James Chapel of Union Theological Seminary - New York City (Photo: Jeff Scofield)
Union Theological Seminary

Claremont Avenue at 121st Street
New York, N.Y. 10027
http://www.utsnyc.edu

Chapels
Organ Specifications:
Claremont Avenue at 121st Street (since 1910):
James Chapel:
► III/44 Holtkamp Organ Company (1980)
► IV/68 M.P. Möller, Inc., Op. R-651 (1961)
► IV/67 M.P. Möller, Inc., Op. 6976 (1941)
• III/41s Austin Organ Company, Op. 267 (1910)
Lampman Chapel:
► II/7 M.P. Möller, Inc., Op. R-429 (1952)
► II/7 M.P. Möller, Inc., Op. 5537 (1929)
Lecture Room 207:
► II/11 Geo. Jardine & Son, Op. 1242 (1897) – moved
700 Fourth Avenue between 69th and 70th Streets (1884-1910):
► II/11 Geo. Jardine & Son, Op. 1242 (1897) – Adams Chapel
Jackson Avenue between 6th and 7th Streets (1836-1910):
► I/6 J.H. & C.S. Odell, Op. 145 (1875)

See also the Studio and Practice Organs.
           

Holtkamp Organ (1980) in James Chapel of Union Theological Seminary - New York City (photo: Ken Stein)
Organ in James Chapel:

Holtkamp Organ Company
Cleveland, Ohio (1980)
Mechanical key action
Electric stop and combination action
3 manuals, 34 stops, 44 ranks




In the late 1970s, James Chapel was updated and renovated to provide a more flexible worship space. The present three-manual, mechanical-action organ was built in 1980 by the Holtkamp Organ Company of Cleveland, replacing the previous Möller organ from 1961.
               
Great Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes
16
  Principal
61
4
  Spitzflöte
61
16
  Pommer
61
2
  Super Octave
61
8
  Principal
61
 
  Sesquialtera (II ranks)
122
8
  Rohr Gedackt
61
  Mixture (IV ranks)
244
4
  Octave
61
8
  Trumpet
61

     

     
Swell Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
  Gamba
61
1 1/3
  Larigot
61
8
  Voix Celeste
61
 
  Scharf (III ranks)
183
8
  Rohrflöte
61
16
  Fagot
61
4
  Principal
61
8
  Cromorne
61
4
  Harmonic Flute
61
 
  Tremolo [later addition]  
2
  Waldflöte
61
 
     

     

     
Solo Organ (Manual III) – 61 notes
8
  Copula
61
8
  Fanfara [horizontal]
61
4
  Rohrflöte
61
1
  Zimbel (III ranks)
183

  Cornet (V ranks)
305
8
  Krummhorn
61
               
Pedal Organ – 32 notes
16
  Principal
GT
4
  Choralbass
32
16
  Subbass
32
  
   Rauschbass (II ranks)
64
8
  Octave
32
16
  Posaune
32
8
  Flute
32
8
  Trumpet
32

           

  M.P. Möller Organ, Op. R-651 (1961) at James Chapel of Union Theological Seminary - New York City
Organ in James Chapel:

M.P. Möller, Inc.
Hagerstown, Md. – Opus R-651 (1961)
Electro-pneumatic action
4 manuals, 67 stops, 68 ranks



In 1961, the Möller Company rebuilt and tonally altered their previous insrument, Op. 6976 (1941).
               
Great Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes
16
  Quintaton
61
2 2/3
  Twelfth
61
8
  Principal
61
2
  Super Octave
61
8
  Rohrflöte
61
 
  Fourniture III-IV ranks
220
4
  Octave
61
  Cymbal III ranks
183
4
  Spitzflöte
61
     

     

     
Swell Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
  Rohrgedeckt
73
1 1/3
  Larigot
61
8
  Prinzipalflöte
73
 
  Sesquialtera II ranks
122
8
  Rohrflöte [ext.]
12
  Plein Jeu III ranks
183
8
  Viole de Gambe
73
16
  Fagotto
73
8
  Viole Celeste
73
8
  Trompette
73
4
  Principal
73
8
   Hautbois [ext.]
12
4
   Flauto Traverso
73
4
   Hautbois
61
2
   Octavin
61
     Tremolo
               
