The Grand's Organ Project

The Grand’s organ project is being done in 2 phases:

Phase 1 consists of the installation of a 2 manual/6 rank Marr & Colton theater organ. The organ console of this instrument has proudly been on display in our auditorium since Spring 2006. This organ was originally installed in the Rivoli Theater in Chicopee MA in 1923.

We are proud to say that Phase 1 is almost 75% complete and we expect to have this organ in testing by winter 2007.

The 2/6 Marr & Colton originally consisted of:

  • Trumpet
  • Vox Humana
  • Flute
  • Tibia Clausa
  • Diapason
  • String
  • Toy Counter and Traps
  • Xylophone
  • Glockenspiel

Phase 1 is installing the components listed above on a new, modern Peterson electronic relay, and adding:

  • Deagan Vibra-Harp

Phase 2 consists of the installation of an additional 3 manual Marr & Colton console that will rise onto the Grand’s stage! This console was originally installed in the Ohio Theater in Indianapolis IN in 1923, and was relocated to the Bethel Temple Church of Seattle, Washington in the 1940s. After almost 70 years, it is returning to its true home – a theater!

Phase 2 is about 50% done and will begin to be completed once Phase 1 is operational. The console itself has been refinished and will be upgraded to Peterson electronic controls.

Phase 2 is also adding six ranks consisting of:

  • String Celeste
  • Flute Celeste
  • Oboe
  • Clarinet
  • Saxophone
  • Kinura

Also being added:

  • Piano
  • Sleigh Bells
  • Chimes (2 sets)
  • An additional Xylophone
  • 16' Tuba
  • 16' Diaphone
  • 16' String



August 2007-

Work on the Marr & Colton Theater Organ fell a bit behind schedule the past few months mainly due to the owner’s of the Grand purchasing the restaurant in the Grand Theater Building. The immediate concentration was bringing the exterior up to Grand's standards.

Just over 50% of the pipes are now installed for the 2/6 with the final portion of the Peterson relay installation taking place, wiring the tablets for the 2 manual console into the jumper boards to interface with the to-be-added 3 manual console. The toy counter has been disassembled for a complete rebuilding. Oboe pipes for Phase 2 (upgrading to 3/12) have been sent to Connecticut for mitering to fit in the Grand’s chambers. The manuals for the additional console are expected back shortly from Maine where they have been professionally rebuilt after 80+ years of HEAVY use.

The upgraded and larger Spencer OrgoBlo has been installed and wired and is ready for airline. Additional reservoirs have been purchased and airline installation is scheduled to begin the last week of August. Once the airline is completed (by October) the instrument will be able to again produce sound (the 2/6).

The front of the pipe chambers are in final design and we are narrowing down grillwork options for them to incorporate a total of 4 shade actions (2 Main, 2 Solo, Upper and lower portions).