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Willis Organ - Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral

Location The Close,, WANGARATTA VIC 3677 - Property No B6502 File Number B6502 Level Regional

Statement of Significance

A three-manual organ, originally of 36 speaking stops, built in 1922 by the renowned London firm of Henry Willis & Sons and Lewis & Company Limited for the Second Church of Christ, Scientist, Rathmines, Dublin and designed by Dr G H P Hewson, organist of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. This instrument was built at the same time as the firm's magnum opus for Westminster Cathedral and was for many years widely known in Ireland through recitals and broadcasts. It was restored and installed in the Cathedral at Wangaratta in 1993, utilising the casework from an earlier organ in the cathedral built in 1886 by Alexander Young, Manchester, for Stoke Newington Presbyterian Church, London. The Willis organ is one of two examples of the firm's work of the period in Victoria, the other being in the First Church of Christ Scientist, Melbourne. It retains all of the original pipework, windchests and wind system, although the original tubular-pneumatic action has been converted to electro-pneumatic to allow it to be accommodated in its present site. It is an instrument of tonal and constructional excellence and the largest in north-east Victoria.
Classified: 16/02/1994