Syndicat d'Initiative
de Cerfontaine
de Cerfontaine
In 1903.
It is a gift from Mrs. Hortense Gremez.
Félix Joris, organ builder from Averbode.
Oak wood.
This large organ is a magnificent piece that has been carefully crafted and is one of the maker's finest creations.
Almost all parts of the organ, from the pipes to the mechanical and pneumatic system, and the materials used, are of very good quality.
It is a balanced composition, allowing the organist to play a wide repertoire of music.
Around 1950, this organ underwent some expansion works with the addition of an 8' harmonic trumpet and a 2' 2/3 tierce that are placed in an annex at the back of the case.
This annex added in 1950, however, caused reliability issues due to poor design.
The case, which is the outer wooden housing containing and protecting the internal elements of the instrument, is made of oak wood. It was crafted by a local artisan in a typical early 20th-century style, quite theatrical.
The organ consists of 4 solid wood wind chests and a "Cummins" blower system. It is said to contain around 700 pipes. Some of these pipes are three meters high. Please note, the prominently displayed and visible pipes are purely decorative.
According to the organ restorer who repaired the instrument in 2021, this organ is impressive due to the power it exudes without being overwhelming to the ears. It is an instrument that fits perfectly with our church. It is designed in the spirit of the place and its time.
The organ is equipped with a "Great" keyboard of 56 keys to be combined with 6 stops, and a "Positive" keyboard of 56 keys to be combined with 6 stops, as well as a 27-key pedalboard.
Fun fact, in the past, before an electric air pump was introduced, a person had to pedal to keep the organ's bellows moving during performances.
The word "organ" comes from the Greek word "organon," which means an instrument or tool.
The first organ is said to have been invented by a Greek from Alexandria, Ctesibius, in the 3rd century BC.
Even at that time, these organs, or "hydraules," accompanied gladiator fights. Throughout the evolution in time, smaller versions, known as "barbaric" organs, were used in Roman theaters.
However, it wasn't until the 12th century that the instrument made its way into churches.