The original organ for St John's, Shaughnessy was an 'organ transplant' from Canton, Ohio's CrossRoads United Church containing 1478 pipes crafted in 1920 by the Estey organ company for their opus 1869. By the early 60s this instrument was due for a significant overhaul, and it was determined more cost effective to replace with new, which also enticed the prospective organist Fred Carter to immigrate from Armagh Ireland to SJS. The $85k (equivalent to 3 Shaughnessy homes at the time) contract was awarded to the Hallman organ company of Kitchner Ontario.
What was salvageable of the redundant Estey organ was incorporated into a hybrid house theatre style organ in Victoria. When the 3600 pipes of the Hallman arrived in 1968, it enjoyed the title of being GVRD's largest pipe organ until 2001. In addition to its grand size, it has several novel features: two sets of pipes which sound below audible range (16Hz); 9 sets of pipes sounding antiphonally from the gallery, a horizontal copper state trumpet, a gallery console and movable master console on the chancel. Though having had exceptional care for decades by local technician Marianne Huestis, by its 50th year, it too needed a significant overhaul. Headed up by Music Director Michael Dirk and the exceptional talents of Steve Miller of Calgary, the electronics were updated from analog to digital, and several other enhancements including a few more ranks (oboe, clarinet, flute, and string), chimes, new silent blowers and swell expression motors.
Dedicated Oct 28, 1968 by Archbishop Godfrey Gower, the 55th anniversary will be celebrated the night prior on Friday Oct 27, 7:30pm by local members of the Royal Canadian College of Organists Vancouver Centre (for whom Michael Dirk serves as co-president). This free/by-donation recital features local organists dressing up in costume and offering the spookiest and scariest music written for the 'king of instruments' (Bach Toccata & Fugue in d minor, Phantom of the Opera, Böellmann's Suite Gothique etc). Costumes are encouraged, and there are Halloween treats for the kids and the young at heart!