Choir Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
   Contra Dulciana
73
2 2/3
  Nazard
61
8
   Holzflöte
73
2
   Blockflöte
61
8
   Erzähler
73
1 3/5
  Tierce
61
8
   Erzähler Celeste
73
  Scharf III ranks
183
4
   Geigen
61
8
   Clarinet
73
4
   Koppelflöte
73
  Tremolo
   
   
Positiv Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes
8
   Gedeckt
61
1
   Sifflöte
61
4
   Nachthorn
61
8
   Singendregal
61
2
   Prinzipal
61
  Tremolo
1 1/3
   Larigot
61
   

     

     
Bombarde Organ (Manual IV) – 61 notes
8
  Solo Flute
73
8
  Bombarde
73
4
  Principal
73
4
  Clarion
73

  Mixture III ranks
183
   
               
Pedal Organ – 32 notes
16
  Violone
32
2
  Octavin [ext.]
12
16
  Bourdon
32
2
   Nachthorn [ext.]
12
16
  Quintaton
GT
  Harmonics III ranks
96
16
  Rohrgedeckt
SW
  Mixture III ranks
96
16
   Dulciana
CH
32
   Fagotto [ext.]
12
8
   Principal
32
16
   Posaune
32
8
   Bourdon [ext.]
12
16
   Fagotto
SW
8
   Rohrgedeckt
32
8
   Posaune [ext.]
12
4
   Octave
SW
4
   Clarion [ext.]
12
4
   Nachthorn
32
4
   Cromorne
CH
4
   Rohrflöte
SW
   

           

M.P. Möller, Inc.
Hagerstown, Md. – Opus 6976 (1941)
Electro-pneumatic action
4 manuals, 64 stops, 67 ranks


In 1941, an entirely new organ for James Chapel was built by the M.P. Möller Company of Hagerstown, MD, replacing the original Austin Organ of 1910. The following description was published in the November 1941 issue of The Diapason:
"Noteworthy as the latest large and important organ to be installed in a prominent educational institution is the four-manual just finished by M. P. Möller, Inc., for Union Theological Seminary, New York City. The instrument is installed in James Chapel.  It is new except for the utilization of some of the pipes from the old organ and the old casing and front. The specifications were drawn up by Dr. Clarence Dickinson, head of the School of Sacred Music of the seminary, in consultation with Richard O. Whitelegg of the Moller staff. The tone of the organ has been the subject of very favorable reports from those who have heard it."
               
Great Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes
16
  Violone
61
2
  Super Octave
61
8
  First Diapason
61
  Plein Jeu III-IV ranks
221
8
  Second Diapason
61
8
  Tuba
SO
8
   Clarabella
61
8
   Trumpet
SO
8
  Viole d'Amour
61
4
  Clarion
SO
4
   Octave
61
  Tremolo
4
   Harmonic Flute
61
   

     

     
Swell Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
  Bourdon
73
2
   Flautino [ext.]
12
8
  Diapason
73
 
  Cymbel III-IV ranks
220
8
  Hohlflöte
73
16
   Fagotto
73
8
  Viole
73
8
   Trumpet
73
8
  Viole Celeste
73
8
  Oboe
73
8
   Echo Salicional
73
8
   Vox Humana
73
4
   Octave
73
4
   Clarion [ext.]
12
4
   Flauto Traverso
73
     Tremolo
4
   Salicet [ext.]
12
        
               
Choir Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes, enclosed
16
   Contra Dulciana
73
2 2/3
  Nazard
61
8
   Geigen Principal
73
2
   Spitzflöte
61
8
   Concert Flute
73
1 3/5
  Tierce
61
8
   Quintadena
73
8
   Clarinet
183
8
   Dulciana
73
  Tremolo
73
8
   Unda Maris
73
 
