The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown

• Overview
• McLean Pipe Organ
• Stained Glass Windows
• Violet Oakley Murals

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McLean Pipe Organ

The McLean Memorial Organ at The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown was originally dedicated on April 27, 1919. 

Built by the Austin Organ Company, Hartford, Connecticut as Opus 732. It has appeared recently in the book, Austin Organs,"The definitive history of the Austin Organ Company", by Orpha Ochse as "Germantown's Giant."

It was a gift by Mrs. William L. McLean in memory of her son who died in the First World War. This was indeed a giant organ with four manuals, 11 divisions, and 99 ranks. Included was a String Organ, a division which was coming into fashion at that time.

"Germantown's Giant" 

The organ as it exists today contains some of the original, including the famous Austin walk-in windchests. These allow easy access to the actions which play this nearly 7,000 pipes. Cleaning and revoicing of the pipework was completed within the last decade. Digital voices by Walker Technical replace the original divisions in the front that were removed in a 1964 rebuilding. These additions also add an enormous variety for choral accompaniment.

A new console by R. A. Colby controls the 122 ranks or pipes and 32 digital voices with its 354 stops. By size it is the largest church organ in Philadelphia. It's real claim to fame is its seemingly endless possibilities for tonal color and shading.  

Download PDF File Specification of Our McLean Memorial Organ 

A Rich Musical Heritage 

The McLean Organ is at the heart of a rich musical heritage at First Church, which celebrates the gift of music in worship and concerts.  The organ beautifully accompanies the the various choirs of the church, encourages joyous congregational singing, and is featured as a solo and ensemble instrument.  The sanctuary and Concert Series offer a unique venue for rarely performed organ and orchestra repertoire. 

A Concert Series which attracts listeners from all over the Philadelphia area has been sponsored by First Church for nearly a half a century, as the congregation recognizes music as the universal language of humanity.  The McLean Memorial Organ is central to this concert series.