Church of the Intercession - New York City (Photo: John Rust)
click on images to enlarge
Church of the Intercession
(Episcopal)

550 West 155th Street at Broadway
New York, N.Y. 10032


Organ Specifications:
III/65 Schlicker Organ Co. (1965)
III/58 Aeolian-Skinner Co., Op. 768-A (1950)
IV/55 Austin Organ Co., Op. 441 (1912)
• J.H. & C.S. Odell (1800s)
• Henry Erben (1851)
 

Church of the Intercession - New York City (Photo: John Rust)

 
The Church of the Intercession was established in 1847, four years after Old Trinity Church in lower Manhattan bought a 24-acre tract for use as a cemetary in what was then the suburb of Carmansville. In 1872, Intercession built a Gothic church on the corner of 154th Street and Tenth Avenue (Broadway), as designed by Rembrandt Lockwood. Within a few years, the arrival of the IRT subway brought about a huge increase in area population, but Intercession could not afford to build a larger church. They turned to Trinity Church, which agreed to support Intercession by making it their cemetery chapel. In 1976, the Chapel of the Intercession became the Church of the Intercession once again after receiving its independence from Trinity Church.

 

Church of the Intercession - New York City (Photo: John Rust)

Bertram Goodhue (1869-1924), of Cram, Goodhue & Ferguson, designed the large English Gothic complex which consists of the cathedral-like church and tower, a full cloister, vicarage, vestry, and parish house. Built between 1911-14, Intercession has been called the quintessential Goodhue church, and was the architect's favorite, although he also designed the West Point Cadet Chapel, St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, and St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue. Goodhue is buried in the north transept, in a monument created by the sculptor Lee Lawrie, his frequent collaborator.
               

  Church of the Intercession - New York City (Photo: John Rust)
   
  Church of the Intercession - New York City (Photo: John Rust)
Schlicker Organ Company
Buffalo, N.Y. (1964)
Electro-pneumatic action
3 manuals, 52 stops, 67 ranks


The following was written by Robert Arnold, Schlicker representative and Assistant Organist for Trinity Parish, for The American Organist (July 1965, p.9) :

"In 1961, a survey was made of the organ installed at the Chapel of the Intercession in 1915 by the Austin Organ Company; and, as a result, it was decided that this instrument should be replaced.

"At about the same time, Trinity Parish determined to replace the Aeolian-Skinner organ [Op. 768-A] built in 1950 for St. Paul's Chapel with a tracker action instrument to be built by the Schlicker Organ Company. A survery of the existing St. Paul's instrument revealed that it could be successfully rebuilt and enlarged to accomodate a building the size of the Chapel of the Intercession.

"The organ was removed from St. Paul's Chapel to the Schlicker factory in Buffalo where it was completely rebuilt and provided with a new console and other mechanical parts, and a considerable amount of the pipework for the Principal chorus. Old Aeolian-Skinner pipework that was retained was rescaled and revoiced with no nicking and open toes to obtain the best possible tonal results. Preparations were made for the future addition of a 32' pedal reed, and a Trompeta Real to replace the present dummy resonators that are arranged horizontally in the organ case.

"The casework, originally designed by Bertram Goodhue, has been retained.

"The installation was completed in time for the service on June 6 [1964], marking the 50th anniversary of the Chapel of the Intercession."
               
Great Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes
16
  Quintaton
61
2
  Octave
61
8
  Prinzipal *
61
  Mixture VI ranks *
366
8
  Bourdon
61
8
  Trompete
61
8
  Gemshorn
61
16
 
Trompeta Real [TC]

preparation

4
  Octave *
61
8
 
Trompeta Real

preparation

4
  Rohrfloete
61
 
Chimes +

21 tubes

2 2/3
  Quint
61
 
+ toe stud only
 
   
 
   
Swell Organ (Manual III) – 61 notes, enclosed

16
  Bourdon
73
2
  Flautina
61
8
  Prinzipal *
73
  Mixture V ranks
305
8
  Rohrfloete
73
 
  Cymbel III ranks
83
8
  Salicional
73
16
  Bombarde
73
8
  Voix Celeste [FF]
68
8
  Trompette
73
8
  Aeoline
73
8
  Oboe
73
8
  Unda Maris [TC]
61
4
  Clarion
73
4
  Octave *
73
  Tremolo
4
  Flute
73
   
 
   
 
   
Choir Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes, enclosed

8
  Viola Celeste II ranks
134
  Scharf IV ranks
244
8
  Chimney Flute
73
8
  English Horn
61
8
  Prinzipal
73
4
  Chalumeau
61
4
  Flute
73
  Tremolo
2
  Waldfloete *
61
   
   
   
Positiv Organ (Manual I) – 56 notes

8
  Quintadena
56
  Zimbel III ranks *
168
4
  Prinzipal
56
16
 
Trompeta Real [TC]

preparation

2 2/3
  Nasat
56
8
 
Trompeta Real

preparation

2
  Zauberfloete
56
4
 
Trompeta Real [ext.]

