Sacred Heart Catholic Basilica, Timaru
A cleaning and overhaul of the 2 manual 25 rank 1912 Hobday organ has commenced in August 2019, focusing on renewal of the fine leathers of its pneumatic action, many of which are still original. Remarkably, the slider soundboards and double-rise reservoir are still in excellent original condition and can still be left for another time.
We are now happy to report that the factory stage of this work has been completed. The organ is awaiting to be re-installed some time in the new year.
SIOC restored the organ in 1986 and it continues to be one of the most satisfying of New Zealand’s heritage instruments to hear and play.
The Basilica designed by Frank Petre is currently closed for major strengthening and refurbishment to bring it up to 67% of the earthquake code. The significance of this work has a new poignancy following the recent announcement that the Christchurch Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament (Petre’s 1905 magnum opus) is to be deconstructed. We anticipate that both the Timaru church and organ will be recommissioned before Easter next year.
Five ranks of the organ’s pipes survive from the 1848 organ built by Gray and Davison for St Patrick’s Church Sydney that was sold to Sacred Heart parish in 1894 and erected in the old wooden church which burnt down in 1907. Arthur Hobday tragically died by his own hand during the installation of the 1912 organ.