J. H. & C. S. Odell
Opus 185, 1881

The Odell organ in the Foundry Chapel was installed in the new building, enlarged to three manuals. But its gentle tone could hardly be heard in the cavernous building, so plans immediately got underway for a larger instrument. On February 23, 1896 an article in the New
York Times relates:

Albany, N.Y., Feb. 22.-If present plans are carried out, this city will soon be the possessor of one of the finest and largest organs in the country. It will be in the Cathedral of All Saints. Ever since the present organist and choirmaster, J. Benton Tipton, came to his charge in February, 1893, the subject of replacing the old instrument with a new one has been under discussion . . . .

The best organs are now built with electric connections and mechanism throughout, which enables the placing of parts of the organ in different parts of a church, so as to obtain novel and pleasing effects. The organ now in the cathedral is a three-manual organ, which did duty in the old chapel which was used by the congregation before the cathedral was built. It was changed to a three-manual organ soon after being put in its present place, the added bank of keys being placed above the swell, and containing five solo stops of great beauty. The action is pneumatic, and all the combination changes are operated by composition buttons, which act on the great organ only. The pedals have but two stops-bourdon and open diapason-both sixteen feet.

The new organ, which will probably be built in England, will contain about forty-five speaking stops, and a great number of composition pedals and buttons. The first scheme contains five manuals, but that number will probably be reduced to four, on account of the awkwardness of so many banks. The article goes on to describe the proposed instrument, which could almost serve as a profile of one of the period's most noted organs: the 1896 Hope-Jones at Worcester Cathedral in England. With its exceedingly high wind-pressures, development on the "unit" system, almost total enclosure, and lack of any real upperwork, the Hope-:Jones represented a complete break with tradition, arousing more astonishment and controversy than practically any other new organ in the English-speaking world. Whether celebrated or denigrated, it was the news event of the day, spreading far the name and accomplishments of its builder. The Times article ends with the lament for Albany that " . . . money for the new instrument is not in hand."

When this organ [the Odell organ] was replaced in 1902, it was moved to the Church of Saint Luke the Beloved Physician, Saranac Lake, New York.
-- 2006 OHS Organ Atlas

Specification of an Organ prepared by J.H. & C.S. Odell of N.Y. for the Cathedral of All Saints, Albany, N.Y. Compass of Manuals, CC to a3 58 notes. Compass of Pedals from CCC to D 27 notes. To be enclosed in a hard wood case with large speaking pipes in front handsomely decorated.

This agreement made this 30th day of April, eighteen hundred and eighty one between J.H. & C.S. Odell, of N.Y., Parties of the First Part, and C.N. Grieg for the Cathedral of All Saints, Party of the Second Part. Witnesseth that the Parties of the First Part in consideration of the agreement hereinafter contained of the said Party of the Second Part agree to build for the said Party of the Second Part, an Organ according to the annexed scheme and specifications of the best material and in the most thorough manner, and set the same up in church all complete in good order ready for use on or about August 15th 1881, To be subjected to the approval of the Party of the Second Part. The said Party of the Second Part doth agree that upon the due performance of this agreement on the Part of the Parties of the First Part, the said Party of the Second Part will pay to the Parties of the First Part the sum of $2,600.00 cash on completion. In witness whereof the Parties of the First and Second Parts have interchangeably executed the same the day and year above written.

It is further agreed that all risk of damage to the organ or parts thereof by fire shall be incurred by the Party of the Second Part after the organ or parts thereof have been deposited in the church.
*Parties of the First Part, J.H. & C.S. Odell
Party of the Second Part, C.N. Grieg*

This entry describes an original installation of a new pipe organ.
Identified by Sam Cherubin, using information found in OHS Convention Atlas 2006.
-- The entire organ is enclosed. Purchased for $2,600.