We still sing "Loud organs, his glory forth tell in deep tone", but there are fewer and fewer places where it is happening. In a recent paper reporting on the organ survey undertaken throughout the United Reformed Church, John Harding of the URC Musicians' Guild expresses concern about the destruction of a number of significant pipe organs, representing a loss to our musical heritage, both denominational and national.
Happily, a shining exception to this process of destruction is to be seen at one of our smaller rural churches - Low Row, in Swaledale. Here the fine Roy Huntingford organ, built in 1924, is recognised for the gem that it is - the sole example of this particular organ builder's work which has remained unchanged since its installation. Its fine tone is much remarked on, its size and power are ideally suited to the building, and and its continued and widening use in the musical life of the Dale makes it an important asset to the community and to the many visitors who come to this part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Recently the organ received an Historic Organ Certificate from the British Institute of Organ Studies, and the church was awarded a grant of £10,000 by the Council for the Care of Churches towards its restoration. This, together with promises of help from synod and from local church members, led to a decision to undertake a total overhaul of the instrument. Organ builders John Lightbown & Sons of Morpeth, Northumberland have been awarded the contact, and work started in October 2006.
Enthusiasm for the project was originally sparked by Dr Clive Preece, a former resident of Low Row and friend of the congregation. He undertook a great deal of preparatory work, not least in ensuring that adeauate funding was in place. Sadly Clive, who had contributed so much to the project, died a few weeks before the work began.
More information about the organ and its history, and a progress report on the restoration work, can be found on the Low Row website.
The church is still fund raising for the restoration work: if you would like to help, please contact the church secretary, Mr Edward Brown.