Christ Church Anglican Church, Bong Bong

Samuel Parsons, London, circa 1850

1 manual, 5 stops, no pedals, mechanical action

Christ Church Anglican Church, Bong, Bong, NSW – exterior from west
[photograph by Trevor Bunning (May 2006)]

Christ Church is a small but fine example of Regency Gothic architecture, having been built to a design by John Verge and consecrated by Bishop W.G. Broughton in 1845. In 1884 extensive renovations were undertaken directed by Blacket Brothers, architects, and in the 1930s the exterior was covered with cement plaster, probably to control damp problems. The church is set in a thoroughly delightful location overlooking an expansive area of countryside.

Christ Church Anglican Church, Bong, Bong, NSW - organ
[photograph by Glenn Amer (January 2017)]

The organ is one of the best preserved chamber organs in Australia. Built by Samuel Parsons of Bloomsbury in London, circa 1850, and installed from a previous unknown location in the north-west corner of the church, sitting on the nave floor. It is possible that it was imported by the local Throsby family as it was reported in 1871 that "This church has a fine-toned organ, the gift, I believe, of some members of the Throsby family." An identical instrument exists in the Lady Chapel of Exeter Cathedral, in the UK. Parsons flourished in London from the mid-1840s until his death in 1868. In this instrument, Parsons used metal pipework supplied by J.W. Walker.

This charming organ has remained in original condition with the following interesting features:

• The retention of all original pipes which are still cone-tuned. The clarity and brilliance of the sound suggests that its original tonal qualities have been preserved. The power and depth of the lower notes if the Stopped Diapason Bass give the impression that the organ has pedals;
• An attractive mahogany case with gilt display pipes in a good state of preservation;
• The retention of the original console together with its GG (no GG#) compass; sliding keyboard which enables the entire console to be locked like a cupboard; original copperplate script drawknobs mounted on square shanks; original nameplate; original composition pedals and swell shutter control (hold-down, not hitch-down);
• An original wind supply system with small double-rise bellows and screwed - on bellows weights in addition to original hand-blowing apparatus;
• The presence of all other original features, excepting a foot operated blowing lever.

Specification

No pedals
Compass: 58 (no GG#)
Fully enclosed with lever Swell Pedal
Mechanical action.

Christ Church Anglican Church, Bong, Bong, NSW - console
[photograph by Glenn Amer (January 2017)]

Christ Church Anglican Church, Bong, Bong, NSW – builder's plate
[photograph by Glenn Amer (January 2017)]

Christ Church Anglican Church, Bong, Bong, NSW – socket for the hand blowing lever
[photograph by Glenn Amer (January 2017)]

Christ Church Anglican Church, Bong, Bong, NSW – exterior from the north
[photograph by Trevor Bunning (May 2006)]

Christ Church Anglican Church, Bong, Bong, NSW – interior looking east
[photograph by Glenn Amer (January 2017)]

Christ Church Anglican Church, Bong, Bong, NSW – left-hand stop jamb
[photograph by Glenn Amer (January 2017)]

Christ Church Anglican Church, Bong, Bong, NSW – right-hand stop jamb
[photograph by Glenn Amer (January 2017)]

References

1. Morton Herman, The Early Australian Architects and their Work. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, 1954, p.177
2. Information from National Trust of Australia (NSW) files, researched by Keith Asboe
3. Australian Town and Country Journal, 9 December 1871, p.18
4. see NPOR reference: http://www.npor.org.uk/NPORView.html?RI=N10535
5. The Freeman-Edmonds Directory of British Organ Builders. Oxford: Positif Press, 2002, vol.3, p.680
6. John Stiller, Documentation Christ Church Anglican Bong Bong Organ. Investigated 1 September 1979, 18 June 1981.
7. Ibid.
8. Ibid.