preparation

1 3/5
  Terz
56
   
   
   
Pedal Organ – 32 notes

32
 
Contra Violone [ext.]
preparation
4
  Choralbass
16
  Prinzipal
32
2
  Nachthorn *
32
16
  Violone
32
  Mixture III ranks *
96
16
  Bourdon
32
32
 
Contra Fagott

preparation

16
  Quintadena
GT
16
  Posaune [unit]
56
8
  Octave [unit]
44
8
  Trumpet
8
  Gedeckt
32
4
  Clarion
               
           
* new pipes contributed by congregation
Couplers

    Great to Pedal 8'   Positiv to Great 8'
    Swell to Pedal 8'   Swell to Positiv 8', 4'
    Choir to Pedal 8'   Swell to Swell 16', 4'
    Positiv to Pedal 8'   Choir to Choir 16', 4', Unison Off
    Swell to Great 16', 8', 4'   Positiv Unison Off
    Choir to Great 16', 8', 4'    
               
Adjustable Combinations

   
Great Pistons 1-5 affecting Great stops (thumb)
Swell Pistons 1-6 affecting Swell stops (thumb)
Choir Pistons 1-4 affecting Choir stops (thumb)
Positiv Pistons 1-3 affecting Positiv stops (thumb)
Pedal Pistons 1-5 affecting Pedal stops (toe)
General Pistons 1-5 affecting all stops and couplers (thumb & toe)
               
Reversibles

    Great to Pedal (thumb & toe)   Full Organ (thumb & toe)
    Swell to Pedal (thumb & toe)   Chimes (toe)
               
Pedal Movements

    Balanced Swell Pedal    
    Balanced Choir Pedal    
    Crescendo Pedal    
   
   

Church of the Intercession - New York City (Photo: John Rust)

 

Church of the Intercession - New York City (Photo: John Rust)

     
Church of the Intercession - New York City (Photo: John Rust)
 
Church of the Intercession - New York City (Photo: John Rust)

               

Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company, Inc.
Boston, Mass. – Opus 768-A (1950)
Electro-pneumatic key and stop action
3 manuals, 54 stops, 58 ranks


Following is the specification of the 1950 Aeolian-Skinner organ (Op. 768-A) before it was moved from St. Paul's Chapel of Trinity Parish. The Schlicker Organ Company rebuilt and altered the organ for the Chapel of the Intercession.
               
Great Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes
16
  Quintaton
61
4
  Rohrflöte
61
8
  Diapason
61
2 2/3
  Quint
61
8
  Bourdon
61
2
  Super Octave
61
8
  Erzähler
61
  Fourniture IV ranks
244
4
  Principal
61
8
  Trumpet
61
 
   
 
   
Swell Organ (Manual III) – 61 notes, enclosed

16
  Bourdon
73
2
  Flautino
61
8
  Diapason
73
  Plein Jeu III-V ranks
269
8
  Rohrflote
73
 
  Cymbel II-III ranks
171
8
  Salicional
73
16
  Bombarde
73
8
  Voix Celeste
73
8
  Trompette
73
8
  Aeoline
73
8
  Oboe
73
8
  Unda Maris [TC]
61
4
  Clarion
73
4
  Octave
73
  Tremolo
4
  Flute
73
   
 
   
 
   
Choir Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes, enclosed

8
  Chimney Flute
73
2
  Piccolo
61
8
  Viola
73
8
  Clarinet
73
8
  Dulciana
73
8
  French Horn
73
4
  Prestant
73
8
  English Horn
73
4
  Flute Octaviante
73
  Tremolo
   
   
Positiv Organ (Manual I) – 56 notes

8
  Nason Flute
56
2
  Zauberflöte
56
4
  Prinzipal
56
1 3/5
  Terz
56
2 2/3
  Nazat
56
8
  Zimbel III ranks
168
   
   
Pedal Organ – 32 notes

16
  Principal
32
8
  Still Gedeckt
SW
16
  Violone [unit]
44
4
  Choral Bass
16
  Quintaten
GT
  Mixture III ranks
96
16
  Echo Lieblich
SW
16
  Posaune [ext. GT]
12
8
  Principal [unit]
44
8
  Trumpet
GT
8
  Cello [ext.]
4
  Clarion
GT

               

  Austin Organ, Op. 441 (1912) in Church of the Intercession - New York City
Austin Organ Company
Hartford, Conn. – Opus 441 (1912)
Electro-pneumatic action
4 manuals, 67 stops, 55 ranks


The contract of the original organ was given to the Austin Organ Company after the organists of Trinity Church and Intercession Chapel had spent a considerable time searching out tonal and mechanical qualities in present-day organs. The result was a completely-enclosed organ, except for the diapasons on the Great, with a stoplist rich in orchestral voices. Bertram Goodhue designed the organ case which features display pipes of plain zinc and three sets of Spanish-style, horizontal non-speaking pipes. Both the organ and chapel were to be completed in time for the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, held in New York during October 1913.

