A HiddenTreasure
Looking through the decorative pipes into the church sanctuary and nave, as seen from inside the organ loft..
Benjamin Bachmann, FAGO, MMus, Music Director and organist at St. Paul's.
For more than ninety years, one of the Bay Area's most remarkable pipe organs has quietly inspired worship, concerts, and generations of musicians from the heart of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Oakland.
Largely unknown beyond the parish, it is a rare surviving masterpiece of American organ building and an irreplaceable part of the region's musical heritage.
Built in 1934 by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford, Connecticut, St. Paul’s organ is one of only a few historic Austin organs remaining on the West Coast. With three manuals, 51 stops, 48 ranks, and over 3,000 pipes, the organ was specifically configured for the exceptional acoustics of St. Paul's. The instrument was conceived in the English cathedral tradition, with an extraordinary range of color, warmth, clarity, and power. Dedicated as the Alexander Allen Memorial Organ, it honors the Rev. Dr. Alexander Allen, parish rector from 1906-1932.
Designed by the renowned tonal architect James B. Jamison, this organ remains both historically significant and musically inspiring. After decades of faithful service, this hidden treasure now awaits restoration so that future generations can experience it as it was originally intended.
Largely unknown beyond the parish, it is a rare surviving masterpiece of American organ building and an irreplaceable part of the region's musical heritage.
Built in 1934 by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford, Connecticut, St. Paul’s organ is one of only a few historic Austin organs remaining on the West Coast. With three manuals, 51 stops, 48 ranks, and over 3,000 pipes, the organ was specifically configured for the exceptional acoustics of St. Paul's. The instrument was conceived in the English cathedral tradition, with an extraordinary range of color, warmth, clarity, and power. Dedicated as the Alexander Allen Memorial Organ, it honors the Rev. Dr. Alexander Allen, parish rector from 1906-1932.
Designed by the renowned tonal architect James B. Jamison, this organ remains both historically significant and musically inspiring. After decades of faithful service, this hidden treasure now awaits restoration so that future generations can experience it as it was originally intended.
A Critical Moment
This console was installed in 1970, and with good care, has lasted well beyond its expected life. It's time for a new one!
After so many years of faithful service, this remarkable instrument has reached a critical point.
The console and electrical systems have exceeded their intended lifespan, making the organ increasingly difficult to play reliably. Like many historic instruments, it was also altered during the mid-twentieth century, when original pipework was removed or modified, diminishing the balance of its intended 1934 design.
Thanks to decades of expert stewardship by organ technician and historian Michael Page, the organ remains in excellent structural condition. However, routine maintenance can no longer address its underlying needs. A comprehensive restoration is now essential to recover its musical character and ensure its continued role in worship, concerts, and community life.
The console and electrical systems have exceeded their intended lifespan, making the organ increasingly difficult to play reliably. Like many historic instruments, it was also altered during the mid-twentieth century, when original pipework was removed or modified, diminishing the balance of its intended 1934 design.
Thanks to decades of expert stewardship by organ technician and historian Michael Page, the organ remains in excellent structural condition. However, routine maintenance can no longer address its underlying needs. A comprehensive restoration is now essential to recover its musical character and ensure its continued role in worship, concerts, and community life.
The Restoration Vision
The decorative pipes on view above the sanctuary at St. Paul's. More than 3,000 pipes live in the organ loft located behind them.
We seek not only to repair an aging instrument, but to recover the original artistic vision of James B. Jamison, to secure its future for another century of music.
At its core, the restoration will return the organ to its intended voice, restoring clarity, balance, and brilliance, while strengthening its ability to serve both liturgical and concert life.
A New Console
The existing console, now more than fifty years old, will be replaced with a modern state-of-the-art system that will preserve the character of the instrument, while providing the reliability, precision, and flexibility required of a major concert and church organ.
Restoration of Pipework
Pipework that is inconsistent with the original 1934 design will be removed. Missing and altered ranks will be restored or newly fabricated according to original specifications, and installed according to James B. Jamison's original specifications and tonal concepts.
Mechanical and Electrical Upgrades
Aging electrical systems and worn mechanical components will be replaced to ensure dependable performance. Modern control systems and wind regulation will restore precision, responsiveness, and stability throughout the instrument.
Windchest Restoration
The windchests and wind supply system will be carefully restored to ensure steady pressure and long-term reliability, an essential foundation for the organ’s sound.