Harp
61 bars
4
   Flute d'Amour
73
     Celesta  
   
   
Solo Organ (Manual IV) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
   Orchestral Flute
73
8
   French Horn
73
8
   Viola da Gamba
73
8
   Orchestral Oboe
73
8
   Gamba Celeste
73
8
   English Horn
73
4
   Harmonic Gedeckt
73
4
   Clarion [ext.]
12
8
  Tuba
73
  Tremolo
8
  Trumpet
73
   
               
Pedal Organ – 32 notes
16
  First Diapason
32
8
  Bourdon [ext.]
12
16
  Second Diapason
32
8
   Gedeckt
SW
16
  Bourdon
32
4
  Hohlflöte [ext.]
12
16
  Violone
GT
16
   Posaune
32
16
   Gedeckt
SW
16
   Fagotto
SW
16
   Contra Dulciana
CH
8
   Posaune [ext.]
12
8
   Octave
GT
8
   Clarion [ext.]
12
8
   Principal [ext.]
12
   

           

  Austin Organ, Op. 267 (ca.1910-15) in James Chapel, Union Theological Seminary - New York City (Austin Organ brochure, courtesy Jonathan Bowen)
Organ in James Chapel:

Austin Organ Company
Hartford, Conn. – Opus 267 (1910)
Electro-pneumatic action
3 manuals, 41 stops



The original organ in James Chapel was built in 1910 by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford, Conn. Specifications for this organ have not yet been located.

           

Organ in Lampman Chapel:

M.P. Möller, Inc.
Hagerstown, Md. – Opus R-429 (1952)
Electro-pneumatic action
2 manuals, 17 stops, 7 ranks


This was a factory rebuild of Möller's Opus 5537 (1929). The Factory Specification dated March 21, 1952, shows that Möller provided a new console mechanism in the existing shell.
               
Great Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
  Diapason
61
8
   Spitzprincipal
73
8
  Gedeckt
85
4
   Flute [Gedeckt]
—
8
  Salicional
73
8
  Trumpet
SW

     

     
Swell Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
   Gedeckt
GT
2 2/3
   Flute Twelfth
GT
8
  Salicional
GT
2
   Piccolo
GT
8
  Vox Celeste [TC]
61
8
   Trumpet
73
4
   Spitzprincipal
GT
  Tremulant
4
   Flute
GT
   
               
Pedal Organ – 32 notes
16
  Bourdon
32
8
  Gedeckt
GT
16
  Lieblich Gedeckt [lo-press.]
—
        
               
Couplers
    Great to Pedal       Great 16', 4'  
    Swell to Pedal       Swell 16', 4'  
    Swell to Great 16', 8', 4'          
               
Adjustable Combinations
    Pistons No. 1-2-3-4-5 affecting Great and Pedal Stops
    Pistons No. 1-2-3-4-5 affecting Swell and Pedal Stops
               
Pedal Movements
    Balanced Swell Pedal   Great to Pedal Reversible
    Balanced Crescendo Pedal      

           

Organ in Lampman Chapel:

M.P. Möller, Inc.
Hagerstown, Md. – Opus 5537 (1929)
Electro-pneumatic action
2 manuals, 17 stops, 7 ranks


The Factory Specifications dated February 23, 1929, shows that this organ had a two-manual stop-key console, casing of "Native wood" (plain, soft, white oak), and was voiced on 5" wind pressure. The organ was rebuilt by Möller in 1952 as Op. R-429 (see above).
               
Great Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
  Open Diapason
61
8
   Salicional
73
8
  Gedeckt
85
4
   Flute [Gedeckt]
—
8
  Dulciana
73
8
  Oboe
SW

     

     
Swell Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
   Gedeckt
GT
4
   Flute
GT
8
  Dulciana
GT
2 2/3
   Nazard
GT
8
  Salicional
GT
2
   Piccolo
GT
8
   Vox Celeste [TC]
61
8
   Oboe
73
               
Pedal Organ – 32 notes
16
  Bourdon
32
8
  Gedeckt
GT
16
  Lieblich Gedeckt [lo-press.]
—
        
               
Couplers
    Great to Pedal       Great 16', 4'  
    Swell to Pedal       Swell 16', 4'  
    Swell to Great 16', 8', 4'          
               
