St John's Lutheran Church
Pella
B 1885 Alfred Fuller for Congregational Church, South Melbourne;
res & inst present loc 1970 Hill, Norman & Beard (o/n V803).
2m, 10spst, 3c, tr. Gt: 8.8.8.4.2. Sw: 8.8.4.8. Ped: 16.
The organ in this church was built in 1885 by Alfred Fuller, of Kew, for the Congregational Church, Howe Crescent, South Melbourne. Here it was installed free-standing on a gallery at the front of this spacious church.
The Congregational Church property and organ were sold around 1970 – the building was occupied for some time by the Victorian Chapter of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. The organ was installed at St John’s Lutheran Church, Pella in 1970 by Hill, Norman & Beard (Australia) Pty Ltd.
The instrument remains unaltered from the original retaining its ornately decorated casework and stencilled façade pipes, tonal scheme, splendidly crafted console, wind system and action. It is a very pleasing example of Alfred Fuller’s work. The Swell is tuned through a hinged rear panel, with the Oboe at the back of the organ.
GREAT |
8ft 8ft 8ft 4ft 2ft 8ft 8ft 4ft 8ft 16ft |
gvd.bass, spotted metal gvd.bass stopped wood TC |
Compass: 56/30
2 composition pedals to Great
Lever swell pedal
Mechanical; key & stop action
Attached drawstop console
Photos: Bruce Duncan (Oct. 2008)
The black & white photos, taken at the Congregational Church, South Melbourne before 1970, from Robert Tobin
John Maidment
21 October 2008