Restoring St. Michael's Pipe Organ to its Former Glory
“It came as a great surprise to hear for the first time the pipe organ at St. Michael’s played by our Organs Adviser. It has a wonderful tonality and range of colours. Its restoration will add greatly to the musical life of the town and bring distinction and delight to both performance and worship.”
Canon Barry Gilbert, Rector
Past
Not a lot is known about the history of pipe organs at St. Michaels except to say that between the building of the first organ in the early part of the 19th century and the 1954 rebuild by Sweetland it has undergone many changes both of builder and of specification, some good and some bad.
Until the1830’s music was provided by a group of instrumentalists. Those mentioned by name are Mr. Tester (fiddler), Mr. Green (trumpet) and Mr. Moreton (drums). A small organ was then bought for £30. 1844 saw this replaced by an organ from Bates & Co
of London for £450. In 1884 the organ was altered and moved. This re-constituted organ was never satisfactory.
( from “Brierley Hill Church and Parish” by H.W. Woodward pub. 1965)
Research has proved difficult, with early records thought to be lost or destroyed, but sometime in the early part of the 20th century evidence suggests that this organ was replaced by a William Hill instrument occupying a very large organ chamber to the north of the chancel, and then in 1954 this organ was rebuilt and electrified by Sweetland. The organ was only slightly altered tonally and so the Hill tonality was largely retained.
The organ is remembered as being one of the finest in the area.
Present
At present the organ is mothballed following smoke damage after a fire and an inspection which deemed the electric action unsafe to play, and so was replaced by the present electronic Makin organ as an interim solution.
Visits to ascertain the precise condition of the pipe organ have been made by Andrew Fletcher, our diocesan adviser, Dr. Jim Berrow and Nicholsons of Malvern and members of the Diocesan Advisory Committee. The overwhelming consensus is that the organ should be rebuilt and restored. So far one tender has been sought which puts the cost at around £120,000 and a timescale of 4-5 years.
“The organ in St. Michael’s is of good construction and exceptionally fine
tonality.” Guy Russell (Nicholsons)
“An exciting, vibrant sounding instrument.”
“This large, comprehensive instrument is very fine sounding and should be rebuilt as soon as funds become available.”
Andrew Fletcher (Organs Adviser Diocese of Worcester)
Reflection….
“St Michael’s is full of surprises. Who would guess, looking up the windy hill, of the warm, welcoming interior, with its elegant woodwork. Similarly, who would guess that it contains a pipe organ with a distinguished pedigree? The organ last received major attention over fifty years ago and has its origins in a much earlier instrument. Although neglected in recent times, it can be restored to its former glory to support choirs, concerts and education programmes. Most of all, it will provide pleasure to the congregation of this remarkable church and, Sunday by Sunday, musical praise to the Almighty. The return of its rich, now lost, voice will ensure a supply of musicians wanting to play it.”
Dr Jim Berrow (Organs Adviser, Lichfield DAC and Chair of Birmingham DAC)
Future
Restoration of the organ would return a fine instrument to the people of St. Michael’s and the surrounding area. This would also provide a rich resource for a regenerated Brierley Hill in terms of providing an instrument of outstanding quality to enhance the musical, cultural and spiritual life of the town.
A scheme like this will require a great deal of effort and fundraising. While it is hoped that we will be able to attract support from some grant making bodies and local businesses it is equally clear that a steady flow of donations raised locally will not only undergird the project but also demonstrate commitment. It may, in addition, prove to be a vote of confidence in the future life of the town during these difficult economic times.
How can you help?
- By enlisting the help of family, friends and colleagues in fundraising.
- Regular donations via standing order.
- Make a one-off donation.
- Use of Gift Aid by those who pay tax.
- Consider remembering St. Michael’s in your Will for this and other needs.
- Get in touch with your suggestions for fundraising.
- Phone: 01384 78146
- Email: Please use the contact us page on this site
Proposed Specification
The organ will remain substantially unchanged, but with the following improvements, as recommended by our advisers:
- Addition of a fagotto stop on the swell organ, if funds allow.
- Removal of choir expression box to improve egress from the swell organ and enable choir pipework to speak more freely.
- Removal of choir expression pedal.
© Text: Team Parish of Brierley Hill
© Photographs: Barry Gilbert