The history of our pipe organ goes back to 1878; the current version, installed in 1949, was made by the Aeolian-Skinner Company of Boston.
A Brief History
In 1878, shortly after the dedication of the Church of the Good Shepherd, a new organ with two manuals and 15 ranks was purchased from George S. Hutchings of Boston. The tracker action organ was located on the right side of the chancel. The façade pipes facing the congregation were stenciled in bright colors to match the interior design.
This instrument was replaced in 1949 by a three-manual, 27-rank instrument from the Aeolian-Skinner Company of Boston. By 1974, the organ needed substantial leather work and the console was replaced with a new all-electric action console.
In 1983, E. A. Kelley Associates of Salem, New Hampshire renovated and tonally revised the chancel organ, increasing the size to 30 ranks.
In 1988, the people of Church of the Good Shepherd decided that part of the bequest of the late Esther Harless would provide for a new four-manual console and a processional division to be erected over the main doors at the west end of the church. E.A. Kelley Associates designed and installed the new console and processional organ. An airlock inside the main doors was constructed to accommodate the 23-foot tall processional division — and through this airlock the congregation now passes to enter the church.
Today
Today, our magnificent four-manual instrument continues to serve as the musical heart of our worship, filling the nave with majestic sound for services, concerts, and special occasions. It stands as a testament to the generosity of past parishioners and the importance of music in our life of worship.
For detailed specifications of the Aeolian-Skinner Opus 1095, or for questions about the organ, please contact music@cgsnashua.org.