In 1964, the organ was removed in preparation for the installation of the rebuilt Aeolian-Skinner organ (Op. 768-A, 1950) that had been in St. Paul's Chapel of Trinity Parish. The Austin organ was broken up for parts and distributed, with a good deal of it donated to St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Manhattanville.
               
Great Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes
16
  Double Open Diapason
61
4
  Principal
61
8
  First Open Diapason
61
4
  Flute Harmonic
61
8
  Second Open Diapason
61
2
  Fifteenth
61
8
  Violoncello *
61
16
  Double Trumpet *
61
8
  Doppel Flute *
61
8
  Trumpet *
61
8
  Melodia *
61
4
  Clarion *
61
 
   
 
 
* enclosed in Choir box
Swell Organ (Manual III) – 61 notes, enclosed

16
  Bourdon
73
4
  Chimney Flute
73
8
  Diapason Phonon
73
2
  Flautino
61
8
  Horn Diapason
73
 
  Solo Mixture 3 ranks
183
8
  Stopped Flute
73
16
  Contra Fagotto
73
8
  Viole d'Orchestre
73
8
  Cornopean
73
8
  Viole Celeste [TC]
61
8
  Oboe
73
8
  Salicional
73
8
  Vox Humana
73
8
  Aeoline
73
4
  Clarion
73
8
  Quintadena
73
  Tremolo
4
  Octave
73
   
 
   
 
   
Choir Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes, enclosed

8
  Dulciana
73
4
  Gemshorn
73
8
  Geigen Principal
73
4
  Flauto Traverso
73
8
  Concert Flute
73
2
  Piccolo
61
8
  Unda Maris [TC]
61
8
  Clarinet
73
8
  Dolce
73
  [Tremolo]
8
  Vox Angelica
73
 
Chimes

25 tubes

8
  Silverette
73
   
   
   
Solo Organ (Manual IV) – 61 notes, enclosed

16
  Contra Gamba
73
16
  Tuba Profunda [unit]
97
8
  Stentorphone
73
8
  Tuba Harmonic
8
  Flauto Major
73
4
  Tuba Clarion
8
  Gross Gamba
73
8
  Orchestral Oboe
73
8
  Gamba Celeste
73
  Tremolo
4
  Flute Ouverte
73
   
   
   
Pedal Organ – 32 notes

32
  Magnaton
32
8
  Gross Floete [ext. O.D.]
16
  Open Diapason [unit]
56
8
  Dolce Flute [ext. Bdn.]
16
  Second Diapason
GT
4
  Octave Flute [ext. O.D.]
16
  Bourdon [unit]
32
16
  Fagotto
SW
16
  Violone
SO
16
  Trombone
32
16
  Gedackt
SW
16
  Tuba Profunda
SO
16
  Dulciana
CH
8
  Tuba Harmonic
SO
8
  Cello [Gamba Celeste]
SO
   

               

Organ in church located on Northwest corner of 158th Street and Broadway:

J.H. & C.S. Odell
New York City (1800s)


Specifications of this organ have not yet been located.

               

Organ in first? building (ca.1847-ca.1872) that served as the Cemetery Chapel of Trinity Parish:

Henry Erben
New York City
(1851)
Mechanical action


Specifications of this organ have not yet been located.

               

Sources:
     Aeolian-Skinner Archives web site: http://aeolian-skinner.110mb.com/
     Architecture and Building
     The American Organist (July 1965:9). Specifications of Schlicker Organ.
     Dunlap, David. From Abyssinian to Zion: A Guide to Manhattan's Houses of Worship. New York: Columbia University Press, 2004.
     Gates, Milo Hudson. "A Description of the Chapel of the Intercession." New York City: Trinity Parish, 1931.
     "New Four-manual for New York City."The Diapason, February 1913, p. 4.
     Nickerson's Illustrated Church, Musical and School Directory of New York and Brooklyn. New York: Nickerson & Young, 1895.
     Ochse, Orpha. Austin Organs. Richmond: The Organ Historical Society, 2001.
     Reed, Clinton, and Gerald Weale. "The New Organ at The Chapel of the Intercession," pub. by the chapel. Courtesy Wayne Kempton, Archivist, The Episcopal Diocese of New York.

Photos:
     Nickerson's Illustrated Church, Musical and School Directory of New York and Brooklyn: exterior (ca. 1895).
     Architecture and Building, Vol. XLVI, No. 3 (March 1914): Austin Organ, Op. 441 (1912).
     Rust, John: color exterior, interior, organ.

 
Church of the Intercession (ca. 1931)
 
Bertram Goodhue Monument
               

| NYC AGO Home Page | Back to NYC Organ Project List |