Pipe Organ Database

a project of the organ historical society

Casavant Frères Ltée. (2001)

Originally Schantz Organ Co. (1960)

Location:

First United Methodist Church
518 19th Street North
Birmingham, AL 35203 US
Sanctuary
Organ ID: 2

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Status and Condition:

  • This instrument's location type is: Methodist 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 Richard Byrd on September 29, 2020.

Technical Details:

  • Chests: EP pitman, EP unit
  • 62 ranks. 3,645 pipes. 6 divisions. 4 manuals.
All:
  • Chest Type(s): EP pitman chests
  • Position: In center chambers at the front of the room. Facade pipes or case front visible.
We received the most recent update for this division from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.

Grand Orgue:
  • Chest Type(s): EP pitman chests
  • Position: Pipes exposed (in whole or in part) at the front of the room.
  • Built by Casavant Frères Ltée.
We received the most recent update for this division from Richard Byrd on September 29, 2020.

Positif:
  • Chest Type(s): EP pitman chests
  • Position: In a case at the front of the room.
  • Built by Casavant Frères Ltée.
We received the most recent update for this division from Richard Byrd on September 29, 2020.

Récit:
  • Chest Type(s): EP pitman chests
  • Position: In a case at the front of the room.
  • Built by Schantz Organ Co.
We received the most recent update for this division from Richard Byrd on September 29, 2020.

Bombarde:
  • Chest Type(s): EP pitman chests
  • Position: Pipes exposed (in whole or in part) at the front of the room.
  • Built by Casavant Frères Ltée.
We received the most recent update for this division from Richard Byrd on September 29, 2020.

Echo:
  • Chest Type(s): EP pitman chests
  • Position: In gallery-level chambers at the rear of the room.
  • Built by Casavant Frères Ltée.
We received the most recent update for this division from Richard Byrd on September 29, 2020.

Pédale:
  • Chest Type(s): EP unit chests
  • Position: In a case at the front of the room.
  • Built by Casavant Frères Ltée.
We received the most recent update for this division from Richard Byrd on September 29, 2020.
Main:
  • Built by Casavant Frères Ltée.
  • Manuals: 4
  • Divisions: 6
  • Position: Movable console.
  • Manual Compass: 61
  • Pedal Compass: 32
  • Key Action: Electrical connection from key to chest.
  • Stop Action: Electric connection between stop control and chest.
  • Console Style: Traditional style with roll top.
  • Stop Controls: Drawknobs in vertical rows on angled jambs.
  • Combination Action: Computerized/Digital system.
  • Combination Action Name: SSOS Capture for Multisystem
  • Swell Control Type: Balanced swell shoes/pedals, AGO standard placement.
  • Pedalboard Type: Concave radiating pedalboard meeting AGO Standards.
  • Has Crescendo Pedal
  • Has Tutti Reversible Thumb Pistons
  • Has Tutti Reversible Toe Pistons
  • Has Combination Action Thumb Pistons
  • Has Combination Action Toe Pistons
We received the most recent update for this console from Richard Byrd on September 29, 2020.
Richard Byrd on April 21, 2021:

Updated through online information from Richard Byrd. -- The current Echo division, new by Casavant in 2002, was silenced shortly after installation from lightening damage to the switching system and subsequent water leaks. In 2019, the entire instrument was upgraded to SSOS Multisystem II in order to reconnect the Echo and in a more lightening-resistant manner. Windchest components damaged by water were refurbished. The division is once again fully functional. A new 8-bell zimbelstern was added to replace the non-functional existing one (in Recit enclosure), new Peterson chime action for existing chimes, and seven of the original Schantz reservoirs were re-leathered.

We received the most recent update for this note from Jim Stettner on May 27, 2021.
Database Manager on May 07, 2017:

Great chorus moved to Positif in former Choir enclosure, reeds replaced, exposed Positiv division replaced with Bombarde division, and new Great chorus.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on May 07, 2017:

The console was prepared for a new Echo division, replacing the Möller Echo of 1930. The new Echo was added in 2002.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on February 11, 2019.
Database Manager on November 04, 2011:

Updated through online information from Mark Hayes.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on October 01, 2010:

First twelve notes of the Contrebasse replaced with open wood pipes in 2002.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on October 30, 2004:

Rebuild of existing 1960 Schantz, retaining the 1930 Möller Echo division.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on February 11, 2019.
Two pages from organ dedication program.: Open In New Tab Digital scan of printed document
We received the most recent update for this stoplist from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.

Stoplist copied from the factory specifications and updated from console: Open In New Tab Typed stoplist (includes additions/modifications made by Casavant in 2002) Originally published 2000, updated 2020
We received the most recent update for this stoplist from Richard Byrd on September 29, 2020.

Instrument Images:

Organ Façade; Full view of room (diagonal): Photograph by Kathryn Hayes. Taken on 2000-01-06

Organ Façade: Photograph by Kathryn Hayes. Taken on 2000-01-06

Console: Photograph by Kathryn Hayes. Taken on 2000-01-06

Façade - angled view: Photograph by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2006-12-21

Console - from right: Photograph by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2006-12-21

Console - from left: Photograph by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2006-12-21

Chancel and choir loft from balcony: Photograph by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2006-12-21

Right stop jamb: Photograph by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2006-12-21

Building Exterior: Photograph by John F. Alford. Taken on 2014-12-07

Choir loft and organ façade, after room restoration : Photograph by Photograph by Jane McKenzie, submitted by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2016-03-27

Rear of sanctuary; Echo Chamber opening in ceiling : Photograph by Richard Byrd. Taken on 2020-07-30

Echo pipework : Photograph by Richard Byrd. Taken on 2020-07-30

Grand Orgue upperwork: Photograph by Richard Byrd. Taken on 2020-08-05

Left to right: Montre 16, Trompette royal 8, G.O. Trompette 8, Pedal Trompette (extension in foreground): Photograph by Richard Byrd. Taken on 2020-08-05

Pedal pipework: Photograph by Richard Byrd. Taken on 2020-08-05

Pedal pipework from above: Photograph by Richard Byrd. Taken on 2020-08-05

Positif - front portion of main chest (view from rear): Photograph by Richard Byrd. Taken on 2020-08-05

Positif rear of main chest: Photograph by Richard Byrd. Taken on 2020-08-05

Pipework (left to right): Ped. Mixture IV, Ped. Octave 4, G.O. Violon 8’: Photograph by Richard Byrd. Taken on 2020-08-05

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