The Estey 3-Manual Pipe Organ
History
The majestic pipe organ installed in the Sanctuary of Epsilon Spires was built in 1906 by the Estey Organ Company, founded in Brattleboro by Jacob Estey in 1872. The Estey factory manufactured more than 3,000 organs in its Brattleboro factory, shipping them as far as China and South Africa before closing in 1960. Our Estey was given as a gift to the First Baptist Church in memory of Juilius Jacob Estey (son of Jacob Estey) by his sons Jacob Gray Estey and Julius Harry Estey. The organ was revised in 1958 by Elroy E. Hewitt, but its tonal features remain, for the most part, untouched. The instrument is an excellent example of an early-twentieth century American pipe organ, and is one of the largest organs of its kind still in use today.
Organ Programming at Epsilon Spires
Epsilon Spires seeks to honor the history of our magnificent and unique pipe organ while expanding our audience’s expectations of what this versatile instrument is capable of, with a focus on showcasing experimental and secular works. Our innovative organ programming continues to breathe new life into this historic treasure, which is featured regularly in concert performances by talented international contemporary composers playing free recitals of their favorite pieces.
To transport audiences back in time with unforgettable, immersive experiences, we frequently invite accomplished silent film accompanists to perform live soundtracks to classic films activating our powerful pipe organ, which is similar to the organs that would have been heard playing in movie theaters during the original theatrical releases.
Upcoming Events
Wed, Feb 01Epsilon SpiresJustin specializes in the performance of music from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque on the organ and harpsichord, as well as the work of living composers. He maintains a continued interest in the work of late medieval Germany, the English virginalists, and the music of Charles Tournemire.
Sat, Mar 18Epsilon SpiresJoin us for an unforgettable film-concert experience! Our evening begins with Lois Weber's groundbreaking thriller: SUSPENSE! (1913), followed by Alfred Hitchcock's early masterpiece: BLACKMAIL! (1929) featuring a phenomenal live soundtrack performed on the 1916 Estey Pipe Organ by Dennis James.
“The Sanctuary Organ” Stoplist
Originally built by Estey Organ Co., Opus 300, 1906
Modifications by Elroy E. Hewitt, 1958
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Great (II)
Open Diapason 8
Gross Flute 8
Dulciana 8
Octave 4
Twelfth 2 2/3
Fifteenth 2
Tuba 8
Chimes
Choir (I, expressive)
Concert Flute 8
Aeoline 8
Vox Angelica 8
Hohl Flute 4
Piccolo 2
Cor Glorieux 8
Choir Tremolo
Swell (III, expressive)
Bourdon 16
Stopped Diapason 8
Quintadena 8
Salicional 8
Voix Celeste (from tenor C) 8
Principal 4
Flute Traverso 4
Cornet III
Cornopean 8
Oboe 8
Vox Humana 8
Swell Tremolo
Pedal
Open Diapason 16
Bourdon (from Swell) 16
Dulciana 16
Gedeckt 8
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Couplers:
Great to Pedal 8
Swell to Pedal 8, 4
Choir to Pedal 8
Swell to Great 16, 8, 4
Choir to Great 16, 8, 4
Swell to Choir 16, 8, 4
Great to Great 4
Swell to Swell 16, 4
Choir to Choir 16, 4
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Player Assists:
7 General Pistons (also available as toe studs)
6 Swell Divisional Piston & 1 Divisional Cancel
5 Great Divisional Pistons & 1 Divisional Cancel
5 Choir Divisional Pistons & 1 Divisional Cancel
4 Pedal Divisional Toe Studs & 1 Divisional Cancel
Swell to Pedal Reversible (manual and toe stud)
Great to Pedal Reversible (manual and toe stud)
Choir to Pedal Reversible (manual and toe stud)
Sforzando
General Cancel
Crescendo Pedal
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Manual Compass: C–c4, 61 notes
Pedal Compass: C–g1, 32 notes