A historic voice at the heart of worship
The pipe organ supports congregational worship, accompanies the choir and brings a wide repertoire to life within the generous acoustics of Christ Church.
Historic character and generous resources
The present instrument preserves pipework and craftsmanship from several generations of organ builders and remains a living part of weekly Anglican worship.
Three manuals
Three keyboards and pedals provide resources for accompaniment and recital repertoire.
43 speaking stops
A broad tonal palette supports choir, congregation and solo organ music.
About 2,300 pipes
Historic Gern pipework is retained alongside later Australian craftsmanship.
Wood: Magnificat in D
Hear the Christ Church Choir with organ accompaniment in music naturally associated with Choral Evensong.
From 1854 to the present instrument
1854 — The first organ
Christ Church’s first pipe organ was installed only five years after the church opened.
1873 — The Gern instrument
The basis of the present organ arrived from London: a 12-stop instrument by August Gern, formerly foreman to Aristide Cavaillé-Coll.
1877–1998 — Expansion and electrification
Successive work by Fincham & Hobday, J. E. Dodd and others enlarged and developed the organ, with the present console installed in 1998.
2003 — Comprehensive rebuilding
Australian Pipe Organs and George Stephens Organ Builder rebuilt and enlarged the instrument, renewing the chamber and wind system and reorienting pipework into the church.
For organists and researchers
Explore the Organ Historical Trust of Australia record or download the current Christ Church specification.
Hear the organ in worship
Join Choral Eucharist or Choral Evensong and experience the instrument in its true setting.