Pipe Organ Database

a project of the organ historical society

E.M. Skinner & Son (Opus 510, 1938)

Location:

Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Episcopal (Later National Cathedral)
3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016 US
Organ ID: 1908

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Status and Condition:

  • This instrument's location type is: Episcopal and Anglican Churches
  • The organ has been rebuilt or substantially revised.
  • The organ's condition is good, in regular use.
We received the most recent update for this instrument's status from Paul R. Marchesano on January 21, 2022.

Technical Details:

  • Chests: EP pitman
  • 132 ranks. 8,093 pipes. 8 divisions. 4 manuals. 94 stops. 116 registers.
All:
  • Chest Type(s): EP pitman chests
  • Position: In center chambers at the front of the room. Facade pipes or case front visible.
We received the most recent update for this division from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Main:
  • Manuals: 4
  • Divisions: 8
  • Stops: 94
  • Registers: 116
  • Position: Keydesk attached.
  • Manual Compass: 61
  • Pedal Compass: 32
  • Key Action: Electrical connection from key to chest.
  • Stop Action: Electric connection between stop control and chest.
  • Stop Controls: Drawknobs in vertical rows on flat jambs.
  • Pedalboard Type: Concave radiating pedalboard meeting AGO Standards.
We received the most recent update for this console from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Database Manager on May 17, 2013:

This entry describes an original installation of a new pipe organ. Identified by Sam Cherubin, based on personal knowledge of the organ. -- Revisions completed in 1963 (Opus 883-A, 883-B, 883-C).

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on February 05, 2012:

Updated through online information from Sam Cherubin. -- In both the transepts in the Cathedral there are two organs in either of them with two identical visible organ chambers in the Great Choir area with the organ console on the right side. Pipes are in the triforium level of the cathedral. At triforium level at the High Altar just opposite of the West End is a rank of Trompette en Chamade pipes; most of them are horizontal and rest are behind in an unenclosed chamber.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on October 30, 2004:

Modifications to Aeolian-Skinner 883. Converted to direct electric action 1993. Tonally altered.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
from <i>The Life and Work of Ernest M. Skinner</i>, by Dorothy J. Holden: Open In New Tab Typed stoplist
We received the most recent update for this stoplist from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Write-up from THE DIAPASON March 1937: Open In New Tab Commentary and description
Document created on 1937-03-01
We received the most recent update for this document from Jeff Scofield on April 18, 2022.

Instrument Images:

Facade: Photograph by Len Levasseur. Taken on 2010-11-15

Console, Robert J. Barrow (Cathedral Organist), and E. M. Skinner (Builder): Photograph by Harris and Ewing; image courtesy of the Library of Congress. Taken on 1938-04-16

Console: Photograph by Theodor Hordczak; image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Organ Case: Photograph by Theodor Hordczak; image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Nave and Organ Case: Photograph by Theodor Hordczak; image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Organ Case: Vintage Postcard, courtesy of T. Bradford Willis, DDS (1960s).