George E. Babb (1970s)

Originally Hinners Organ Co. (1912)

Location:

St. Mary of False River Catholic Church
348 W Main Street
New Roads, LA 70760 US
Organ ID: 50425

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Status and Condition:

  • This instrument's location type is: Roman Catholic Churches
  • The organ has been altered from its original state.
  • 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 October 12, 2021.

Technical Details:

  • Chests: EP unit
  • 8 ranks. 433 pipes. 3 divisions. 2 manuals. 8 stops.
All:
  • Chest Type(s): EP unit chests
  • Position: In a gallery-level case at the rear of the room.
We received the most recent update for this division from Database Manager on May 28, 2018.
Main:
  • Manuals: 2
  • Divisions: 3
  • Stops: 8
  • Position: Console in fixed position, left.
  • Manual Compass: 61
  • Pedal Compass: 32
  • Key Action: Electrical connection from key to chest.
  • Stop Action: Electric connection between stop control and chest.
  • Console Style: Traditional style with roll top.
  • Stop Controls: Tilting/rocking tablets above top manual.
  • Combination Action: Setterboard (remote or in console).
  • Swell Control Type: Balanced swell shoes/pedals, AGO standard placement.
  • Pedalboard Type: Concave radiating pedalboard meeting AGO Standards.
We received the most recent update for this console from Database Manager on May 28, 2018.
Paul R. Marchesano on October 12, 2021:

From church website: "In early 1931, the Hinners Organ Company of Pekin, Illinois, offered Father Hoes a “two manual” instrument having a total of 433 full scale pipe ... really a fine organ, having been used only about 14 years. Father Hoes acquired this splendid used organ for $1,650, less a 5-percent cash discount. The organ is still in use today, having been rebuilt in the 1960's."

We received the most recent update for this note from Paul R. Marchesano on October 12, 2021.

Database Manager on December 03, 2012:

Updated through online information from Dan Talbot.

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

Database Manager on September 21, 2012:

Identified through online information from Dan Talbot. -- [New instrument using Hinners pipework in original case - Ed.] Last time I was in New Roads fixing a problem, the orignal HINNERS name plate was found inside the console. It has been put back on the organ. ALL of the original pipework is still present in the instrument, though new pipework was installed when stops were brought from only a 8' stop, but now made to play at 8, 4 and 2. The church is a vibrant church, with many weddings and funerals. The organ is used for all services and rehearsals. The organist always said the organ had very heavy action when it was a tracker. There was a coupler from the Swell to Great, and was also a Great OCTAVE [4'] coupler on the original tracker. The console is a Reisner console from the mid 1970's. The organ receives regular maintenance. Next time I'm in New Roads playing for a wedding, I will be sure to copy down the stop list. I'm sure the organist there remembers the original stoplist when it was a tracker. They are presently wanting to add a Trumpet to the instrument. The organ sounds great in the building that has wonderful acoustics!

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Source not recorded: Open In New Tab Stoplist from memory
We received the most recent update for this stoplist from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.

Instrument Images:

Great Pipework: Photograph by Dan Talbot. Taken on 2012-11-29

Pipe Facade (8' Diapason): Photograph by Dan Talbot. Taken on 2012-11-29

Balcony and Pipe Facade: Photograph by Dan Talbot. Taken on 2012-11-29

Builder and Rebuilder's Nameplates: Photograph by Dan Talbot. Taken on 2012-11-29

Church Exterior: Photograph by Dan Talbot. Taken on 2012-11-29