Pipe Organ Database

a project of the organ historical society

Aeolian-Skinner Organ Co. (Opus 1476, 1967)

Location:

First Baptist Church
401 Gateway Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37402 US
Sanctuary
Organ ID: 25005

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Status and Condition:

  • This instrument's location type is: Baptist Churches
  • The organ has been renovated with changes 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 Database Manager on May 13, 2018.

Technical Details:

  • Chests: EP pitman
  • 53 ranks. 2,965 pipes. 4 divisions. 3 manuals. 40 stops. 52 registers.
All:
  • Chest Type(s): EP pitman chests
  • Position: In side chambers at the front of the room. Exposed pipes visible.
We received the most recent update for this division from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Main:
  • Manuals: 3
  • Divisions: 4
  • Stops: 40
  • Registers: 52
  • 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.
  • Swell Control Type: Balanced swell shoes/pedals, AGO standard placement.
  • Pedalboard Type: Concave radiating pedalboard meeting AGO Standards.
  • Has Tutti Reversible Thumb Pistons
  • 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 Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Jeff Scofield on October 22, 2020:

The sanctuary is of cathedral proportions - 215' long with a 72' ceiling, and has a wonderful 4-5 seconds of reverb. Though a bit smallish for the very large space, the organ's installation on the central axis of the 1,200-seat room helps quite a bit to get the sound out; it really sounds magnificent.

We received the most recent update for this note from Jeff Scofield on October 30, 2020.
Database Manager on October 23, 2013:

Updated through online information from Dorothy Young Riess. -- I played this instrument on October 6, 2013. It is in excellent condition and is used regularly for services.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on June 18, 2013:

Updated through online information from Landry Duvall.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on April 28, 2007:

Updated through online information from Jeff Scofield. -- In 2002, A. E. Schleuter of Atlanta rebuilt and the console and converted the switching and combination action to solid-state. A Vox Humana was added to the Swell and a prepared-for 16' Quintaton was installed on the Great. The organ is stacked in tall chambers to each side of the tall, narrow chancel window. The Pedal 8' Principal and Great Quintaton and Trompette-en-Chamade are installed at the base of the window between the two chambers. The 32' Contre Basson is located in the Swell box. The five-seconds reverb in the cathedral-like nave helps make this instrument one of the finest-sounding organs in the region.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Source not recorded: Open In New Tab Stoplist from the Aeolian-Skinner Archives website
We received the most recent update for this stoplist from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.

Instrument Images:

1967 church exterior: Postcard in collection of Jeff Scofield. Taken on 1967-11-11

Church exterior side view: Photograph by Photograph by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2020-04-11

Church front view: Photograph by Photograph by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2020-04-11

Nave from balcony: Photograph by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2020-10-20

Nave to rear: Photograph by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2020-10-20

Console: Photograph by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 1984-08-04

Console after 2002 Schlueter renovation: Photograph by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2020-10-20

Chancel, en-chamade and exposed pipes: Photograph by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2020-10-20

Console, chancel and organ chamber: Photograph by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2020-10-20

Aeolian-Skinner nameplate: Photograph by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2020-10-20

Schlueter nameplate: Photograph by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2020-10-20

Left stopjamb: Photograph by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2020-10-20

Right stopjamb: Photograph by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2020-10-20

Couplers: Photograph by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2020-10-20

Nave from floor: Photograph by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2020-10-20

Console and exposed pipes: Photograph by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2022-05-13

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