St Barnabas Organ Appeal 2008

Foreword by the Reverend David Deboys, Vicar of St Barnabas Church

The opportunity to install a beautiful and magnificent 1877 William Hill organ in St Barnabas Church is something that occurs once in a lifetime, and I am delighted to be involved in this exciting project. The organ will be for the Glory of God. But it will not be just for those who worship here - it will be for the entire community. This wonderful organ will be our gift from the start of the 21st century to the people of the 22nd. It is our sign of confidence in the creative arts and in the cultural and spiritual life of Ealing. In a world so often full of negativity and destruction, here is a real opportunity to build a sign of confidence and hope in the future, and a sign which will sound across the years. I commend this appeal to you.

Patrons of the Appeal 

The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Richard Chartres, Bishop of London
The Very Reverend Graeme Knowles, Dean of St Paul's Cathedral
Dr Martin Neary LVO, Organist and Master of the Choristers, Westminster Abbey 1988-1999
Professor Dr Ian Tracey, Organist Titulaire to Liverpool Anglican Cathedral
Mr Stephen Pound, Member of Parliament, Ealing North  

Our current organ...

St Barnabas Church, Pitshanger Lane, Ealing is a large, imposing Grade II- listed building, situated in the famous Brentham Estate, and built circa 1915. It was originally intended to install a 3-manual, 45-rank organ by Willis & Sons, but this was never carried out, because of rising costs due to the First World War. Instead, a small 2-manual organ was installed, as a 'temporary measure'. This organ has now lasted over 90 years, but has never been adequate for the size of the building, and has reached the end of its life, with major parts in disrepair. It is not worth restoring.

The new organ...

We have a unique opportunity to install a magnificent 3-manual 1877 William Hill Organ, from St Jude's Church, Southsea. This glorious instrument will shortly become surplus to their requirements, due to a major rebuilding scheme. It is recognised nationally as one of the finest examples of an English Romantic Organ, and has been awarded an ‘historic organ certificate' by the British Institute of Organ Studies. A recital demonstrating its exceptional qualities has been recorded by the distinguished organist Professor Ian Tracey, prior to its removal from Southsea, and will shortly be available on CD from Priory Records. The organ specifications are similar to the Willis organ which should have been installed in St Barnabas when it was originally built. We have now taken the bold step of purchasing this magnificent organ, for installation in the West End choir gallery at St Barnabas, complementing our famous Rose Window.

The appeal target...

Currently, we have sufficient funds available to purchase the organ and to arrange for it to be dismantled and taken into storage. But we now need to raise some £300,000 to restore the organ and to rebuild it in St Barnabas. This is a huge sum, but we are confident that we can achieve it.

Why should I help?

•  St Barnabas Church is already famous for its strong choral tradition and musical concerts. This wonderful organ will markedly enhance the quality of music in our church.

•  The organ will be also be a valuable resource for the whole community. Regular recitals will be held, and the organ will be used in classical music concerts with local choirs and orchestras

•  We are initiating a vigorous new educational scheme, so that more local people - both children and adults - learn the organ, and can play this magnificent and inspiring instrument.

•  Perhaps you used to attend St Barnabas Church and have fond memories of your time there ?

•  The present organ is failing badly, and is beyond economic repair. We desperately need a new organ...

Donations

There are various ways in which you can help. You could:

•  Take out a monthly standing order over four years. This would allow us to plan efficiently towards the target.

•  Make a 'one-off' lump sum donation.

(By signing a Gift Aid form we will be able to claim back from the government 25p in every pound at no extra cost to you)

•  Buy a 'notional pipe', or rank of pipes. We have several pipes for sale at different prices. And we will give you a certificate in return for your purchase !

How to make a donation...

If you wish to make a donation, whether monthly or one-off, or buy a pipe or a rank of pipes, please contact John Hudson, St Barnabas Church, Ealing, London W5 1QG or telephone 020-8997-3248. We will be very grateful indeed for any donation. Please make cheques payable to “St Barnabas Church Organ Fund”. Please Click here to download a PDF Donation form. Thank you in advance...