Church of the Good Shepherd
Kangaroo Valley

J.W. Walker & Sons 1879, 1m., 4 sp.st., tr.

From 1990 OHTA Conference booklet:

The Church of the Good Shepherd is located in one of the most beautiful settings of any church in the State, standing behind a small fence in a large field with a backdrop of distant mountains. THe church was designed by John Horbury Hunt, in the period 1870-72, and was the first building completed in his own practice. It has a steeply pitched gabled roof, a vestry to the north façade and an exceptionally charming timber porch and gates on the west façade. The building contains many hallmarks of Horbury Hunt's style including the use of brick, the timbered ceiling, the window arrangements and the furnishings. The church is tiny yet presents the worshipper and visitor with a picture of absolute delight.

The organ, which was built in 1879 by J.W. Walker & Sons of London, adds considerably to the character of the building. It has remained utterly original, seldom even requiring tuning or other maintenance. As with other single manual Walker organs, it has given constant reliable service e to its owners for over a century and this is a great tribute to nineteenth century design and workmanship. In 1978 Roger H. Pogson carried out a restoration and it was noted that the cone-tuned pipes were in mint condition.

The instrument, although small, produces a very warm and satisfying sound which is perfectly adequate for the building. The Open Diapason (full compass) provides a rich and broad foundation tone and the Wald Flute has similar characteristics. The Dulciana is a restrained string of exceptional musical quality and the ear never tires of its sound. The Principal is bright and completes the limited chorus which is available. Whilst there is no 16' bass, the lowest octave of the Open Diapason is an excellent alternative and the instrument does not appear lacking in depth. All pipes are enclosed in a swell, controlled by a hold-down lever. The appearance of the organ with its quaintly carded seat is of great appeal.

The specification is:

Manual (enclosed) Open Diapason Wald Flute Treble Stopped Diapason Bass Dulciana Principal

8 8 8 8 4

from C0 CC-BB

Pedal pulldowns, permanently coupled to manual

Mechanical action throughout

Compass: 56/25

Specification noted 1982, Kelvin Hastie