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Banchory East Church Organ |
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Our musical heritage has a rich history. In 1878, the Kirk Session records proudly note the purchase of a "first-class cabinet organ" for 125 guineas, with a “liberal discount for early payment.” Less than a decade later, in 1887, this organ was replaced by the magnificent instrument you see today. Crafted by the renowned Manchester firm Wadsworths at a cost of £321 10s, it brought a new depth and beauty to our worship. Wadsworths were celebrated across northeast Scotland, with an Aberdeen branch managed by John Wardle. He personally oversaw the building of our organ, ensuring every note would resonate with excellence for generations to come. |
In 1932, the organ was rebuilt by Ernest Wadsworth.
At that time, the church was extended with the addition of a new chancel. This required moving the organ from its original place in the centre of the north wall to a specially designed side chamber within the chancel, where it still stands today, facing across the sanctuary.
The rebuild converted the organ from mechanical to pneumatic action—a modern improvement at the time. However, as the years passed, the condition of the instrument declined. The windchests, dating back to the original 1887 construction, began to warp and leak, making faults increasingly common.
By 2007, restoration could no longer be delayed. Alongside the repair, the Kirk Session decided to return the instrument to mechanical action, which was once again regarded as both musically superior and more durable than pneumatic systems.
The restoration work was entrusted to A.F. Edmonstone of Dunning. The organ was dismantled in January 2008, partially reassembled and played again by September, and fully completed in November 2008.
Since its restoration, the organ has been enjoyed in regular worship and at a number of recitals, continuing to enrich the life of the church community.
Click here to find further details of the organ.
At that time, the church was extended with the addition of a new chancel. This required moving the organ from its original place in the centre of the north wall to a specially designed side chamber within the chancel, where it still stands today, facing across the sanctuary.
The rebuild converted the organ from mechanical to pneumatic action—a modern improvement at the time. However, as the years passed, the condition of the instrument declined. The windchests, dating back to the original 1887 construction, began to warp and leak, making faults increasingly common.
By 2007, restoration could no longer be delayed. Alongside the repair, the Kirk Session decided to return the instrument to mechanical action, which was once again regarded as both musically superior and more durable than pneumatic systems.
The restoration work was entrusted to A.F. Edmonstone of Dunning. The organ was dismantled in January 2008, partially reassembled and played again by September, and fully completed in November 2008.
Since its restoration, the organ has been enjoyed in regular worship and at a number of recitals, continuing to enrich the life of the church community.
Click here to find further details of the organ.
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