Organ Restoration Appeal
St Michael’s Harrison and Harrison Organ
Photo © John Patten
Description
The organ was built in 1907 by Harrison and Harrison of Durham. It was originally located in St Leonard’s church Malton but subsequently moved in about 1950 to the present location of St Michaels, New Malton. The pedal section was converted to electric action in 1974 together with a new Pedal Faggot 16’ instead of the Open Wood 16’ by J W Walker & Sons Ltd. Additional expression shutters were also added to the swell box. In all other respects the organ is original and a fine example of its type.
The organ has two manuals, the Great and the Swell as follows;
Great
- fifteenth 2’
- principal 4’
- saubeflote 4’
- dulciana 8’
- hohlflute 8’
- open diapason 8’
- bourdon 16’
- swell to great
Swell
- oboe 8’
- horn 8’
- lieblich gedeckt 8’
- harmonic flute 4’
- viola 8’
- salicional 8’
- octave
Pedal
- sub bass
- faggot
- swell to pedal
- great to pedal
Renovation
The organ will be entirely dismantled so that a full restoration can take place. All parts will be cleaned, felts and leathers replaced, worn pivots renewed, actions etc oiled and greased. The manual cleaned and polished, pedal board cleaned and trued. The mechanical action cleaned, repaired and checked. The wind section fully restored and new leather fitted to the bellows. The whole of the two soundboards will be removed to a workshop for cleaning, cracks mended and sealed, sizing in animal glue and all made true and flat. Then the pallets cleaned, new fittings and felt added and placed onto the soundboard. The organ will then be fully assembled and tested.
The restoration work will be undertaken by our organ tuner A J Carter of Wakefield, West Yorkshire. www.ajcarterorganbuilder.co.uk
Why do we need to restore the organ?
Over the years, certain original parts of the organ have become worn and perished. The soundboards have cracked and the wind system has deteriorated. Dust has accumulated around the pipes and in other areas causing damage. Connections have weakened and become insecure. The tuner has kept the organ working through his skill in providing some ‘stop-gap’ measures, but the time has come when we cannot afford to ignore the fact that if nothing is done then we will eventually lose the organ as an aid to worship.
Why is the organ so important?
Worship does not necessarily require music, but skillfully used music can enhance the worship. The organ is an excellent instrument to lead congregational singing, as it is well suited for music written for worship. There is no real satisfactory substitute for it and it is part of our musical heritage. Can you imagine attending a wedding or a funeral without any music?
What do we need?
The Church has been raising money over a long period for our project called ‘St Michael’s 2000’. This appeal started over 12 years ago and has carried out substantial works to the church. The PCC has allocated £20,000 from funds to assist with the organ renovation and the balance of £30,000 is being sought from trusts, charities, and individual donations. A substantial part of this has now been raised or promised, but further donations are most welcome. Work is now scheduled to start in January 2010.
How can you help?
The most effective method is by way of a gift aided donation and a form is here. This helps us by claiming tax back on your gift at no extra cost to you. Alternatively a donation in the wall safe would be most welcome. And please tell your friends about our Appeal.