The Organ

The organ, in its current configuration, is based on a two-manual instrument by Wadsworth of Manchester for the old mission church of St. Mark which stood in what is now Sackville Street.

The original organ, built around 1890, was moved to the present church building in 1915. Shortly after the Second World War the detached console was installed and a complete rebuild which included the addition of a Choir Organ, was undertaken by John Oakes and Son of Meir Heath. The resultant three-manual instrument we have today utilises some parts of the original organ.

The rebuilding also saw the addition of the Great Large Open Diapason and Swell Trumpet ranks. These additions to the pipework transformed the organ’s character, adding considerable weight, vigour and variety. Further modifications by Hill, Norman and Beard in 1967 saw the introduction of new electronic coupler and piston systems.

The casework was modified in 1949 and is dedicated to the fallen of the parish of the Second World War. The organ is used weekly for congregational and choral accompaniment and remains relatively reliable.

Specification:

Bracketed letters denotes shared ranks.

GREAT
Double Open Diapason (B) …..16
Open Diapason #1 (B) …..8
Open Diapason #2 …..8
Lieblich Gedackt …..8
Principal …..4
Harmonic Flute ….. 4
Fifteenth …..2
Mixture III

SWELL
Bourdon …..16
Geigen Diapason …..8
Caribel Flute …..8
Salicional …..8
Voix Celeste …..8
Gemshorn …..4
Mixture II
Trumpet (A) …..8
Oboe …..8
Tremulant

PEDAL
Sub Bass (C) …..32
Open Diapason (B) …..16
Bourdon (C) …..16
Open Diapason (B) …..8
Bass Flute (C) …..8
Fifteenth (B) …..4
Trombone (A) …..16

CHOIR
Viol d’Orchestre …..8
Diapason [Stopped] (D) …..8
Dulciana (E) …..8
Salicet (E) …..4
Flute (D) …..4
Nazard (D) …..2 2/3
Piccolo (D) …..2
Trumpet (A) …..8
Clarinet …..8
Tremulant

PISTONS
4 Thumb pistons per manual
4 Swell toe pistons
4 Great & Pedal toe pistons
1 Thumb reverser – Swell to Great
1 Toe reverser – Swell to Great
1 Toe reverser – Great to Pedal

COUPLERS
Swell Super Octave
Swell Sub Octave
Swell to Great Super Octave
Swell to Great
Swell to Great Sub Octave
Swell to Choir
Choir to Great
Swell to Pedal
Great to Pedal
Choir to Great