The Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company of Boston, 1961, Opus 1343, designed and voiced by Joseph Whiteford


The George Frederick Jewett Memorial Organ consists of four primary divisions plus a gallery organ, totaling more than 4,000 pipes. A full list of the organ’s specifications can be found here.

Organ chambers are located high above the crossing and choir, with the great and swell divisions on the south side, and the choir and pedal divisions to the north, near the organ console. The gallery organ, with an additional four ranks and the state trumpets, is mounted above the balcony just under the rose window at the west end of the cathedral. 

An instrument of this size (86 stops) would normally be played from a console of four, or even five, manuals. But this organ is built with only three manuals in order to coincide with the tonal design. The gallery division is playable from any of the three manuals, and the state trumpets are hooded and voiced so that they can be played in ensemble with the full chorus.

The cathedral’s authentic Gothic architecture and construction materials combine with the artistry of the organ’s design to create an outstanding environment for organ music.

 

Recent Renovations

In 2000, Marceau and Associates Pipe Organ Builders of Portland, Oregon, undertook a major renovation of the console, providing new keyboards, drawknobs, digital combination action, and digital control for all the pipework.

In 2024, Marceau & Associates completely re-wired the electrical system and installed a new Syndyne 8400 Master System, replacing the outdated SSL (Solid State Logic) system. The new system included new stop actions with turned wood stop knobs. In addition to upgrades to the console and electrical system, pipes were removed for deep-cleaning and on-site pipes in the Great and Pedal were cleaned. Finally, pouch boards were re-leathered and re-built as needed.