First Reformed Church of West Farms

Prospect Avenue and Fairmount Place
The Bronx, N.Y. 10460

Organ Specifications:
Prospect Avenue and Fairmount Place (1906-1948)
► II/11 J.H. & C.S. Odell, Op. 465 (1910)
Boone Avenue and 172nd Street (1840-1906)
• unknown


"The Protestant Reformed Dutch Church of West Farms in the County of Westchester" was organized in 1839 and incorporated on March 16, 1840. Rev. George Bourne was the first minister, serving from 1839 to 1842. The society's first church building was located on Boone Avenue and 172nd Street. The second edifice, on Prospect Avenue and Fairmount Place, was dedicated on December 16, 1906. This congregation disbanded in 1948.
         
J.H. & C.S. Odell & Co.
New York City – Opus 465 (1910)
Tubular-pneumatic action
2 manuals, 11 stops, 11 ranks


The organ in the second church was built by J.H. & C.S. Odell of New York City. In the "Articles of Agreement" (Nov. 19, 1910) between Odell and the church, we read that Odell would build a two-manual organ with 11 stops for the sum of $2,225 "in cash when organ is set up complete, ready for use, in the above named Church. If the organ is not complete in above named Church on or before March 25th, 1911, the [Church] have the option of accepting or rejecting the instrument." Odell provided case-work in Cherry cabinet finish with display pipes gilded with gold-colored Dutch metal or Bronze.
               
Great Organ (Manual I) – 61 notes
8
   Open Diapason
61
8
   Melodia (wood)
61
8
   Dulciana
61
4
   Octave
61
       
 
      
Swell Organ (Manual II) – 61 notes, enclosed
8
   Violin Diapason (wood & metal)
61
8
   Stopped Diapason (wood)
61
8
   Salicional
61
4
   Rohr Flute (wood & metal)
61
8
   Aeoline
61
8
   Oboe
61
 
      
 
      
Pedal Organ – 30 notes
16
   Bourdon (wood)
30
        
               
Couplers
    Great to Pedal   Swell to Great 16', 8', 4'
    Swell to Pedal    
               
Pedal Movements
    Great Organ Forte   Swell Organ Forte
    Great Organ Piano   Swell Organ Piano
    Great to Pedal Reversible   Balanced Swell Pedal
               
Mechanical Accessories
    Bellows Signal   Wind Indicator
    Swell Tremolo   Organist Bench
           
Sources:
     Gasero, Russell, ed. Historical Directory of the Reformed Church in America, 1628–1992. New Brunswick: 2000.
     Scharf, J. Thomas. History of Westchester County, New York, including Morrisania, Kings Bridge and West Farms which have been annexed to New York City (Vol. 1, Part 2). Philadelphia: L.E. Preston & Co., 1886.
     Trupiano, Larry. Articles of Agreement (Nov. 19, 1910) for J.H. & C.S. Odell Organ, Op. 465.
     "West Farms Church Dedicated," The New York Times (Dec. 17, 1906).