The pipe organ is regarded as the
oldest in Brisbane having been constructed by William Hill & Sons, London
circa 1874. The organ was purchased in England for £565 and when installation
in the Creek Street Church was completed the total cost including freight was £698/13/6d.
Photo: R. McCoy
The first organ recital in Brisbane
was performed on this organ in July 1883.
The original location of the organ
was in the small chancel behind the central arch on the main southeastern wall
(the area now occupied by the pulpit). It was moved to its current location in
the southwestern transept in 1901.
In its original form the organ was
operated by a mechanical lever or tracker action, which connected the notes to
the pipes by a series of levers. In addition, the slider chests were used for
the various ranks or stops.
In association with the
celebrations for the Centenary of the Congregation in 1963, the organ was
re-built at a cost of approximately £5,000 and converted to electro-pneumatic
action with an extended console. The rebuilt organ was dedicated to the memory
of Mr. H.L. Newman, who was the congregational organist for thirty-six years
(1915 – 1951).
In July 1983 a special organ
recital was held in the Church to commemorate the Centenary of the first organ
recital. In July 2013 a Grand Organ Concert was held to commemorate the 130th
Anniversary of Brisbane’s first organ recital.
