In 1971, a special Vestry authorized the Wardens to purchase a new organ. A study had been made of the physical changes needed. The organ was ordered, and work was to commence on June 15th. Then trouble began.
The construction company found a discrepancy between the original blueprint and the actual structure. A steel “I” beam had been inserted above the organ loft, running the full length of the Chancel, and another on the east wall of the south transept. This was apparently to spread the weight and pressure of the Chancel roof on the main supports. To shore up the walls and to make them strong enough to remove this beam would more than double the cost of renovations.
The sound engineer at Cassavant Frères (the organ company) recommended substituting a manual electro-pneumatic organ from the mechanical action organ which was already partially built. This design could be accommodated in the loft with a higher roof while leaving the steel beams in place.
After many meetings with the Organ Committee, the Wardens, the construction company and Cassavant Frères, an agreement was reached:
A. To raise the roof of the organ loft. To remove the upper windows along the south Chancel wall and increase that opening as wide as possible without changing the basic structure. To open the space behind the Side Altar and to create as large an opening as possible on the east wall of the south transept. The opening to be covered with a decorative screen.
B. To negotiate a new contract with Cassavant Frères for a “22 Stop” electric pneumatic organ, which was one of their finest instruments at the time.
The dedication of our new organ was held the evening of Tuesday April 10th, 1973. The Lord Bishop of Toronto, The Right Rev. L.S. Garnsworthy presided.
See the pamphlet from the organ dedication service and organ specifications [pdf]
Source: The Lance, Summer 1972