciana
CH
8
  Second Diapason
61
4
  Octave
61
8
  Third Diapason
CH
4
  Flute Harmonique
61
8
  Stentorphone
SO
    Mixture IV ranks
244
8
  Philomela
SO
16
  Ophicleide
SO
8
  Grossflote
61
8
  Trumpet
SO
8
  Waldflote
61
8
  Tuba
SO
8
  Erzahler
61
4
  Clarion
SO
8
  Orchestral Strings
—
    Harp
CH
8
  Gamba
SO
    Celesta
CH
8
  Concert Flute
CH
       
               
Swell Organ (Manual III) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
  Bourdon
73
8
  Flute Celeste
73
8
  First Diapason
73
4
  Octave
73
8
  Second Diapason
73
4
  Flute Harmonique
73
8
  Clarabella
73
2
  Piccolo Harmonique
61
8
  Gedeckt
73
    Mixture IV ranks
244
8
  Salicional
73
16
  Contra Posaune
73
8
  Viole d'Orchestre
73
8
  Cornopean
73
8
  Voix Celeste
73
8
  Oboe
73
8
  Orchestral Strings
—
 8
  Vox Humana (sep. box)
61
8
  Viole d'Amour
73
4
  Clarion
73
8
  Unda Maris
73
    Tremolo  
8
  Spitzflote
73
       
               
Choir Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
  Contra Gamba
73
2
  Piccolo
61
8
  Diapason
73
16
  Fagotto
73
8
  Concert Flute
73
8
  Clarinet
73
8
  Flute Celeste
73
8
  Flugel Horn
73
8
  Quintadena
73
8
  English Horn
SO
8
  Dulcet II ranks
146
8
  Orchestral Oboe
SO
8
  Dulciana
73
8
  French Horn
SO
8
  Orchestral Strings
—
8
  Tuba Mirabilis
SO
8
  Kleine Erzahler II ranks
146
 
  Tremolo  
4
  Flute d'Amour
73
    Harp  
2 2/3
  Nazard
61
    Celesta  
               
Choir Echo Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
  Gedeckt
—
8
  Flugel Horn
—
8
  Vox Angelica II ranks
—
 
  Chimes
—
8
  Chimney Flute
—
16
  Pedal Bourdon
—
    Mixture III ranks
—
       
               
Solo Organ (Manual IV) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
  Stentorphone
73
8
  Tuba
73
8
  Philomela (ext. PED)
17
8
  Trumpet
73
8
  Gamba
73
8
  French Horn
73
8
  Gamba Celeste
73
8
  English Horn
73
8
  Orchestral Strings
—
8
  Musette
73
8
  Solo Flute
73
8
  Orchestral Oboe
73
    Mixture III ranks
183
4
  Clarion
73
16
  Ophicleide
73
    Tremolo  
8
  Tuba Mirabilis
73
       
               
Solo Echo Organ (Manual IV) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
  Bourdon
61
8
  Flugel Horn
61
8
  Gedeckt
61
8
  Vox Humana
61
8
  Vox Angelica II ranks
122
    Tremolo  
4
  Chimney Flute
61
   
Chimes
27 tubes
    Mixture III ranks
183
16
  Pedal Bourdon
EC
               
Orchestral Strings (floating) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
  Gross Gamba
73
8
  Viole Celeste
73
8
  Gamba Celeste
73
8
  Vox Humana
73
8
  Viole d'Orchestre
73
    Tremolo  
               
N.B. The Orchestral Strings was a separate string organ of five ranks of various scales and voicing tuned as a large celeste and in its own box, which was controlled automatically by the swell shoe of the manual on which the strings were drawn. If drawn on two or more manuals at the same time, the Swell Organ shoe would control this box. The tremolo of each manual controlled its tremolo.
               
Pedal Organ – 32 notes, enclosed
32
  Bourdon
68
8
  Cello
SW
32
  Resultant
—
8
  Gamba
CH
16
  Diapason I
44
4
  Flute
—
16
  Diapason II
GT
32
  Bombarde
56
16
  Bourdon (fr. 32')
—
16
  Trombone (fr. 32' Bomb.)
—
16
  Violone
32
16
  Contra Posaune
SW
16
  Echo Bourdon
32
16
  Fagotto
CH
16
  Lieblich Gedeckt
SW
8
  Tromba (fr. 32' Bomb.)
—
16
  Gamba
CH
8
  Tuba
SO
8
  Octave (fr. Diapason I)
—
4
  Clarion
SO
8
  Gedeckt (fr. 32')
—
     Chimes
EC
8
  Still Gedeckt
SW
       
           
  Geo. S. Hutchings Organ, Op. 428 (1898) previously at The Brick Church - New York City (photo: Brick Presbyterian Church)
Organ in church located on Fifth Avenue at 37th Street:

George S. Hutchings
Boston, Mass. – Opus 428 (1898)
Electro-pneumatic action
3 manuals, 45 stops, 50 ranks





In 1898, as a thank-offering for the first fifteen years of ministry by Dr. van Dyke, the pastor, the rear gallery and organ were greatly enlarged. George S. Hutchings of Boston was contracted to build their Opus 428, a modern three-manual organ having electro-pneumatic action and fifty ranks.

