Organ

The Grahamstown Cathedral Organ

The Cathedral organ was built by Bevington of London in 1860 and installed in a gallery at the west end of the nave. In 1893, it was moved to its present position above the chancel, and in 1905 “restored and enlarged.” Its last thorough overhaul, which probably included replacing “volunteers” with electricity to pump the bellows, located in the crypt, took place in the 1930s. In addition to its regular use in services, including weddings and funerals, and in great diocesan events, the organ has featured in many festivals, choral events and concerts involving the schools and the wider community of Grahamstown. It is much more than an adjunct to worship – it is a precious cultural resource made available to the University, the City and, during the National Arts Festival, visitors from all over the world.

In May 2021 lightning struck, knocking out the electrical system of the organ. Thankfully the instrument was covered by insurance, and extensive repair and replacement work was carried out by Pekelharing Organ Building in Gqeberha. All the parts were returned to Makhanda and meticulously put together again at the beginning of September 2021. Listen to a few snippets of Senior Organ Scholar Jonathan Hughes playing the restored instrument!

Specification of the Grahamstown Cathedral Organ

Great Organ

Double Diapason 16
Open Diapason I 8
Open Diapason II 8
Claribel 8
Dulciana 8
Principal 8
Wald Flute 8
Fifteenth 2
Twelfth 2 2/3
Mixture III
Trumpet 8
Sw/Gt
Sw 8ve/Gt
Sw sub 8ve/Gt
Ch/Great
Great & Pedal Pistons

Swell Organ

Geigen Diapason 8
Lieblich Gedacht 8
Echo Gamba 8
Voix Celeste 8
Octave Geigen 4
Mixture III
Fifteenth 2
Contra Fagotto 16
Cornopean 8
Clarion 4
Oboe 8
Sw 8ve
Sw sub 8ve
Tremulant

Choir Organ

Hohl Flute 8
Dulcet 4
Harmonic Flute 2
Viol d’orchestre 8
Clarinet 8
Ch 8ve
Ch sub 8ve
Sw/Choir
Tremulant

Pedal Organ

Open Diapason 16
Bourdon 16
Bass Flute 8
Octave 8
Quint 10 2/3
Bombarde 16
Contra Fagotto (Sw) 16
Trumpet (Sw) 8
Clarion (Sw) 4
Principal (Gr) 8
Fifteenth (Gt) 4
Gt/Pedal
Sw/Pedal
Ch/Pedal

Accessories

Five Pistons to the Great Organ
Four Pistons to the Swell Organ
Three Pistons to the Choir Organ
Five Pistons to the Pedal Organ
Balanced expression pedals to the Swell and Choir Organs