The pipe organ at St. Margaret's Church in Dorchester MA was built in 1904 by the Ruben Midmer Company of New York. It was a freestanding case in the middle of the choir loft, with a detatched console. The organ was originally powered by water motor.
In 1941 the Aeolian-Skinner company of Boston electrified the organ and added a new console. The organ was split in two, with each half being placed on separate sides of the choir loft. The core of the instrument was retained, but a new console and wind system was provided to power the original chests and pipework. The original feeder bellows, water motor, and pumping mechanism were left in place but disconnected.
The organ was used from 1941 up until the early 2000s when it deteriorated to the point of being unplayable. An electronic substitute was purchased at that time to be used from downstairs.
In 2024, Plenum Organ Company was contracted to restore and rebuild the organ. We are happy to be taking on this project which includes a thorough cleaning, restoring the original pipework and upgrading the console with a new solid-state combination action and controls. The project will be completed in stages beginning in the Fall of 2024.
