Sunday, May 2, 2010

Saint Andrews Roman Catholic Church - Montgomery, Alabama

We were honored to have been contacted in early 2010 to inspect the historic Moller organ at Saint Andrew's Catholic Church in Montgomery, Alabama. This instrument is of mechanical action, and was built when the church was constructed in 1907. As these instruments were often built for 'remote' locales, they were of robust construction. This instrument is mostly in its original form, with the addition of a 2' Super Octave on an electric chest as the only tonal change.

Upon our inspection, we found the organ in largely good condition. There are, however, numerous problems in the key and coupler actions that have proven troublesome for sometime apparently. Also, there are signs of attempts at voicing/regulation to the Great 8' Dulciana, with the result of many pipes not speaking at all. Pipe voicing is a delicate art, and shouldn't be delved into lightly.

In this minor restoration, we will correct problems with the actions, regulate voicing as needed, and check all the wood pipes for proper packing/speech. We will also revoice the added 2' Super Octave. These pipes add a brillance to the organ, but in a manner that does not blend with the other 103 year old pipes. We believe additions to existing organs should be done in a tonal sympathetic manner, and should reflect the existing style of the instrument.

We are honored to care for this historic pipe organ, and look forward to ensuring another 100 years of reliable service to the congretation of Saint Andrew's.

Saint Andrew's Catholic Church
M.P. Moller pipe organ
1907

II - 9

Great Organ
8' Open Diapason
8' Melodia
8' Dulciana
4' Octave
2' Super Octave (not original, revoiced)

Pedal Organ
16' Bourdon

Swell Organ
8' Violin Diapason
8' Salicional
8' Gedeckt
4' Flute
Tremulant