When I buy a car, I like to buy one that is almost new and then keep it for many years. But as the car gets older the repair costs increase. Then it becomes clear that big bills are in the pipeline. It feels like a moment of defeat when I give up on the old car, but then, when I am in the car showroom, I start to get excited about having a new car. The cars always look so shiny and inviting. I start to get carried away thinking, “Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a hybrid… and four-wheel drive… and the posh sound system… Eventually reality kicks in, and I end up buying something very affordable, practical, and suitable for my needs.
A comparable situation is developing with our church organ at St Mary’s. The leather work is 60 years old and beginning to decay. This means that individual notes stop working and noisy air escapes spring up. We find that the repair man from Nicholsons in Worcester is coming over more and more often with each visit costing £260 or more. There is a feeling of defeat as we come to accept that we need to think about refurbishing the organ.
So in early August I went to visit Cousans Organ builders in Coalville. I went with Dr Jim Berrow, the diocesan organ adviser. Our organist, Ron Binnie, was also there with his wife Sue. Just as in the car showroom, I found myself getting very excited about all the possibilities. Wouldn’t it be great to have more organ pipes; flutes, strings and oboes. It would be lovely to adapt the organ so it can play French music properly. Things could be done to make the organ better for organ recitals and singing accompaniment. It would be very easy to spend £200k on an organ refurbishment…well it would be if we had £200k.
The PCC will need to weigh up carefully our needs and aspirations against the money that we can realistically hope to raise. Electronic organs are much better than they used to be and are relatively affordable. But organists and congregations prefer pipe organs. In the case of St Mary’s, there are good reasons for investing in the organ. We have strong musical tradition, which could be enhanced with an improved organ, making it easier to attract new musicians. A greater range of music could be played. A wider range of musical events could be held. Over the years we have had several younger organists and organ scholars. Our former scholar James Bate has just secured a job at the cathedral. Francis Fowler is growing in confidence and there are potential scholars for the future. The outstanding grade 1 listed building should benefit from an outstanding organ. I expect the future of the organ to become a big topic for St Mary’s PCC in the coming months and years.
With prayers and best wishes, Fr Patrick
Psalm 150 – Praising the Lord with Music
Alleluia.
O praise God in his holiness;
praise him in the firmament of his power.
Praise him for his mighty acts;
praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Praise him with the blast of the trumpet;
praise him upon the harp and lyre.
Praise him with timbrel and dances;
praise him upon the strings and pipe.
Praise him with ringing cymbals;
praise him upon the clashing cymbals.
Let everything that has breath
praise the Lord.
Alleluia.