Click on images to enlarge Free Synagogue of Flushing 41-60 Kissena Boulevard Flushing (Queens), N.Y. 11355 http://www.freesynagogue.org Founded in 1917, the Free Synagogue of Flushing stands proudly in the nest of one of the most diverse ethnic neighborhoods in the country. As the oldest Reform Synagogue in Queens, NY, it came into existence through the efforts of the Hebrew Woman’s Aid Society of Flushing.  The “Free Synagogue” movement is based on four principals: freedom of the pulpit for the rabbi; freedom of the pew- no reserved seating in the sanctuary; direct, full participation of the community; and dedication to the ideals of liberal democracy, commitment to the Jewish faith, to Zionism and the State of Israel. Our founders’ belief in commitment, freedom and equality of the sexes remaining guiding principals today. When the property on the corner of Sanford Avenue and Kissena Boulevard was purchased, downtown Flushing was about to emerge from its bucolic roots into a bustling community. The construction of the Queensboro Bridge and Queens Boulevard already brought the borough out of isolation. The subway system went as far as Corona and would reach Flushing by 1928. From the end of World War II through the 1920s, Queens underwent a population explosion of 130%. The first Synagogue house was the stately pillared Hoffman Mansion, which stood on a corner of the lot. It was moved to Sanford Avenue in 1926 to make room for the grand structure which is home to the Free Synagogue of Flushing today. This neo-classic sanctuary designed by Maruice Courland  features a massive portico supported by four Roman-style pillars and topped by a pediment inscribed with the words of Isaiah,“For mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.” A walk up the stately steps leads into a magnificent sanctuary where dark green wood pillars are graced with intricate gold-leaf filigree. Stained glass windows, crafted in Czechoslovakia, surround the sanctuary in rich radiant colors and crown the domed ceiling with a Star of David. In 1964, a three-story school building was added to accommodate the religious school and adult education classes.             M. P. Möller, Inc. Hagerstown, Md. – Opus 4916 (1927) Electro-pneumatic action 3 manuals, 59 registers, 32 stops, 16 ranks On January 12, 1927, a contract was signed with M.P. Möller for a new organ to be installed in the present synagogue building, with a completion date of June 1, 1927. Möller provided a detached three-manual stop-key console and casing of quartered oak. Wind pressure for the organ was set at 5". The organ has been altered since its installation.                 Great Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes, enclosed 8   Open Diapason 61 8   Viole d'Gamba 73 8   Doppel Flöte 73 4   Octave [Eng. O.D.] CH 8   Melodia 73 4   Flute Harmonic [Concert Fl.] CH 8   Dulciana 73                     Swell Organ (Manual III) – 61 notes, enclosed 16   Bourdon 97 8   Salicional 73 8   Gedeckt [ext.] — 8   Vox Celeste [TC] 61 4   Orchestral Flute [ext.] — 4   Salicet [ext.] — 2 2/3   Flute Twelfth [ext.] — 8   Oboe 73 2   Flautina [ext.] — 8   Vox Humana 61 8   Open Diapason 73                     Choir Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes, enclosed 8   English Open Diapason 73 8   Unda Maris [TC] 61 8   Concert Flute 73 8   Viole d'Gamba GT 8   Doppel Flöte GT 4   Flute Traverso [Melodia] GT 8   Dulciana GT   Harp 49 Bars                 Pedal Organ – 32 notes 32   Resultant — 8   Octave [ext. Open Diap.] — 16   Open Diapason 44 8   Flute [ext. Bourdon] — 16   Bourdon 44 8   Violoncello [Viole d'Gamba] GT 16   Lieblich Gedeckt SW                     Couplers     Great to Pedal       Swell to Choir 16', 8', 4'       Swell to Pedal       Choir to Swell 16', 8', 4'       Choir to Pedal       Great 16', 4', Unison       Swell to Great 16', 8', 4'       Swell 16', 4', Unison       Choir to Great 16', 8', 4'       Choir 16', 4', Unison                   Mechanicals     Great Tremulant       Choir Tremulant       Swell Tremulant       Crescendo Indicator                   Adjustable Combinations     Pistons No. 1-2-3-4-5 affecting Great Stops     Pistons No. 1-2-3-4-5 affecting Swell Stops     Pistons No. 1-2-3-4-5 affecting Choir Stops     Pistons No. 1-2-3-4-5 affecting Pedal Stops     Pistons No. 1-2-3 affecting Full Organ                 Pedal Movements     Great to Pedal Reversible     Balanced Expression Pedal, Swell Organ     Balanced Expression Pedal, Great-Choir Organ     Grand Crescendo Pedal     Sforzando Pedal             Sources:      Free Synagogue of Flushing web site: http://www.freesynagogue.org/      Trupiano, Larry. Factory Specifications of M.P. Möller Organ, Op. 4916 (1927). Photos:      Forgotten New York web site: www.forgotten-ny.com. Synagogue exterior; Hoffman mansion.      Free Synagogue of Flushing web site: interior.             | NYC AGO Home Page | Back to NYC Organs List |