A small tracker organ at St. Stephen’s Church in Syracuse, NY, has been meticulously restored by our team to mint condition. This comprehensive restoration included repairs to the bellows, wind conduits, action, keyboards, and pipework. We strictly avoided the use of modern materials to preserve the original character and integrity of the instrument. The amount of work required was substantial, but we are confident that, upon completion, this organ is ready to serve for many decades to come. It truly is a treasure of an instrument!

Built in 1882 by the esteemed Boston organ-building firm E. & G. G. Hook, this instrument, Opus 1070, is a testament to their craftsmanship. The Hook brothers were among the finest organ builders in the United States, with a legacy that spanned over a century, from the firm’s founding in 1829 until its closure in 1935.

Since St. Stephen’s parish was established in 1915, this organ was originally built for another congregation, the Baptist Church of Ogdensburg, NY. It was later moved to its current home by the Hook firm itself. Today, it stands as a historical instrument, listed by the Organ Historical Society as worthy of preservation. Such instruments are rare and hold immense value not only for the parishioners of St. Stephen’s but for the wider community and arts landscape of central New York.

Our approach to this restoration differed fundamentally from any other project we’ve undertaken. Restoring a historical instrument like this required a method true to its period of construction, employing the same materials and techniques as those used by its original builders. Anything less would have been an act of historical disregard. We are deeply committed to preserving treasures like this, knowing that by safeguarding the art and culture of the past, we help shape a future for a society that increasingly underappreciates these vital elements.