St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church
38 Ten Broeck Triangle
Albany, NY
Note: Not playable. (in this location)
Images
2010s - Nave towards organ gallery (Photograph by Abandoned online, submitted by Andrew Scanlon/Andrew Scanlon)
2010s - Aerial view of exterior (Photograph by Abandoned online, submitted by Andrew Scanlon/Andrew Scanlon)
c. 2000 - Organ in loft; some pipes visibly removed (Photograph from an archival source: Real estate listing, submitted by Paul Marchesano /Paul Marchesano )
2025-04-15 - Keydesk (Jared Ovitt/Jared Ovitt)
2025-04-15 - Left stopjamb (Jared Ovitt/Jared Ovitt)
2025-04-15 - Right stopjamb (Jared Ovitt/Jared Ovitt)
2025-04-15 - Casework and facade (Jared Ovitt/Jared Ovitt)
2025-04-15 - Swell pipework (Jared Ovitt/Jared Ovitt)
2025-04-15 - Great pipework (Jared Ovitt/Jared Ovitt)
2025-04-15 - Blower (Jared Ovitt/Jared Ovitt)
2025-04-15 - Kinetic Blower nameplate (Jared Ovitt/Jared Ovitt)
2025-04-15 - Pedal Division (32' against back wall in front of window) (Jared Ovitt/Jared Ovitt)
2025-04-15 - Choir pipework (Jared Ovitt/Jared Ovitt)
Consoles
Main
- Organ type: Traditional With Roll Top
- Console position: Console in Fixed Position, Center
- 4 manuals
- 59 stops
- 5 divisions
Notes
2013-08-14 - This organ was the Magnum Opus of J.H. & C.S. Odell -Database Manager
2016-09-03 - Updated through online information from Scot Huntington: The original Simmons & Willcox failed mechanically shortly after its construction and was rebuilt by Henry Erben. This is the instrument that was substantially rebuilt and enlarged by Odell as an essentially new instrument mechanically, while incorporating many old ranks. The monumental church designed by Patrick Keely closed in 1994, and has changed hands several times since, with an equal number of aborted plans for its multi-million dollar restoration and reuse, including such diverse plans as a brewery, arts center, and mausoleum. In 2013 the building was deeded back to the city of Albany, with no clear plan for its future or controversial preservation. The building was stabilized from imminent collapse in 2007, but remains in severely debilitated condition. The Odell has been subject to some vandalism since the church's closure, but is believed to be still mechanically intact. The massive 1859 Simmons & Willcox 32' open wood Diapason is extant and can be glimpsed through the broken windows of the tower. An examination of the Odell is needed to determine how much Simmons and Erben pipework, if any, may still remain. -Database Manager
2024-12-25 - Updated through online information from Julius Coyle (December 18th, 2024): The church is for sale: https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/38-Ten-Broeck-st-Albany-NY/31936054/ -Jim Stettner
2025-04-15 - Inspected the instrument on 04/15/2025. Our firm was graciously allowed access by NAI Platform who is the realtor for the property. This instrument has suffered from vandalism in the great and solo divisions. However, the swell, choir, echo, and most of the pedal are completely intact and salvageable. The large Kinetic blower is located in the tower. The blower is powered by a large GE motor with unknown specifications as the motor nameplate had corroded due to bird droppings and exposure to the elements. The interior of the building is rather well sealed as of the early 2000s and the organ does not show signs of any major water damage. The echo division is extant and was visible through the chamber opening. We were unable to enter this chamber due to work that was done to secure the building from vandals (stairwell blocked at landing to chamber). -Jared Ovitt
Stoplist
Source: The Tracker Vol26 No4 1982
Gallery Great Open Diapason 16, Second Open Diapason 8, First Open Diapason 8, Gamba 8, Doppel Flote 8, Dulciana 8, Octave 4', Flute Harmonique 4, Super Octave 2, Trumpet 8, Octave Quint 2 2/3
Gallery Swell Bourdon 16, Open Diapason 8, Quintadena 8, Stopped Diapason 8, Vox Celestis 8, Rohr Flöte 4, Flautina 2, Salicional 8, Dolce Cornet IV, Contra Fagotto 16, Cornopean 8, Oboe 8, Vox Humana 8, Tremulant
Gallery Pedal Dbl. Open Diapason 32, Dbl. Open Diapason 16, Bourdon 16, Contra Gamba 16, Bass Flöte 8, Violoncello 8, Trombone 16
Choir Lieblich Gedeckt 16, Open Diapason 8, Concert Flute 8, Viole d'Orchestre 8, Flauto Traverso 4, Piccolo 2, Violina 4, Tremulant, Clarinet 8, Gross Gamba 8, Hohl Flöte 4
Solo Stentorphone 8, Gross Flöte 8, Tuba Major 16, Tuba Mirabalis 8
Echo Open Diapason 8, Melodia 8, Viole Celeste 8, Clarinet Flute 8, Viola 8, Octave 4, Dolcissimo 8, Violina 4, Cornopean 8, Orchestral Oboe 8, Tremulant, Vox Humana 8
Echo Pedal Bourdon 16, Bass Flute 8
Chancel Swell Viola 8, Clarinet Flute 8, Violina 4, 8 Viole Celeste, Orchestral Oboe 8, Vox Humana 8, Tremulant
Chancel Great Open Diapason 8, Melodia 8, Dolcissimo 8, Cornopean 8, Octave 4
Chancel Pedal Bourdon 16, Bass Flute 8
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