Pernis, Dorpskerk (2025)

In 1926 a new Reformed Church was built in Pernis, designed by B. Hooijkaas, an architect in Rotterdam. The organ was moved from the old church, an instrument by the firm Gebr. Franssen from 1889. This organ was too small and later also appeared to have been affected by woodworm. On the advice of Piet van den Kerkhoff it was decided to have the firm G. van Leeuwen & Zoon build a new organ. The facade was designed by the architects B. Hooijkaas and B. van Veen. The console is on a gallery opposite the organ itself, which is placed above the pulpit. The new organ was put into use on 30 July 1939, with the advisor playing the organ. The church interior is still almost original. The organ has been preserved almost without changes. The Dubbelfluit 8 of the Hoofdwerk has been replaced by a Roerfluit 8, the overblowing Openfluit 4 was replaced from TC with conical pijpes and the composition of the Mixtuur has been changed in the treble.

The electro-pneumatic action has been replaced by a new electric action (BUS system). All additional pneumatic relays have been omitted so that an action that functions as quickly as possible has been obtained. In addition to all magnets being renewed in a 24 volt version, the organ will receive a new electric control for the swell box, new wiring and a new 24 volt power supply.

The bellows for the Swell and Great/Pedal have been re-leathered. The Swell box was once covered with thin board and provided with a lowered ceiling after a leak. This ceiling has been renewed in 18mm thick sheet material and placed as high as possible. The covered walls have also been renewed in 18mm thick sheet material equal to the ceiling. The walls and ceiling are now more sound-reflecting and have a positive influence on the effect of the Swell.

The console has been completely overhauled, with the keyboards being restored and fitted with new key coverings. The woodwork has been cleaned and all layers of lacquer removed. Damage has been repaired and a new register board has been made for the register rockers. The wood work has then been re-lacquered. All electrical components have been renewed. The single free combination has been replaced by a setzer system with 10,000 freely programmable combinations.

Disassembly

The dismantling started in September 2024, when all the pipes of the windchests had to be removed. It was stored in the church. Only the largest pipes of the swell had to be transported to Dordrecht for repairs.

Bellows

The bellows have been releathered. Because the bellows were too big to remove completely from the organ, extra frames were made on which the folds and the bellows sheet rest. This frame is mounted on the bellows box during assembly.

Console

The console cabinet has been completely restored, with all layers of lacquer removed. The keyboards have been fitted with new key coverings. All electrical components are new.

Assembly

In January 2025, the assembly of all parts in the organ started. After everything was electrically connected, the pipes could be replaced in February.