OLD WHALING CHURCH
EDGARTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS

Andover Organ Company R-376

The Old Whaling Church, which was originally the United Methodist Church of Edgartown, is now owned by the Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust. It contains a two-manual organ built by Simmons and Fisher in 1856-7. The organ was completely restored in 2003-4 by the Andover Organ Company. The restoration was necessary for two reasons. First, there were unfortunate alterations, chiefly tonal, made in the 1960's, and second, the organ suffered mechanically over the years from overheating.

The manual keyboards were renovated and rebushed. A rebuilt 27-note flat pedalboard was installed in place of the original 26-note pedalboard, and the Pedal couplers were expanded to 27 notes. The hitch-down Swell mechanism was restored. The Great combination action was restored to the organ and piano and forte pedals were provided. A new quiet 3/4 hp blower was installed in a box, and the reservoir was releathered, including the feeders so that the organ can be hand pumped. The Pedal chests were retabled and expanded to 27 notes. The action was renewed throughout. Seven pipes were added to the existing Double Open Diapason. The Manual chests were retabled and renovated, and the pallets made removable. The pipes were cleaned and repaired and slide tuners were fitted to prevent damage in the future. The entire organ was tuned to the original pitch.