Cleaning and Conservation
Every component of the instrument will be cleaned, repaired, and conserved, by specialists in historic organ restoration, preserving both its physical integrity and historic character.
At its core, the restoration will return the organ to its intended voice, restoring clarity, balance, and brilliance, while strengthening its ability to serve both liturgical and concert life.
A New Console
The existing console, now more than fifty years old, will be replaced with a modern state-of-the-art system that will preserve the character of the instrument, while providing the reliability, precision, and flexibility required of a major concert and church organ.
Restoration of Pipework
Pipework that is inconsistent with the original 1934 design will be removed. Missing and altered ranks will be restored or newly fabricated according to original specifications, and installed according to James B. Jamison's original specifications and tonal concepts.
Mechanical and Electrical Upgrades
Aging electrical systems and worn mechanical components will be replaced to ensure dependable performance. Modern control systems and wind regulation will restore precision, responsiveness, and stability throughout the instrument.
Windchest Restoration
The windchests and wind supply system will be carefully restored to ensure steady pressure and long-term reliability, an essential foundation for the organ’s sound.
Cleaning and Conservation
Every component of the instrument will be cleaned, repaired, and conserved, by specialists in historic organ restoration, preserving both its physical integrity and historic character.
When complete, the restored organ will once again support distinguished organists, guest artists, and community programming, bringing concerts, recitals, worship, and cultural events that enrich the artistic life of Oakland and the Bay Area.
Selecting the Right Restoration Partner
Leadership at Schoenstein & Co.: Bryan Dunnewald, Tonal Director;
Jack Bethards, Chairman and Tonal Advisor; Louis Patterson, President. Photo: Schoenstein & Co.
Because the Austin Organ is both historically significant and technically complex, selecting the right restoration firm was a critical decision.
After careful review of proposals from several leading builders, St. Paul's selected Schoenstein & Co. of Benicia, California, the firm that originally installed the organ in 1934, to lead the restoration of this landmark instrument.
Schoenstein is nationally recognized for excellence in historic organ restoration, tonal finishing, and organ design. The firm has completed major projects on some of the country’s most important instruments and brings the expertise needed to honor Jamison’s artistic intentions while integrating appropriate modern technology.
After careful review of proposals from several leading builders, St. Paul's selected Schoenstein & Co. of Benicia, California, the firm that originally installed the organ in 1934, to lead the restoration of this landmark instrument.
Schoenstein is nationally recognized for excellence in historic organ restoration, tonal finishing, and organ design. The firm has completed major projects on some of the country’s most important instruments and brings the expertise needed to honor Jamison’s artistic intentions while integrating appropriate modern technology.
Phase One Is Underway
Thanks to generous early support, the first phase is now underway. This phase launches the restoration effort and includes engineering and design for the new console, electrical system planning, and the preparation needed for the full restoration. Phase One also secures St. Paul’s place on the Schoenstein Organ Company’s busy restoration schedule.
During this phase, detailed specifications are being developed so that fabrication and installation can proceed in a carefully coordinated way.
During this phase, detailed specifications are being developed so that fabrication and installation can proceed in a carefully coordinated way.
A Lasting Legacy
When complete, the restored organ will serve a wide range of musical and community uses, including:
Great treasures are never preserved by accident. They endure because each generation chooses to care for them.
By restoring the Austin organ at St. Paul’s, we are safeguarding one of California’s most significant historic instruments so it can continue inspiring worship, concerts, and community life for generations to come.
- Concerts by internationally recognized performers
- Organ recitals and educational programs
- Community music events
- Silent film presentations
- Major liturgical celebrations
- Opportunities for young musicians and organ students
Great treasures are never preserved by accident. They endure because each generation chooses to care for them.
By restoring the Austin organ at St. Paul’s, we are safeguarding one of California’s most significant historic instruments so it can continue inspiring worship, concerts, and community life for generations to come.
Next Steps
To receive more information, to keep updated, or to express interest in becoming a partner, contact St. Paul’s Music Director Benjamin Bachmann at [email protected].
Learn more about St. Paul’s!
- Discover the Deep History of St. Paul’s Organ
- Organ Specifications
- Church History
- Church Home Page
Learn more about St. Paul’s!
- Discover the Deep History of St. Paul’s Organ
- Organ Specifications
- Church History
- Church Home Page
St. Paul's historic Austin organ's beautiful decorative pipes and the remarkable stained glass window, "The Resurrection," above the sanctuary at St. Paul's Oakland.