The restoration of the 1909 Austin Organ, Opus 246.
New Organ Console at St. James Episcopal Church
St. James Episcopal Church in Titusville is pleased to announce the restoration and repair of its historic pipe organ. The organ was installed in 1910 by the Austin Organ Company and is known as Opus 246, meaning it was the 246th organ installed by Austin (over 2700 Austin organs have been installed overall). The organ was originally dedicated to Charlotte Gertrude McKinney Holbrook, daughter of Hon. and Mrs. J.C. McKinney of Titusville.
This project has been made possible in large part due to a gift from the James S. Broadhurst family, which has a long-standing connection with St. James. Rev. Albert Broadhurst served as rector of St. James from 1912 – 1947. Mr. Broadhurst was always greatly interested in music, for many years he trained the choir and actively rendered service to the community in his effort to create a desire for a higher standard of music in Titusville. James S. Broadhurst is the grandson of Rev. Broadhurst. The project is being managed and executed by David Richards of the Allegheny Pipe Organ Company of Valencia, PA with assistance from Organ Supply Industries of Erie, PA.
It should be noted that this project is the third of its kind since the organ was first installed; in 1957 and 2000. The project in 2000 included the several pieces of the organ infrastructure and repair of the organ console. Today’s restoration focuses on parts and areas of the organ that were not addressed in the 2000 project. This renovation includes but is not limited to: removal, cleaning, repair and releathering of all wooden and metal pipes; building and installation of new digital console; new electrical wiring throughout; repair of all motors, rectifiers and lights; extensive cleaning and repair throughout. The new digital console is the most significant piece of this project.
Between the project in 2000 and 2019, the organ’s life expectancy is predicted to be extended at least another 50 years.
Because of the generosity of Mr. Broadhurst and the continued support of the congregation of St. James, this historic part of the musical life of Titusville and of St. James will continue well into the future. Since 1910, the Austin organ has played an important role in the music ministry of St. James. A special service dedicating the restored organ and an organ recital was held in September 2019.
This project has been made possible in large part due to a gift from the James S. Broadhurst family, which has a long-standing connection with St. James. Rev. Albert Broadhurst served as rector of St. James from 1912 – 1947. Mr. Broadhurst was always greatly interested in music, for many years he trained the choir and actively rendered service to the community in his effort to create a desire for a higher standard of music in Titusville. James S. Broadhurst is the grandson of Rev. Broadhurst. The project is being managed and executed by David Richards of the Allegheny Pipe Organ Company of Valencia, PA with assistance from Organ Supply Industries of Erie, PA.
It should be noted that this project is the third of its kind since the organ was first installed; in 1957 and 2000. The project in 2000 included the several pieces of the organ infrastructure and repair of the organ console. Today’s restoration focuses on parts and areas of the organ that were not addressed in the 2000 project. This renovation includes but is not limited to: removal, cleaning, repair and releathering of all wooden and metal pipes; building and installation of new digital console; new electrical wiring throughout; repair of all motors, rectifiers and lights; extensive cleaning and repair throughout. The new digital console is the most significant piece of this project.
Between the project in 2000 and 2019, the organ’s life expectancy is predicted to be extended at least another 50 years.
Because of the generosity of Mr. Broadhurst and the continued support of the congregation of St. James, this historic part of the musical life of Titusville and of St. James will continue well into the future. Since 1910, the Austin organ has played an important role in the music ministry of St. James. A special service dedicating the restored organ and an organ recital was held in September 2019.
Organ restoration completed by David Richards of the Allegheny Pipe Organ Company
David Richards of Allegheny Pipe Organ Supply
The 1909 organ console was replaced with a new custom built oak console including, roll top, pedalboard and bench with solid state boards; cleaned, repaired and repacked wood pipes; cleaned and repaired leaks in wind chests and replaced all manual motors, stop actions and pedal borrows with new parts; rewired chamber organ parts to the new console with all new wiring and relay switches.; replaced three electric shade motors; replaced three rectifiers, one in console and in each chamber.