East Weymouth, Massachusetts
East Weymouth Congregational Church

Organ by Hutchings-Votey Organ Co., 1903

From an evaluation in 2006.

This organ is one of the last Hutchings-Votey organs to be built with tracker action.  
It is solidly made, and in virtually original condition with the exception of the bellows, 
which was replaced at an unknown date by two large single-rise reservoirs having 
approximately the same capacity as the original one.  The blower is an old Spencer with 
a Century motor and a belted-off small generator apparently only for the use of the chimes, 
mounted on the left side wall of the organ recess.      

The casework has wood above the impost, and nicely diapered front pipes.    

Tonally, this is an interesting transitional instrument. The Great 8’ Open is hefty and 
foundational, but surprisingly rich in harmonics, as are the 4’ and 2’ principals.  Together 
they make a strikingly cohesive chorus that needs no Mixture to improve it.  The flutes 
and strings have character and variety. The Oboe is mild and a bit on the thin side, but 
the Trumpet is strong and bright.  The Pedal Open 16’ is huge scale and sounds it. 

The couplers could use some adjustment, but the Swell makes a noticeable addition to 
the full organ sound, especially with the 4’ coupler engaged – although this makes pretty 
heavy going for the player.

[Extracts from the report made in 2006 by Barabara Owen and Richard Hill received on
line courtesy of Victor E. DeRubeis, organist, February 16, 2009.]