For the past year, the 1868 Henry Erben pipe organ has been undergoing its first ever historic restoration at the Brunner and Associates workshops in Lancaster, PA.
In October 2024, the 19th century choir loft in the Basilica began its historic renewal. The scaffolding pictured above in the choir loft enables workers to reach the ceiling and the top of the organ case. FREO has retained skilled workers with experience in historic church preservation. The Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated New York City Landmark.
The image above shows the view from the loft scaffolding overlooking the Old Cathedral, with the sanctuary visible in the center rear. Every detail, from the floorboards to the top of the Erben’s façade, is meticulously inspected and restored. Two scaffolding employees stand in front of one of the organ case’s majestic spires in the foreground of the photo.
The loft’s beautiful pumpkin pine floorboards are being preserved, along with their hand-forged square-head nails, for reinstallation over a newly reinforced rafter system. Each board was carefully numbered to ensure precise reinstallation.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates on the Henry Erben organ’s restoration journey!
The 19th Century Choir Loft Renewal at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral
Updated: August 20, 2025 by Erben Organ
For the past year, the 1868 Henry Erben pipe organ has been undergoing its first ever historic restoration at the Brunner and Associates workshops in Lancaster, PA.
In October 2024, the 19th century choir loft in the Basilica began its historic renewal. The scaffolding pictured above in the choir loft enables workers to reach the ceiling and the top of the organ case. FREO has retained skilled workers with experience in historic church preservation. The Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated New York City Landmark.
The image above shows the view from the loft scaffolding overlooking the Old Cathedral, with the sanctuary visible in the center rear. Every detail, from the floorboards to the top of the Erben’s façade, is meticulously inspected and restored. Two scaffolding employees stand in front of one of the organ case’s majestic spires in the foreground of the photo.
The loft’s beautiful pumpkin pine floorboards are being preserved, along with their hand-forged square-head nails, for reinstallation over a newly reinforced rafter system. Each board was carefully numbered to ensure precise reinstallation.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates on the Henry Erben organ’s restoration journey!
Category: Featured HP, News Tags: church choir loft, education, Erben Organ, historic nyc, restoration