Simcoe Street United Church has become known for our beautiful organ; both visually and musically. Here are some facts about our organ:

-In 1868, the Harmonium organ from the previous church on West Hill, was installed at our new Simcoe Street United Church located at the corner of Simcoe and Bagot Streets

-1873, a Warren tracker pipe organ built by Warren Co. of Woodstock replaced the Harmonium organ

-October 1, 1906, a salary increase for Percy, the teenaged organ air pressure pumper from $0.39 to $0.45 per Sunday

-1911-1915, the church is completely renovated

-1914, a new 3-manual organ by Karn-Warren Co. is installed

-October 6, 1916, electric air pressure pump added to the Warren organ

-November 1919, fire severly damages the sanctuary and destroyed the organ. The Warren organ had provided excellent service. The Congregation faces their loss, restored the Sanctuary and replaced the organ with something even better!

The Tradition Continues

-In 1920, a large 3-manual Casavant pipe organ, Opus 851, installed by Casavant Freres Limitee of St. Hyacinthe, Quebec is installed with 40 stops, chimes and electro-pneumatic action

-1967, the organ is rebuilt by Dubay Organs Company of Burlington, Ontario

-1981, the organ was updated with 4 manual Casavant Console (Opus 970 c.1923) from St. Andrew's United Church located at Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, installed by Alan T. Jackson & Company of Toronto

1984-1987 extensive tonal work, repairs and enhancements were done to the organ

The Organ: An Overview

-Over 3200 pipes are hidden behind 41 visible pipes in the front

-49 stops, 53 ranks, electro-pneumatic action, detached console

-The organ is romantically voiced and well maintained

-The organ is excellent for a wide range of music

-An impressive church organ; largest, most versatile in the area

-The sound is massive, but clear and clean with powerful reeds and glarious mixtures

-A nice compliment if string and flute foundation stops in each division, along with colourful solo stops, especially in Choir division

-The pedal division is complete with reeds and a 32-foot stop

Click here for Music photo album

Our worship music style at Simcoe Street is traditional or classically based, augmented with hymns and special service music drawn from various gospel, modern and celtic traditions. The principal instument is our pipe organ. From time to time other instrumentalists add to the worship experience with harp, flute, trumpet, sax, guitar or piano. We have a fine choir with a few soloists offering praise most Sunday mornings.