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The following appeared in the Richmond Enquirer 9 December 1845.

A large number of ladies and gentlemen collected, yesterday afternoon, in the new and magnificent Church of St. Paul's, to hear the fine Organ recently erected by Mr. Erben, the finest manufacturer in New York. Mr. Erben attended, to supervise the performance. Messrs. Dunderdale and Daniels, successively, took charge of the instrument. The former has been selected as the organist of the new Church. Fond as we are of this noble instrument, so susceptible of the most powerful and varied expression, we were delighted with its rich tones, at one moment swelling into notes of thunder, and then fading away like the ‘Sweet South’ breeze. The gentle quality of my delicate ears, contended that it was impossible to appreciate the softer stops—as the beaux would whisper to their fair companions, and the little children would tune their treble pipes. But on approaching very near the performance we heard all the stops perfectly.—We were particularly struck with the brilliant effect of the ‘Night Horn,’ ‘Clarionet’ and ‘Trumpet’ solo stops. We have already fully described the mechanical arrangement of this splendid instrument, which was pronounced in New york to be one of the best works of the manufacturer. We shall not therefore repeat this description. As soon as the organist shall form a complete acquaintance with its various parts, details, and the powers of the instrument, it will be a great pleasure to hear its eloquent breathings.—This organ will cost $4000

Quoted in Weddell, Elizabeth Wright. St. Paul's Church, Richmond, Virginia: Its Histoic Years and Memorials. Richmond: The William Byrd Press, Inc., 1931. Vol I, p. 23-24

Labels: Erben, St Paul's (Richmond)