The "bat-wing" console of the Geo. S. Hutchings Organ, Op. 428 (1898) previously at The Brick Church - New York City (photo: Jim Lewis)  
The organ was controlled by a Hutchings Patented Movable Console, often referred to as a "bat-wing" console due to its hinged stop jambs on either side of the keyboards; the jambs could be pulled in toward the keyboards in order to close the rolltop cover.

Following are the original published specifications along with suggested pipecounts based on Hutchings organs of the era. By 1904 the organ had been altered slightly — including the addition of a pair of undulating strings in the Choir and a 32' Resultant in the Pedal — as listed in a 1904 program given by Archer Gibson, organist of the church.

In 1917, the Hutchings organ was replaced by a new organ built by the Ernest M. Skinner Company, his Op. 280. Skinner rebuilt the Hutchings organ and provided a new console (as Op. 279) before moving it to Trinity Episcopal Church in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
               
Great Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes
16
  Open Diapason
61
4
  Octave
61
8
  First Open Diapason
61
4
  Hohl Flute
61
8
  Second Open Diapason
61
2 2/3
  Octave Quinte
61
8
  Viola d'Amour
61
2
  Super Octave
61
8
  Gross Gamba
61
     Mixture IV ranks
244
8
  Doppel Flote
61
8
  Trumpet
61
               
Swell Organ (Manual III) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
  Bourdon Bass
12
4
  Gemshorn
61
16
   Bourdon Treble (TC)
49
4
   Flute Harmonique
61
8
  Open Diapason
61
2
   Flageolet
61
8
  Salicional
61
     Dolce Cornet III ranks
183
8
  Æoline
61
16
   Contra Fagotto
61
8
  Vox Celestis
61
8
   Cornopean
61
8
  Stopped Diapason
61
8
  Oboe
61
8
  Spitz Flute
61
8
   Vox Humana
61
               
Choir Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
  Contra Gamba
61
4
   Fugara
61
8
  Open Diapason
61
4
   Flute d'Amour
61
8
  Dolce
61
2
   Piccolo Harmonique
61
8
  Concert Flute
61
8
   Clarinet
61
8
  Quintadena
61
        
               
Pedal Organ – 30 notes
16
  Open Diapason
30
8
  Violoncello
30
16
  Violone
30
8
   Gedackt
30
16
  Bourdon
30
16
  Trombone
30
10 2/3
  Quinte
30
8
  Tromba
30
8
   Flote
30
        
               
Couplers (Oscillating tablets)
    Swell to Great 8'   Great to Pedal
    Swell to Swell 4'   Great Separation
    Swell to Swell 16'   Choir to Great 8'
    Swell to Choir 8'   Choir to Great 16'
    Swell to Pedal   Choir to Pedal
    Great to Great 4'    
               
Adjustable Combinations
    Four and Release operating on Great and Pedal stops
    Five and Release operating on Swell and Pedal stops
    Three and Release operating on Choir and Pedal stops
    General Release
    Pedal Release
               
Pedal Movements
    Great to Pedal Reversible   Balanced Swell Pedal
    Full Organ Pedal controlling entire organ   Balanced Choir Pedal
    Swell Tremolo   Balanced Crescendo Pedal
    Choir Tremolo    
           
  The Richard M. Ferris Organ (1858) previously at The Brick Church - New York City (photo: Brick Presbyterian Church)
 
Richard M. Ferris Organ (1858)
Organ in church located on Fifth Avenue at 37th Street:

Richard M. Ferris
New York City (1858)
Mechanical action
2 manuals, 32 stops
Rebuilt and moved by William J. Stuart (ca. 1866)
Moved to rear gallery by Hilborne L. Roosevelt (1883)






When the new Brick Church was built on Fifth Avenue at 37th Street in Murray Hill, "... it had been determined that the violoncello should no longer supply the church’s music. This innovation, which the trustees had early made a part of their plans, was, it is interesting to know, heartily desired by the congregation and by the session, 'in the hope,' as they said, 'of adding interest to the public worship of the sanctuary.' The debated question in regard to the organ, therefore, was not whether there should be one, but where it should be placed, some favoring the front of the church above the entrance, and others at the west end behind the pulpit." The decision was made to place the church's first organ in a small gallery above and behind the pulpit. Built in 1858 by Richard M. Ferris of New York City, the organ had two manuals and 32 stops, and cost $2,300.