Mechanicals
    Tremulant          
    Crescendo Indicator          
               
Adjustable Combinations
    Pistons No. 1-2-3-4-5 Affecting Swell and Pedal Stops
    Pistons No. 1-2-3-4-5 Affecting Great and Pedal Stops
               
Pedal Movements
    Great to Pedal Reversible   Balanced Swell Pedal
    Swell to Pedal Reversible   Grand Crescendo Pedal

           

Organ in Adams Chapel at 700 Fourth Avenue location:

Geo. Jardine & Son
New York City – Opus 1242 (1897); reb. Eifert & Stoehr
Mechanical action
2 manuals, 11 stops, 11 ranks


The typed specification for this organ is from the files of Louis F. Mohr & Co., a longtime organ service firm in the area. Mohr shows that this organ was installed in Adams Chapel of Union Theological Seminary at 700 Park (Fourth) Avenue, and "The general removal to the New Building will be during the Christmas vacation." Handwritten notes state that the was "in lecture Room 207," the compasses were 58 notes (manual) and 30 notes (pedal), it was "Rebuilt by Eifert & Stoehr," and had an "Oak Case."
               
Great Organ (Manual I) – 58 notes, enclosed
8
   Open Diapason
58
4
   Principal
58
8
   Gamba
58
2
   Fifteenth
58
8
   Clarinet Flute
58
   
               
Swell Organ (Manual II) – 58 notes, enclosed
8
   Melodia
58
4
   Flute Harmonic
58
8
   Salicional
58
4
   Salicet
58
8
   Aeoline
58
   
               
Pedal Organ – 30 notes
16
   Bourdon
30
        
               
Couplers
    Great to Pedal       Swell to Great  
    Swell to Pedal       Swell to Great at 8va  
               
Accessories
    "Divided Swell Pedal for shades of Gt & Sw"  
    [Balanced Swell Pedal]          
    [Balanced Great Pedal]       Wind Indicator  

           

Organ in original location on Jackson Avenue between 6th and 7th Streets:

 J.H. & C.S. Odell
New York City – Opus 145 (1875)
Mechanical action
1 manual, 6 stops, 6 ranks


The handwritten contract, dated June 4, 1875, for this organ states:

Specification of an Organ for the Union Theological Seminary, N.Y. The Organ to have one manual and a Pedal of 20 notes. Compass of manuals from CC to A, 58 notes. To be set in a chamber made for that purpose, enclosed with a screen made with ash wood and pipes the said pipes to be gilded with ornamental tops...All enclosed in a swell except the front and Pedal pipes. The swell to have equilibrium shades and balance Pedal. The bellows to blow by foot pedal and by hand lines.

               
Manual Organ – 58 notes, enclosed
8
   Open Diapason
58
4
   Principal
58
8
   Dulce [grooved bass]
58
2
   Fifteenth
58
8
   Clarionet Flute [wood]
58
   
               
Pedal Organ – 20 notes
16
   Bourdon [wood]
20
     Pedal Coupler  
            Bellows Signal  

           
Sources:
     The Diapason, November 1941.    
     Dunlap, David W. From Abyssinian to Zion: A Guide to Manhattan's Houses of Worship. New York: Columbia University Press, 2004.
     Scofield, Jeff. Factory Specifications of M.P. Möller Organ, Op. R-429 (1952).
     Scofield, Jeff. Factory Specifications of M.P. Möller Organ, Op. R-651 (1961).
     Mohr, Louis F. Specifications for Geo. Jardine & Son Organ, Op. 1242 (1897); courtesy Larry Trupiano.
     Trupiano, Larry. Contract for J.H. & C.S. Odell Organ, Op. 145 (1875).
     Trupiano, Larry. Factory Specifications for M.P. Möller Organ, Op. 5537 (1929).
     Trupiano, Larry. Factory Specifications for M.P. Möller Organ, Op. R-429 (1952).
     Union Theological Seminary website: http://www.utsnyc.edu/

Photos:
     Austin Organ Company brochure; courtesy Jonathan Bowen.
     Stein, Ken: Holtkamp organ case.
     Union Theological Seminary website: exterior.

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