Pipe Organ Database

a project of the organ historical society

E.M. Skinner & Son (Opus 501, 1936)

Originally John D. Brennan

Location:

Old South Methodist Church
6 Salem St.
Reading, MA 01867 US
Sanctuary; front
Organ ID: 58559

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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 Jim Stettner on June 08, 2022.

Technical Details:

  • Chests: Slider with pneumatic pull-downs (externally, EP or TP)
  • 3 divisions. 2 manuals.
All:
  • Chest Type(s): Slider with pneumatic pull-downs (externally, EP or TP) chests
  • Position: In center chambers at the front of the room. Facade pipes or case front visible.
  • Slider Motors: Pneumatic (EP or TP) slider motors.
We received the most recent update for this division from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Main:
  • Manuals: 2
  • Divisions: 3
  • Position: Console in fixed position, center.
  • Manual Compass: 61
  • Pedal Compass: 32
  • Key Action: Electrical connection from key to chest.
  • Stop Action: Electric connection between stop control and chest.
  • Stop Controls: Stop keys above top manual.
  • Swell Control Type: Balanced swell shoes/pedals, AGO standard placement.
  • Pedalboard Type: Concave radiating pedalboard meeting AGO Standards.
  • Has Tutti Reversible Toe Pistons
  • Has Combination Action Thumb Pistons
  • Has Combination Action Toe Pistons
  • Has Coupler Reversible Thumb Pistons
  • Has Coupler Reversible Toe Pistons
We received the most recent update for this console from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Database Manager on June 24, 2016:

Updated through online information from Wayne Johnson.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on June 12, 2016:

This entry describes an original installation of a new pipe organ. Identified by Wayne Johnson, based on personal knowledge of the organ.

Original builder was John D. Brennan of Reading, MA. The organ was acquired and rebuilt in 1913, rebuilt again in 1936 by EM Skinner & Son as their Opus #501 and rebuilt for a third time in 1977 by Kinzey-Augerstein as their Opus #R-18.

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

Instrument Images:

Great Front Pipework (Principals): Photograph by Wayne Johnson. Taken on 2016-06-05

Great Rear Pipework (Trumpet-Flute-Bourdon-Gemshorn): Photograph by Wayne Johnson. Taken on 2016-06-05

Great Rear Pipework (Gemshorn-Bourdon-Flute-Trumpet): Photograph by Wayne Johnson. Taken on 2016-06-05

Pipe Facade: Photograph by Wayne Johnson. Taken on 2016-06-05

Swell Pipework: Photograph by Wayne Johnson. Taken on 2016-06-05

Church exterior; facade: Photograph from an archival source: Vintage postcard, submitted by Jim Stettner. Taken approx. ca. 1925

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