Pipe Organ Database

Updated through on-line information from Gregory Kuklinski. -- There are 60 pipe ranks and 23 digital ranks from Allen Organ in 1998. 14 of the new digital ranks are part of the Positiv division which is playable in the sanctuary or in the rear of the nave adjacent the tower door entrance I believe that this is slightly different than what the website says. The organ was designed by Robert Knox Chapman, Organist and Choirmaster of the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem. The organ and altar were dedicated in memory of Gertrude C. Starkey and is called the Starkey Memorial Organ. An interesting story: to get through college, my father worked at Fairless Steel in Pennsylvania the year before he met my mother. The Starkey's later sold the steel mill and donated the money to Lehigh. I have heard this second hand and have never confirmed it personally. David A. J. Broome reconstructed the 13 reed voices of the organ in 1998. Also, an eight bell zymbelstern was added as part of the reconstruction in 1998. I helped Lehigh with the refurbishment of the organ and helped pick Dr. Tom Murray to perform the rededication on 10/18/98. I was his page turner. This was exciting that I could help.

Updated through on-line information from James R. Stettner. -- The organ was dedicated by E. Power Biggs on April 17, 1952. In 1998, the organ was refurbished. Chest actions were releathered. Austin revoiced the reed ranks. A new Allen console was added with 23 digital ranks - including an entirely digital Positiv division. The "new" organ has 92 speaking stops. It was dedicated October 18, 1998 by Dr. Thomas Murray.

Information identifying this instrument from the Austin Organs, Inc. web site, accessed December 20, 2004: http://www.austinorgans.com/organ-research.htm.