St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Woy Woy

The New Organ at the Church of St-John-the-Baptist, Woy Woy

Story by Darrell Pitchford, Photos by Dean Yates

Saturday 29 March 2008 saw the dedication and opening recital of a new pipe organ for St John the Baptist Catholic Church at Woy Woy on the Central Coast of New South Wales. His Eminence Cardinal Edward Cassidy dedicated the organ and in his address spoke of the need for music within the church, especially pipe organs.

The project's consultant, Sydney organist Peter Kneeshaw played the opening recital to a full church and as always was so generous with his time and talents. Peter played music that most people on the Central Coast heard for the first time. The recital was followed by the 5.00 pm Vigil Mass. Peter played for the mass, demonstrating to the packed congregation and choir the versatility of their new acquisition. The parish and I owe much to Peter Kneeshaw.

Pipe organs of the Central Coast

Until now, a book about the pipe organs on the Central Coast (i.e., between Brooklyn and Doyalson) would consist of two pages: Geoff Bock's house organ, Doug Whitfield's theatre organ and an Eagles two rank cabinet organ in St John the Baptist Church, Woy Woy comprised the total.

The Rebuild

There was much to do to make the organ serviceable in the new church. A building frame was manufactured, three bellows releathered, a new bellows made for the Pedal division, all pneumatic soundboard motors releathered (488 using kangaroo skin), new wind trunks made, new guillotine wind controls made. All magnets were replaced, valves releathered, swell engine restored and a coat of paint applied (to cover the mistakes).

The Organ Consultant's View

The Parish Priest, Building Committee, architect, Parish musicians, Parish organist and I are all very impressed with the final musical result and believe that the enlarged instrument is right for the 'room' and its role. The added pipework is in sympathy with the tonal scheme and blends with the existing ranks. The overall sound is enhanced by the location of the instrument and the acoustic of the building, which has no carpet.

It was a pleasure to be involved in this project. I enjoyed working with such a team of positive, inspired people at the church and particularly wish to place on record my congratulations to Darrell Pitchford and staff on the successful outcome.

Peter Kneeshaw

Catholic Church Parish Hall (former church building)

Woy Woy

Built: 1971 J.P. Eagles. 1m., 2 rks. 8.4.4.2. ext.: autobass, el.mag.

Relocated: to parish hall 2008 Darrell Pitchford

Specification

Manual
8' Flute	A
4' Flute	A
4' Octave	B
2' Fifteenth	B
Autobass