Methodist Ladies' College (MLC) Chapel
Rowley Street, Burwood

W.E. Richardson c.1883 (2/8 mechanical)

From SOJ Winter 1995:

Charles Richardson imported a number of complete organs from his father, W.E.Richardson (Manchester) and was supplied with metal pipes, windchests and other components for the organs he built locally. At least seven organs are known to have come to NSW from W.E. Richardson & Sons and one to Queensland. However, the real figure will never be established, as it is difficult to distinguish between the imported Richardson organs and those that were built here.

The earliest identifiable example of a W.E. Richardson organ in NSW is the one of c.1883 at MLC, Burwood. It was built originally for a private residence in Burwood and was acquired by the Burwood Baptist Church in 1908 from Mrs Amy McKern. The organ then moved to MLC in 1979 where it has since been fully restored by Mark Fisher.

Its specification is:

Great Open Diapason Clarabella Dulciana Flute Swell Lieblich Gedackt Salicional Gemshorn Pedal Bourdon Couplers Swell to Great Great to Pedal Swell to Pedal

8 8 8 4 8 8 4 16

(grooved bass)

Compass 56/30
Mechanical action
Lever Swell Pedal