Pipe Organ Database

a project of the organ historical society

Tellers Organ Co. (1970s)

Originally Hook & Hastings (Opus 2139, 1907)

Location:

St. Francis Xavier / The Philadelphia Oratory
2319 Green Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130 US
Organ ID: 15747

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Status and Condition:

  • This instrument's location type is: Roman Catholic Churches
  • The organ has been altered from its original state.
  • The organ's condition is good, in regular use.
We received the most recent update for this instrument's status from Paul R. Marchesano on September 05, 2022.

Technical Details:

  • Chests: Information unknown or not applicable
  • 22 ranks. 3 manuals. 36 registers.
All:
  • Position: In a gallery-level case at the rear of the room.
We received the most recent update for this division from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Main:
  • Built by Tellers Organ Co.
  • Manuals: 3
  • Registers: 36
  • Position: Console in fixed position, center.
  • Key Action: Electrical connection from key to chest.
  • Stop Action: Electric connection between stop control and chest.
  • Console Style: Traditional style without cover.
  • Stop Controls: Stop keys above top manual.
  • Swell Control Type: Balanced swell shoes/pedals, AGO standard placement.
  • Pedalboard Type: Concave radiating pedalboard.
  • Has Tutti Reversible Toe Pistons
  • Has Combination Action Thumb Pistons
  • Has Coupler Reversible Toe Pistons
We received the most recent update for this console from Paul R. Marchesano on September 05, 2022.
Database Manager on October 28, 2013:

Updated through online information from James Pavlock. -- The amendment from Fr. Hafemann a few years ago is now incorrect. The Patrick Murphy Company, organ builders, has digitized the console, and the combination pistons, including the "set" piston, do work. The organ is fully functional as it is constituted, except for the "Aeoline" tab (rank removed).
The "mixture" that was added by Tellers is wonderful--it adds a brightness to the organ which cuts through the significant reverberation in the church.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on October 25, 2013:

Updated through online information from James Pavlock. -- This organ was originally built by Hook and Hastings.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on September 09, 2005:

On-line update from Fr. George Hafemann -- I counted only 22 ranks. The three manual divisions are all enclosed, each in a separate box with a separate expression pedal. The only unenclosed stops are the Pedal Open Wood and Bourdon. It appears that the Great Gamba was removed and replaced with a very high-pitched (and out of place) mixture, which really adds nothing to the ensemble. The combination action does not work; I did not see a "set" piston, nor did I find a setter board, so not sure about details. Incidentally, there are no name plates on the console. [Ed. Note -- see information below.]

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on March 01, 2005:

Additions and alterations to existing Hook & Hastings Opus 2139. Identified through online information from James Pavlock.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Source not recorded: Open In New Tab Stoplist taken from console Feb. 18, 2013
We received the most recent update for this stoplist from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
  • Music - The Philadelphia Oratory - Page describes the music program at the oratory, includes an embedded Youtube video of the 2020 Christmas concert with organ and choir.

Instrument Images:

Alter and nave of church: Photograph by James Pavlock. Taken on 2013-02-16

Organ pipes in rear of church/rose window: Photograph by James Pavlock. Taken on 2013-02-16

Building Exterior of St. Francis Xavier R.C. Church, 2013.: Photograph by James Pavlock. Taken on 2013-02-16

Organ console and tabs: Photograph by James Pavlock. Taken on 2013-02-18

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