The Tracker Organ

The Tracker Organ located in the United Methodist Church of Middlebury, Vermont was built in 1893 by the George Sherburn Hutchings Organ Company from Boston Massachusetts.  The Organ, Op. 311, arrived in Middlebury on March 10, 1893, one year after the present Methodist Church building was built in 1892.   The instrument was dedicated on May 25, 1893.  The organ consists of 2 keyboards (manuals) of 61 notes each and a pedal keyboard of 27 notes.  This instrument was built for this church and consists of the following stops: GREAT- Open Diapason 8', Dolcissimo 8', Unison Bass 8', Melodia 8', and Octave 4'.  SWELL- Salicional 8', Stopped Diapason Treble 8', Stopped Diapason Bass 8', Flute Harmonique 4', and Oboe 8'.  It has one pedal stop - Bourdon 16'.  In addition it has three couplers - Swell to Pedal, Great to Pedal, and Swell to Great 8' as well as a Swell to Great Toe Pull Down 4', and a Swell Tremolo.  The air (wind) for the organ was originally pumped by hand and this was replaced by an electric blower located in the basement.  The organ is in original condition except for the electric blower and is used every week. The front facade pipes are stenciled and were touched up a number of years ago. As well, these facade pipes are actual Diapason pipes that play.  The organ, while somewhat small in design, has a warm, rich, clear tonal sound that comes alive in the acoustical church.  The Hutchings Organs were noted for their exceptional quality of workmanship and were noted for having a rich, inviting tone.   At one time, Hutchings Organs graced the sanctuaries of many famous Boston Churches such as Trinity Church, Old South Church, Old Boston Music Hall, Church of the Advent, Symphony Hall , and St. Bartholomew's in NYC, as well as in the music buildings and concert halls of many major music schools throughout New England.  This unique instrument is still alive and well at 133 years old and will, God willing, supply organ accompaniment to the congregation of the United Methodist Church of Middlebury for many years to come.

 

Dr. Kevin Parizo 

April 9, 2026