The Removal of the Church Organ

Sadly, the majestic Forster and Andrews Organ in our Church was irreparably damaged by water some years ago. The cost of attempting a repair was prohibitive and we were unable to find a buyer for the unit. We had hoped that one of the (declining number of) specialist organ repair companies might have been interested, but sadly no-one wanted it. With heavy hearts, the PCC took the decision to submit an application to remove the organ and permission for this was subsequently granted by the Diocese. The pictures below show some of the work involved in removing the organ. The whole project took almost two months.

Today, the church uses a digital system, with amplifier, mixer and speakers and the music stored on computer.

The front of the organ - most of which still remains in place

Looking into the organ with the front cover removed

The main deep sound from the organ was produced from large rectanglar wooden pipes

The air power for the organ was provided by two sets of bellows (upper and lower). This picture shows the removal of the upper bellows

The power for the bellows was produced by a large electric pump motor.

This picture gives an idea of the size of some of the large box pipis. Count the number of chairs in the main church for an idea of the dimensions.

The organ also contained many metal pipes, mostly made of lead. This is a small selection.

The organ also contained a mass of wires and small metal pipe-work.

This picture shows the organ with most of the large wooden pipes removed. The box-work at the bottom contains the lower bellows.

Another view with the pipe work removed

Working to remove some of the upper pipe-work

Some of the last remaining pipes, looking out from behind the ornate pipe-work that still remains in place above the organ.

The organ was built in1873 and refurbished in 1914

The old workmen left their signatures