Note: Not extant. Not playable. (in this location)
2015-12-13 - This entry describes an original installation of a new pipe organ. Identified by James R. Stettner, using information found in Church archives & photos; Eugene M. Nye compilation. -Database Manager
2015-12-28 - Updated through online information from James R. Stettner. <br>The pipes were stenciled in red and gold. -Database Manager
2016-08-28 - Updated through online information from James R. Stettner. -Database Manager
Reconstructed stoplist based on extant pipes, notes from 1951 rebuilder, and church files Source: Source not recorded Date not recorded
Tacoma, Washington
First Congregational Church
FRANK ROOSEVELT - Successor to - HILBORNE L. ROOSEVELT, No. 502, 1891 - Original Specifications
GREAT COUPLERS
8' Open Diapason 58 Swell to Pedal
8' Doppel Flöte 58 Great to Pedal
8' Salicional 58
4' Gemshorn 58 Swell to Great
8' Trumpet 58 Swell to Great Octaves
SWELL (Expressive)
16' Bourdon (tc) 46 FOOT LEVERS
16' Bourdon Bass 12 Piano -
8' Violin Diapason 58
8' Stopped Diapason 58 Gr. to Ped. - Reversible
8' Dolce 58
4' Flute Harmonique 58 Forte -
III Rks Cornet [12-15-17] 174
8' Oboe 58
Tremulant
PEDAL MOVEMENTS
Swell Expression (bal.)
PEDAL
16' Open Diapason [wood] 30
16' Bourdon 30
Bellows Signal
ACTION: Mech. Key & Stop VOICES: 14 STOPS: 15 RANKS: 16 PIPES: 872
w/pneum. Assist
NOTES
This is a reconstructed stoplist. It is derived from the extant Balcom and Vaughan work
order for the 1951 electrification; from church files; and from extant examples of the
builder's work such as St. James' RC Church in Chicago (No. 494, 1891), the Convent
Chapel of the Community of St. Mary in Peekskill, NY. (No. 514, 1892), and St. Peter's
Episcopal in NYC, NY (No. 515, 1892) which has an identical stoplist.
In 1888, an addition was constructed onto the First Congregational Church on St. Helens
Street to house the new organ and the choir. The cost of this addition and the organ
combined was $4,000.00. The organ was purchased in 1889, but was not dedicated until
December 23, 1891 because of the difficulty of obtaining a well-trained organist. The
dedicatory recitalist was Louis Falk of Chicago. The original installation was accom-
plished by organ builder George Pilcher. The organ is believed to have been built follow-
ing new concepts by Cavaille-Coll in France. The façade had 33 pipes, not counting the
'tomato can' dummies located above the speaking façade, but the only speaking pipes were
notes 1-13 of the Great 8' Open Diapason. The Great 4' stop, while labeled as Gemshorn,
was in fact a 4' Octave. One of the church's organists, Mr. Herbert Joy, evidently com-
posed a notable amount of new music to be played on the organ.
The organ was moved without tonal changes to the [present] building on J Street by an
unidentified person or firm in 1909, and re-installed 'as is' – with the exception of
having the façade pipes re-stenciled in a more subdued color scheme and pattern.
In 1951, the organ was electrified by Balcom and Vaughan of Seattle as their opus 532.
Sources: Balcom and Vaughan opus list & files; Church records, JRS; extant pipework.
[Received from James R. Stettner 2016-08-07.]Regrettably, it is not possible to display the information about the sponsor of this pipeorgandatabase entry or if there is a sponsor. Please see About Sponsors on Pipe Organ Database.