12. THE CHOIR

The stalls for the choir and clergy are dominated by the magnificent Bishop's Throne with its tall oak spire, a sign of the Bishop's authority in the church. It was designed by Blacket, though built after he died. It is in two pieces - the roof over the throne, and the separate spire with its pinnacles.

The stall for the Dean of Goulburn, who is in charge of all that happens in the cathedral and who is also the rector of the Cathedral Parish, is located immediately to the east of the lectern.

Filling the south choir aisle is the organ, with over 3,000 pipes and over 43 stops (different sounding ranks of pipes).
It was built in 1883 by the eminent firm of Forster and Andrews of Hull, Yorkshire, and is the largest of their organs still intact. It was installed in 1884, originally in the western gallery. In 1902 it was moved to the Choir. It was also given pneumatic action. The console is behind the choir stalls, while the organ faces into the south transept. 

The wrought iron organ case erupts at the top into florid finials and the pipes have gilded patterns on a ground of buff and grey. It was fully restored in 1979 when every care was taken to preserve its character. The gilded patterns on the front pipes and the iron filigree frame of the case are the design of the architect. As Blacket was an organist, he also prepared the specification for the organ builders.