The public is invited to attend a pair of free events this month at The Parish of All Saints in Ashmont to celebrate the preservation of its historic buildings. Both of these feature the Skinner pipe organ that the parish acquired, restored, and installed as part of the larger restoration project.

On Sun., Nov. 8, at 2 p.m., noted pipe organ consultant and Skinner organ expert, Jonathan Ambrosino, will present “Dorchester and the Skinner Organ: A Talk and a Demonstration of Skinner’s Op. 708.” Co-sponsored by the Dorchester Historical Society, this presentation will discuss the history of organs produced by the Dorchester-based company, and will describe the project that relocated and restored Skinner’s Op. 708 to be All Saints’ new chancel organ. The presentation will include a musical demonstration of the organ by All Saints’ organist Andrew Sheranian.

On Sunday, Nov. 15, at 4 p.m., celebrated organist William Porter will play a recital featuring both of All Saints’ organs: The Centennial Organ, built by C.B. Fisk of Gloucester, MA (Op. 103 from 1995), as well as the recently restored Skinner organ. This performance mirrors a benefit recital Prof. Porter played last September on the Fisk and Skinner organs at Harvard University’s Memorial Church, which generated the last bit of funding needed to complete All Saints’ Skinner project. A special reception will follow the recital in Peabody Hall.

Visit the website allsaints.net for more information.

Established on Dorchester’s Crescent Avenue in 1901 and remaining in that location through 1968, the Skinner and later Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company built the most important pipe organs of their time. The company’s organs were installed in some of the most prestigious churches and concert halls in America, in movie theatres, and even in residences of the rich and famous. The firm’s instruments are widely recognized today as representing a high-point in 20th-century American organ building.

In 2012, All Saints was presented with the rare opportunity to acquire a vintage Skinner organ from a closed church in North Adams, MA. Ideal in size, sound and pedigree, Skinner Organ Co.’s Opus 708, built in 1929, was a welcome and timely solution to the problem of All Saints’ failing chancel organ.

Op. 708 was built at the firm’s subsidiary plant in Westfield, MA. The construction quality is superb, representing the finest materials and craftsmanship of the period. It was in a remarkable state of preservation when acquired, and its installation at All Saints involved a complete historical restoration, along with the minor re-engineering necessary to allow it to conform to All Saints’ chancel organ chamber. The organ has 25 stops (or individual sounds), and contains 1,598 pipes.

Skinner organs excel at choral accompaniment—a critical requirement at All Saints, where the chancel organ’s primary role is to support the Choir of Men and Boys.