Philadelphia, PA Third Scots and Mariers' Presbyterian Church "Old Pine Street Church" – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

View More Images

Relocated bt the Organ Clearing House

The historic Society Hill section of Philadelphia is the new home for the 1892 J. W. Steere & Sons Pipe Organ, Op. #344. This mechanical action instrument with 18 stops, was originally constructed for the Unitarian Church of Elgin, Illinois. Organ collector, Robert B. Whiting acquired the organ in 1992 through the Organ Clearing House of Harrisville, New Hampshire. PJM & Associates then dismantled, renovated, and installed the instrument in Mr. Whiting’s studio. Following Mr. Whiting’s death, PJM & Associates purchased the instrument. The organ was then recommended to Old Pine Street Church upon hearing of their desire to obtain an historic instrument. To achieve its greatest potential, the organ would undergo several alterations.

The new balcony location would require the pedal action to be reconfigured in order to reduce the necessary depth of the instrument. Other additions included increasing the pedal compass to 30 notes, a new Great III, a Pedal Octave 8′, and 16′ Trombone. The Trombone pipes were obtained from the C.S. Haskell Organ which had been originally installed at the nearby Memorial Episcopal Church.

The completed 21-stop instrument now complements the room both visually as well as tonally. Its ornate carved white oak casework and hearty-voiced diapasons make it seem as though the Steere has been at this location all along. It has also been most gratifying to provide an instrument new owners will cherish and enjoy.