Our Church Organ

In receipt of an email from Nigel, asking about past organists at Saddleworth Church. It has been quite difficult obtaining a comprehensive list. In hindsight a log book would have been useful. However I have been able to gleen some information from the Sexton’s burial records and then from Barrie Williams who kindly made a list from memory of the people that he could recall in the last 75 years, from 1951.

Sexton Notes

John Robert Kenworthy who was blind and died 1971
Sarah Jackson who died 2006
Stephen Rhodes d 2004
Robert Harrop organist at Hey Chapel d 1816
William Holden d 1896

1951 onwards

Albert Hardie
Harry Franklin
Dorothy Bradshaw
Leslie Clifton
Edwin Haslock
Charles Whitehead
Cyril Walker
Eileen Bentley
Hilary Henderson
Michael Hindson

Plaque behind the Lecturn

Stanley Kenworthy

If anyone can help with this list it would be very appreciated.

The National Pipe Organ Register indicates that a survey was undertaken in 1885 it states that the organ was replaced (I think) with one built in 1872 Wadsworth. This was positioned at the north Side of the Gallery and was free standing. However in the 1940s it was scrapped and replaced with an electric one. Link to report

Another survey in 2000, indicates that this was later destroyed and broken up!. However replaced in 1970(c) by Cyril Wood of Ashton Under Lyne. Another Wadsworth obtained second-hand from a Methodist Church believed to be in Newton Heath; installed here with some significant repairs to action, along with possible tonal changes. This was positioned again in the north side of the Gallery, with plain panelling on east and west sides, speaking zinc display pipes. Link to report

In 2005 another survey Andrew Carter Wakefield. confirms that a replacement organ from St.Pauls Scouthead was installed, with no tonal changes but with basic restoration work. Most notabley converting the pedal organ to pneumatic action in order to fit its new balcony location. (Cost reported to be £20000 much of which was on gallery repair and reconfiguration) it was commissioned Easter Day. Freestanding with a plaque on the case stating the Andrew Carnegie Trust provided a grant for the organ (when built). Link to report