St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Villanova University, Pennsylvania

We are pleased to present our organs at St. Thomas Chapel, Villanova University. This challenging logistical environment required the installation of 2 instruments.

The Chapel of St. Thomas was constructed in 1883 in the Victorian Gothic style. A complete restoration of the building was completed in 1993.

The Gallery Instrument. A 1964 electro-pneumatic instrument constructed by a major U.S. organbuilder, and installed in another location on the campus, was used for this gallery location. In order to suitably showcase this organ an historic case of unique prickly gothic white oak that was rescued from a defunct Philadelphia church by Patrick J. Murphy & Assoc., Inc., was enhanced and altered to fit before being refinished to match the interior woodwork of St. Thomas. A new Great Mixture, 16' Principal addition, pedal extensions, and a prepared-for high pressure reed increases the tonal flexibility within this spatially challenged balcony installation. This instrument with completion of prepared-for stops will comprise two manuals and 23 ranks that will fully support the congregational singing and the ornate grandeur of this wonderful space.