Only a few years later (ca. 1866) the church desired a quartette to replace the single chorister. “No proper space had been provided in the new church for a choir, even of four voices, and it was at first thought that the best way of dealing with this difficulty would be to open an entirely new gallery under the tower at the east end of the church. But Mr. Thomas, the architect, recommended a less costly change, by which the gallery behind the pulpit might still be utilized. Under his supervision the columns, whose arrangement had interfered with that gallery’s use, were now moved to their present positions, providing a clear space of ten feet in the centre. Here it was designed that the quartette should stand, while the organ, considerably enlarged (“reconstructed by Mr. William J. Stewart” [sic] of Albany), was moved back as far as was necessary, a certain portion of the room in the rear being appropriated for this purpose. When these structural changes had been made, a quartette was engaged and a new era in the history of worship in the Brick Church had begun. The trustees had dealt with the matter in a generous spirit and provided out of the church treasury the additional sum which the change involved. The music, which had been costing $1,400, now called for $2,500. By 1869, the annual cost of the music had come to be nearly $4,000.

Ferris & Stuart organ after move to east gallery by Hilborne L. Roosevelt in 1883 - Brick Presbyterian Church - New York City (photo: Brick Presbyterian Church)
  
Ferris & Stuart Organ as moved by Hilborne L. Roosevelt (1883)
 
During the months of June–October 1883, the notably plain Meetinghouse-style church was extensively decorated by artist John La Farge “and executed by Miss Tillinghast” at a cost of $30,000–$40,000. One important change made at this time was the removal of the organ and choir from the gallery above and behind the pulpit (where the spaces between the columns were filled in with mosaic-covered walls) to a new gallery opened at the east (main entrance) end of the church. The church engaged Hilborne L. Roosevelt, noted organ builder of New York City, to move the organ, but Roosevelt did not assign an opus number to this job. For an unknown reason, Mr. Roosevelt had to sue the church in order to be paid the $900 owed him.

Specifications for these organs have not yet been located.
           
Organ in Lecture Room of church located on Fifth Avenue at 37th Street:

Unknown Builder
(1872)


In 1872, a small pipe organ was erected in the Lecture Room of the "Chapel” building located behind the church. The specification for this organ has not yet been located.
           
Sources:
     Aeolian-Skinner Archives website: http://aeolianskinner.organsociety.org/
     Archive of the City of New York. Hilborne L. Roosevelt sues Brick Church for non-payment of $900.
     "The Brick Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Organ," program booklet published by The Brick Church, 2005.
     Brick Presbyterian Church website: http://brickchurch.org
     "Dedicatory Organ Recital by Clarence Dickinson" (December 10, 1940). Program with specifications of Ernest M. Skinner & Son Company organ (1940). New York: The Brick Church, 1940. Courtesy Jonathan Bowen.
     Dunlap, David W. From Abyssinian to Zion: A Guide to Manhattan's Houses of Worship. New York: Columbia University Press, 2004.
     Holden, Dorothy. The Life and Work of Ernest M. Skinner. Richmond: The Organ Historical Society, 1987.
     Kinzey, Allen, and Sand Lawn. E.M. Skinner/Aeolian-Skinner Opus List (New Revised Edition). Richmond: The Organ Historical Society, 1997.
     Knapp, Shepherd. A History of the Brick Presbyterian Church in the City of New York. New York: The Trustees of the Brick Presbyterian Church, 1908.
     Lewis, James. Specifications of George S. Hutchings organ, Op. 428 (1898) from a 1904 recital program given by Archer Gibson, organist of The Brick Church.
     Ochse, Orpha. Austin Organs. Richmond: The Organ Historical Society, 2001.
     Ogasapian, John. Organ Building in New York City: 1700-1900. Braintree: The Organ Literature Foundation, 1977.
     Scheer, Stanley. Factory Specifications of Casavant Frères organ, Op. 3837 (2005). Courtesy Jeff Scofield.
     Lewis, James. Specifications of George S. Hutchings organ, Op. 428 (1898) from a 1904 recital program given by Archer Gibson, organist of The Brick Church.
     Trupiano, Larry. Specifications of George S. Hutchings organ, Op. 428 (1898).

Illustrations:
     Knapp, Shepherd. A History of the Brick Presbyterian Church in the City of New York. Various.
     Lawson, Steven E. Console of Austin organ, Op. 2400 (1963, 1986).
     Lewis, James. Console of George S. Hutchings organ, Op. 428 (1898).
     Toth, Keith S. Photos of Casavant Frères organ, Op. 3837 (2005).