The
organ in Old First Church was built by the Aeolian-Skinner Organ
Company of Boston in 1958, their Opus 1326. The instrument consisted
of 56 ranks and 3,241 pipes with a three manual console. It was
designed by Dr. Charles Schilling, Organist and Choir Director of Old
First Church, and G. Donald Harrison, President and Tonal Director of
Aeolian-Skinner. The Berkshire Organ Company later added several
additional ranks including a Harmonic Flute, Sesquialtera and
Trompette en Chamade.
In
1997 Foley-Baker, Inc. of Tolland, Connecticut was selected to
completely re-leather the organ, upgrade switching and combination
action and design a new case. The polished tin pipes of the
façade
were made by the German firm of Laukhuff. The new casework of African
mahogany was designed by Richard S. Hedgebeth and constructed in the
shop of Steve Beeching, Tolland, CT. The new combination action was
provided by Artisan Classic of Markham, Ontario.
The
organ restoration and new facade were a gift of a member of Old First
Church. Chancel modification was a gift of Ellen G. Biringer of
Southfield, Michigan, honoring her parents and her husband. The
project was completed in the Fall of 1997.