The Episcopal Church of St. Matthew
Auburn, Washington

1871 E. & G.G. Hook and Hastings-2 manual, 10 rank

Relocated by the Organ Clearing House

This stock-model E. & G. G. Hook & Hastings tracker, Op. 591 (1871), was built originally for the Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When it was replaced with a larger pipe organ, this instrument was moved to Christ Lutheran Church in Camden, New Jersey, where it served until that church closed, at which time Patrick J. Murphy & Associates purchased the instrument on speculation and began its restoration. In the meantime, the Episcopal Church of St. Matthew in Auburn, Washington had contacted the Organ Clearing House of Harrisville, New Hampshire, inquiring about the possibility of finding a suitable recycled pipe organ for its new church building. The Clearing House suggested Op. 591, and St. Matthew's purchased it.

The instrument's restoration included a complete cleaning, with repair or replacement of any broken or missing parts, and rebuilding and renovation of the windchests and wind system, including reconstruction of the reservoir, or "bellows." All of the original pipework was carefully restored, slightly repitched to A=440. The missing short-compass Swell Oboe was replaced by a restored set from a Johnson & Son instrument of 1884 built originally for St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania. The chestnut and walnut casework was repaired and refinished with the façade pipes' receiving a new coat of paint. The responsive and reliable "tracker" action, which involves a direct mechanical connection between the keys and the valves under the pipes, was thoroughly renewed.

Easter 1999 saw the installation complete. A recital followed the formal dedication ceremony. In its new home, Op. 591 has added visual elegance and musical vitality to a handsome new worship environment.