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The
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Camden,
New Jersey
1926
Casavant - 3 manual, 37 rank
The
first pipe organ at Immaculate Conception was constructed
as Opus 1287 in 1885 by the noted Boston firm of Hook
and Hastings. Records indicate that this instrument was
constructed with mechanical action controlling 26 stops
over 2 manuals and Pedal. In 1926, Casavant Freres Ltee,
of St. Hyacinthe, P.Q. installed an essentially new instrument
of 3 manuals and 29 stops retaining the Hook case, most
of the Hook pipework in a revoiced state; a completely
new winding system, new electric vental windchests; new
expression boxes, and an elegant new three manual drawknob
console. Evidence exists that this work was possibly aided
with consulting advice by the noted organist Charles Courboin.
After almost 70 years of providing faithful service for
all Masses and important liturgies, the instrument by
1994 was in need of a major comprehensive rebuilding.
Patrick J. Murphy & Associates Inc. of Stowe, Pennsylvania
was engaged to rebuild and upgrade the instrument retaining
the 1926, tonal character while addressing the need for
a reliable mechanism. New electric slider windchests in
the "Blackington" style were constructed in
the same configuration as the original Casavant chests.
This design of windchest requires less perishable leather
to replace in future overhauls and at the same time provides
superior speech characteristics. All reed and flue pipes
were cleaned and restored. Years of applied paint were
stripped from the console shell revealing its splendid
white oak exterior. (It is hoped that the Hook case may
someday receive the same treatment). A new multiple level
solid state combination action was installed including
transposer and future MIDI features. A new movable dolly
to provide physical mobility when used in conjunction
with Choral groups completed the work. A Great Mixture
was added in 1997. In January 1999, Patrick J. Murphy
& Associates Inc. completed the releathering of the
original Casavant bellows and restoration of the facade
pipes.
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