Saint Thomas Church Organ Restoration

Location
New York, New York

Owner
Saint Thomas Episcopal Church

Team
Acoustics - Threshold
Organ Consultant - Jonathan Ambrosino
Organ Builder - Dobson Organ Builders

Schedule
Completed 2018

One of New York’s grandest churches, Saint Thomas was built in an era when clarity of the spoken word was preeminent. Rumford tiles, one of the versions of Akoustolith, was used to provide a dry acoustic in a neo-Gothic space. Efforts to seal the absorptive tile have been undertaken during the past decades.

In preparation for replacement of the Chancel organ by Dobson Organ Builders, Threshold Acoustics was commissioned to evaluate the acoustics of the Church. Working closely with Dobson as well as organ consultant, Jonathan Ambrosino, the acoustic evaluation included a detailed review of the organ chambers and the projection of organ sound throughout the Sanctuary, but also focused on optimizing sound from the Choir Stalls and within the congregation.

Fundraising is currently under way to replace the organ and implement the acoustic recommendations.