The first organ in St John's was built by Henry Bevington in 1845 and was a one-manual organ of 6 stops. In 1865 Hill & Son built a new organ at a cost of £830 at the West End in a gallery which has since been taken down. In 1880, shortly after the church had become a parish, the organ was rebuilt at the East end of the church. Pneumatic action was added to the pedal organ in 1910 in memory of Lucy A. Galloway and in 1925 Rushworth and Dreaper made further alterations. Further repairs and minor alterations took place in 1938 and 1978 by Bishop & Son.

The organ of 1865 is still substantially present and is an important instrument. The organ, however, is in a poor state, requiring cleaning and urgent repair work. 2013 begins our appeal to see this excellent instrument restored, as the musical hub of a church which is known for one of the most exciting musical repertoires in both services and concerts in London.

The organ has 32 stops and 1636 pipes. Our current Musical Director is Robert Greenhill. He supplements his work at St John's by teaching at the Urdang Academy. Our organ scholar is Nicky Miller, who is a postgraduate student at Trinity Laban in Greenwich. This Summer will see the launch of our appeal. There will opportunities to sponsor stops and pipes and to become a patron. Alongside the fundraising our organ scholar will be involving the local schools, showing them round them organ, explaining its history and mechanics. There will also be an exciting programme of recitals and concerts in the Autumn.

ORGAN UPDATE!!!

Events Page

Tuesday 21st May: 1.45pm School Introduction to the Organ

The organist shows the children round the organ, tells them the history and introduces the basics of playing.

Tuesday 18th June: 1.45pm School Introduction to the Organ

The organist shows the children round the organ, tells them the history and introduces the basics of playing.

Wednesday 19th June: 8.00pm - Organ Appeal Launch

Our musical team give a tour of the organ and explain the restoration project over a glass of fizz.

Wednesday 10th July: 4.00pm - Disney Tea Party!

Children & adults welcome, especially in fancy dress. We enjoy Tea & play while Nicky plays popular songs from the disney classics. Requests welcome!!!

Wednesday 14th July - 11.45am - Organ Duet & Piano Recital

Our musical team put on a concert including Mendelssohn - War March of the Priests; Saint Saens - The Swan from Carnival of the Animals; Stanley - Trumpet Voluntary; Elgar - Pomp and Circumstance No.1

Sunday 11th August - 10.00am - Organ Sponsored Silence

This Sunday we’re shutting off the organ so we can appreciate just how much we need her. Sponsor her to show how much you care!

Services in December for Advent & Christmas...

ADVENT SUNDAY, 2^nd December

10.00am

PARISH EUCHARIST

Magnificat - Vesperae Solennes de Confessor - W. A. Mozart

6.00pm

ADVENT CAROLS "EXODUS"

choir and orchestra

'Go Down Moses' - from A Child of Our Time, M. Tippett

Libera Me Domine - from Requiem, G. Faure

Va Pensiero - from Nabucco, G. Verdi

'Lift Thine Eyes, He watching over Israel' - from Elijah, F. Mendelssohn

'You'll Never Walk Alone', from Carousel, Rogers and Hammerstein

A Gorgeous service of music and readings as the nights close in…

ADVENT II, 9^th December

10.00am

PARISH EUCHARIST

Choir and Oboe

Qui Respexit - Magnificat - J. S. Bach

4.00pm

ST NICHOLAS’ FESTIVAL

Choir and Flute

Craft Workshops for children, fun music and stories

and of course a very special guest…

ADVENT III, 16th December

10.00am

PARISH EUCHARIST WITH NATIVITY PLAY

A Great Sunday to run up to Christmas

with the children acting and singing in a red carpet premier

Magnificat - A. Vivaldi

6.00pm

9 LESSONS & CAROLS

Choir and Brass Quartet

A fabulous candlelit service with traditional readings and carols

Adam Lay Ybounden - H. Skempton

O Thou that Tellest Good Tidings to Zion - from Messiah - G. F. Handel

A Hymn to the Virgin - B. Britten

O Magnum Mysterium - M. Lauriden

God is With Us - J. Tavener

Hodie Christus Natus Est - F. Poulenc

ADVENT IV, 23rd December

10.00am

PARISH EUCHARIST

Choir and Flute

Magnificat - F. Schubert

6.00pm

CAROLS AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Fantasia on Christmas Carols - R. V. Williams

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

CHRISTMAS EVE, MONDAY 24th DECEMBER

4.00pm

CRIB SERVICE

Choir and Flute

11.30pm

MIDNIGHT MASS

'Sparrow Mass' - W. A. Mozart

O Holy Night - A. Adams

CHRISTMAS DAY, TUESDAY 25th DECEMBER

FAMILY EUCHARIST

Choir and Orchestra

Children bring your toys!

EPIPHANY SERVICES

EPIPHANY, 6^th January

10.00am

Festival Eucharist and Procession of the Magi

EPIPHANY CAROLS, 13th January

6.00pm

Epiphany Carol Service