Former Allen- what happened to it?

[beel m]

I am wondering if anyone knows what happened to the 1970 big Allen that was at Tenth Pres Phila PA until the Walker Technical organ replaced it...? I live in the same city as the church, and studied with the famous organist who designed that Allen, but have been unable to find out, if you can believe it. (Of course, I already asked the local Allen service guy)
I know the whereabouts of the other big Philly Allen of 1970 (put in the Phila Divinity School)- it's owned by an organ enthusiast.
TIA for any info.

[JoelHof]

I can't answer to the whereabouts of the specific organ you're inquiring about, but for the organ I extricated from a church north of Philly, Walker Technical would have scrapped it just to get it out of there. They had a job to do and the Allen was in the way. Fortunately they allowed me to do the disassembly to get it light enough to remove from the balcony, so I had a minimum of wire cutting involved. They chuckled when I said in my ignorance I was taking it apart without cutting any wires. Little did I know ...They were very understanding and accommodating. Good people! They mentioned that typically in tough situations with very large installs they go in with a chainsaw (sarc.) to get them out of the way. Sad, but whatever it takes I guess... cringe ... can't think about that. Hopefully the organ you are searching for did not end up that way.

[beel m]

That's right! I remember when you told us the story- with lots of pics! Thanks

[rjsilva]

If you can find contact info for Paul Jones (http://pjonesmusic.us), he was the organist and music director when they got the Walker and he'd likely know what happened to the Allen. The current organist/director, Colin Howland, is an incredibly nice guy and if he knows I expect he'd be happy to help.

[beel m]

I asked Colin already and he wasn't sure. I didn't want to talk to Paul because he may harbor some resentment toward the church, but if all else fails... Thanks!

[rjsilva]

I personally wouldn't hesitate to ask Paul but I don't know him too well and maybe he would get bothered. I've only spoken with him on occasion (though not since he left Tenth).

[beel m]

Right...Dr Jones was terminated in a very acrimonious manner, including Tenth putting what one could call confidential info on their *website* :-(
For that reason I have never asked him about anything "Tenth".