Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

Foley-Baker has completed removal of the organ at Washington National Cathedral, Washington D.C. With some parts dating back to the original 1938 installation, the organ showed much deterioration after decades of heavy use.

The best extant pipework will be combined with new stops to create a 153-rank instrument. The design seeks to optimize the organ chambers, improving tonal egress from the triforium as much as possible. The existing console will be rebuilt, and a second, mobile console will be provided. Work has already begun on reconditioning pipework.

Removal was accomplished in segments that started in April 2023 and ended in August 2024. A very carefully organized event, the total time invested was less than four weeks. Reinstallation, also to be completed in stages, began in 2026 with the blower room. The Choir, String, and Solo divisions will be installed in summer 2026. Installation will continue until 2028, and tonal finishing will conclude in 2029.

Case photo by Len Levasseur.