Pipe Organ Database

a project of the organ historical society

Unknown Builder (1940's)

Originally J. W. Steere & Son (1899)

Location:

Park Methodist Church
Union Park
Hornell, NY US
Sanctuary; front
Organ ID: 73020

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Status and Condition:

  • This instrument's location type is: Methodist Churches
  • The organ has been relocated.
  • The organ's condition is not playable.
We received the most recent update for this instrument's status from Scot Huntington on March 28, 2023.

Technical Details:

  • Chests: Electro-pneumatic (EP)
  • 16 ranks. 3 divisions. 2 manuals. 17 stops. 31 registers.
All:
  • Chest Type(s): Electro-pneumatic (EP) chests
  • Position: In a case at the front of the room.
We received the most recent update for this division from Jim Stettner on March 27, 2023.
Main:
  • Built by Unknown Builder
  • Manuals: 2
  • Divisions: 3
  • Stops: 17
  • Registers: 31
  • Position: Console in fixed position, right.
  • 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: Stop keys above top manual.
  • Swell Control Type: Balanced swell shoes/pedals, AGO standard placement.
  • Pedalboard Type: Concave radiating pedalboard meeting AGO Standards.
  • Has Crescendo Pedal
We received the most recent update for this console from Scot Huntington on March 28, 2023.
Scot Huntington on March 28, 2023:

The electrification of the organ by an unknown builder coincided with a dramatic redecoration of the front of the church, with the center part of the organ hidden behind drapery, and the choir now in divided-chancel seating. This situation remained until the early/mid 1960s when the chancel was again redecorated, the drapery covering the front of the organ was removed and the pipe facade was again visible in toto, but with shortened pipes in the center section.

The church was demolished in a fit of urban renewal to make way for a multi-lane arterial that cut through the heart of the city and obliterated the historic park in front of the church. The last Sunday service in the old building was Easter 1971. The congregation moved to a new contemporary building at the outskirts of town in North Hornell. The organ was moved into the new building by the Peckam company of Elmira. Further investigation is needed to determine if the organ is still extant, or has been removed.

We received the most recent update for this note from Scot Huntington on March 28, 2023.
Jim Stettner on March 27, 2023:

This entry represents the electrification of the original J.W. Steere & Son organ.

We received the most recent update for this note from Jim Stettner on March 27, 2023.
Console: Open In New Tab Originally published 1960s
We received the most recent update for this stoplist from Scot Huntington on March 28, 2023.

Instrument Images:

Electrified/modified organ in front of newly refurbished sanctuary: Photograph from an archival source: Hornellhome.com, submitted by Jim Stettner. Taken approx. 1940's

Christmas in the newly-redecorated church, with divided chancel choir seating: Photograph from an archival source: Hornellhome.com, submitted by Scot L. Huntington. Taken approx. Christmas, 1953

Sanctuary with organ in front: Photograph from an archival source: Hornellhome.com, submitted by Jim Stettner. Taken approx. ca. 1962

Organ in front at Easter: Photograph from an archival source: Dan Trethaway via Hornellhome.com, submitted by Scot L. Huntington. Taken approx. Easter 1971

Console: Photograph from an archival source: Hornellhome.com, submitted by Jim Stettner. Taken approx. ca. 1960's

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