Organ History and Organists At St Paul’s Cathedral
Click for Organ information and photos from ohta website
This organ was originally built in 1882 by George Fincham for a Melbourne music teacher Dr Summers who came to Sale in the 1880s. The organ was purchased from Dr. Summers in 1884 for the sum of £290 and installed in St. Paul's.
Originally the organ chamber was placed closer to the East end of the church in the ‘archway’ to the Lady Chapel; the other part of the Lady Chapel was for the Clergy Vestry.
Originally the organ was hand operated, and man-power was used to provide wind for the pipes; usually a small boy laboured industriously to keep the organ full of wind.
In 1929 when the Cathedral was renovated and electrified, the organ was moved to its present site and an electric blower was fitted (outside). The renovation was carried out by Laurie Pipe Organs of Moorabbin. It is probable that at this time two additional stops - Dulciana and Viol d’Orchestra - and tremulant were added
The old vestry and organ chamber was then changed into a very useful side Chapel.
In 1965 the need for attention to the organ became obvious as the then Dean, Dr Alexander, obtained quotes for two different specifications from an organ builder - Hill, Norman and Beard of Melbourne. The first to restore the instrument (£4,600) and the second to completely rebuild and enlarge (£6,500). This work was not proceeded with but some patch-up work was carried out by another organ tuner.
In 1973 the organ was tuned and a regular tuning contract signed with Laurie Pipe Organs who gave a quote at this time for $4,000 to rebuild the instrument. This was out of the question at the time, though a number of small jobs were done over the next few years which kept the instrument serviceable.
In 1979 an updated report and estimate for the restoration of the organ was obtained, This also included the replacement of two of the stops, the Keraulophon with a Clarabel and a two rank mixture to replace the Viol d'Orchestra. The quote for this work was then $15,000. An appeal was launched and in March 1981 the organ and it’s 640 pipes, along with other parts, were dismantled and taken to Melbourne. It was rebuilt at a cost of $20,000.
What had not been foreseen was that the side panelling which had been erected in 1929 would have to be completely wrecked to remove the organ, necessitating the building of a new case. Fortunately the original panelling from the 1884 case was discovered behind the organ. This was able to be cleaned up, polished and incorporated into the case that you now see. It was also decided to fit glass panels into the console doors.
This case-work along with repairs to the Cathedral floor under the organ and electrical work for the blower and lighting increased the final total cost of restoration to $22,000.
Members of the Friends of the Cathedral contributed $6000 towards the renovation costs over three years. Other money came from donations and the $3500 shortfall in payment of the organ was paid out of general maintenance funds.
On 10th July 1981 Maurice Clerc, Professor of Music in Dijon in France, gave an opening recital which showed the organs capabilities.
The replacement value of the organ in 1981 would have been in the vicinity of $60,000-$80,000.
In 1896, Miss Watson, the daughter of Canon Watson, tendered her resignation as organist when her father left Sale, and Miss Easterby, afterwards Mrs. Napper, was appointed.
After about thirty years as organist Mrs. S. Napper resigned her position as the family was moving to the city. She left a very big gap in the life of the Cathedral as her personality and sympathetic playing made her beloved by all. Mr. C. Lander was appointed in her place.
1981 Mrs Nancy Darley, organist since 1961, asked to be relieved of the responsibility, although she indicated her willingness to help out with services when she was home.
The Dean and Chapter appointed a new Organist to St Paul's from the beginning of 1982. He was Mr Russell Savige of Moe, who was well known locally from his many appearances at the Cathedral for Pleasant Sunday afternoon programs.
Russell, a Gippslander, was born in Moe of devout Anglican parents. His father J. Russell Savige was a leading Diocesan figure for many years till his death in 1977. Mrs Savige was well known for her column in the "Gippsland Anglican". Russell's secondary education was at Moe High and Geelong Grammar, leading on to Melbourne University where he did an Arts/Law Course. Although he had piano lessons while at school he has had almost no formal tuition on the organ.
Mr John Mackenzie assisted from 1973-95 helping out particularly on Sunday evenings and mid-week, in addition to his Sacristan duties. He then was the official organist until 1999.
SALE Cathedral Church of Saint Paul Organists
Before 1896 Miss Watson (also Mrs. Rich and Mr. Maynard)
1896 -1924 Miss Easterby (later Mrs. S.Napper)
1924-1927 Mr.C.Lander
1927 - 1935 Mrs. R.N. McKay
1935 - Mrs. Doris Martin
1949 Mrs. Mabel Shaw
1950 - 1951 Mr. Frederick Mayhew
1952 - 1955 Mr. Bill Martin
1956 - 1958 Dr. Jarman
1959 - 1961 Mr. Frank Lucas
1961 - 1981 Mrs. Nancy Darley (photo above)
1981-1991 Mr. Russell Savige
1992 - 1995 Mrs. Mary Moffat
1995 - 1999 Mr. John Mackenzie (also Acting/Assistant Organist 1973-1995)
2000 Mrs. Coral Endry ( Dr. C. Tudball)
2001 - 2006 Mr. John Brehaut
August 13th 2006 Mr Anthony Hahn
1904 Choir Report “The Choir has always greatly assisted in the worship of the Church, but has had its fluctuations and variations as to excellence, under several leaders. Since the new Church was opened the Choir has had, as Organists, Mr Weierter, Miss Watson, Mrs Napper and Miss Easterby whose excellence is generally admitted. The Conductors of the Choir, for the same period, were Mr Stewart, Miss M. Harvey, Mr Hornidge, Miss Easterby, Mr C. W. Bell and Mr Tralford Foster. It is proposed to erect Choir Vestries; and when this is accomplished to robe the members of the Choir.”
1934 The Choir:
Choirmaster: Mr. F. I. Du Ve.
Organist: Mrs. R. N. McKay.
Membcrs : Sopranos - Mesdames F. Grant, F. Du Ve. F. Thornton, E. Johns, C. Prestney, H. Greenwell, Misses E. Jenkins, E .Weir, P. Whillans, W. Greenaway, T. Cartledge, L. Ryder and L. Jarrett
Altos Mesdames H. Atkins and G. S. Martin, Misses E. Paton and O. Dulfer.
Tenors - Messrs F. 1. Du Ye, F. Grant, A. Cox, F. Beadle and H Scott.
Basses- Messrs. J. Ferguson. J. France. E. Johns, G. S. Martin, C. O. Williams and G. Jaeger.
The choir, like all other societies, has its ups and downs but at the present time is very well balanced and is doing good work under the present Choirmaster and Organist. The members are most devoted to their work, and the singing has reached a high standard. It is very painstaking in the singing of the Church services, and once a month is able to render a Choral Eucharist in excellent manner. The people of St. Paul's fully appreciate the work it does, and realise that their work is second to none in devotion and efficiency.
