The St. Nicolai Church in Elsfleth, originally expanded in the early 16th century, is an architectural rarity due to its "Winkelhakenbau" design, where a second nave was added at a right angle to the original structure in 1690. This type of church design is rare in Germany, with only five other known examples. The church's organ history is significant, beginning with a small positive organ in 1692, which was later replaced by a larger instrument built by Christian Vater in 1721. This organ suffered considerable damage over the years, leading to its replacement in 1836 by a new organ built by Gerhard Janssen Schmid, featuring a classicist façade.

The Schmid organ has undergone several modifications and restorations over the years. A major overhaul in 1909 by Johann Martin Schmid introduced significant changes, including the addition of new stops and the transition to pneumatic action in the pedal. Subsequent restorations, particularly in 1955 by Alfred Führer and most recently in 2016 by Martin ter Haseborg, aimed to restore the organ closer to its original 1836 disposition while addressing issues like wind pressure and pipe damage. Today, the organ remains a cherished historical instrument, reflecting the church's rich musical heritage.

Additionals: BW/HW, HW/Ped

https://nomine.net/orgel/elsfleth-st-nicolai/