The Organ in St James's Church
St James's possesses a wonderful organ, which adds its unique contribution to worship, special celebrations and community events. The organ enjoys a central place, both in our building and in the affections of many in our church family, and there is a long and talented history of organists here who have enriched the worship life of this church and the local community.
Built in 1955 to a specification which was considered remarkable at the time, the organ has always enjoyed an illustrious reputation. Composers including Olivier Messiaen, Sir Lennox Berkeley, Peter Racine Fricker and Peter Dickinson, recognising its special character, visited St James's in times past to hear their music played. A number of local choirs and musical groups have continued this trend, valuing our building and its organ for their concerts.
Designed by H. A. Bate, virtuoso player and inspirational teacher who served as organist here for over 50 years, its workings blend the historic with the modern, rendering it able to play any repertoire. This all-round capability and the quality of the materials and workmanship used in its construction make it stand head and shoulders above its peers.
The friends of St James's church organ appeal
Over half a century has now elapsed since the organ was built and it's now in urgent need of major overhaul and some sensible updating to enable the playing of all kinds of modern music. This work will involve a very large financial outlay and so, recognising the need to preserve this masterpiece for future generations, the PCC launched the St James's Church Organ Appeal. Our current Patrons include the Bishop of Edmonton, Lord Griffiths of Fforestfach — a Church Warden here for many years, Gerard Le Feuvre — internationally-renowned cellist and founding leader of the Kings Chamber Orchestra, and Noel Tredinnick — Organist and Director of Music at All Souls, Langham Place, and Professor at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. We are indebted to Jennifer Bate, daughter of the designer, celebrated concert organist and local resident, who is our Honorary Organ Consultant.
Some years ago, The Friends of St James's Church, a registered charity (no. 1075986) took on the mantle of fundraising for the organ. In March, 2010, funds stood at €215,000, leaving a further €15,000 to raise. The restoration started in April this year and efforts are ongoing to bring in the balance of the money before work concludes in January, 2011. Much of the organ has been taken back to where it was originally built — the workshops of the organ builders Harrison & Harrison. This firm was chosen to carry out the restoration because it has a reputation for work of outstanding quality and a very solid track record of major restorations behind it.
How have we raised the money so far?
Inevitably, over the course of this Appeal, committee members have come and gone. This traffic has brought new approaches and fresh ideas. Our approach reflects our ethos, which put simply is to share what we have, to be outward looking and reactive to opportunities as they come along. This has resulted in us co-operating with different charities working both locally and across the world. Our work complements and supports the work of St. James's Church, of which a majority of us are active members. The tension between funding the work of the church and restoring items of historic and cultural value is something we hold in balance, recognising both the essential and important differences between the two and the freedom we all have in relation to our giving. The compelling precedents in our great City of preservation of art, buildings and musical instruments are an inspiration to us, showing as they do the way in which culture, art and architecture speaks to each new generation of a God who is creative and who has inspired great creativity throughout history. Recognising this, we have staged events ranging from concerts to a Promises Auction, from a sponsored bike ride to Paris to a Grade One Challenge. We believe in putting the 'fun' in fundraising.
How you can help
There are two ways to get involved in the closing stages of the Appeal:
- Introduce us to grant-making trusts or foundations
- Make a gift – you could sponsor a pipe in memory of someone special, or a special event
How to contact us
We would love to hear from you. Please contact:
Elisabeth Button (Chair),
10 Elms Avenue, Muswell Hill, London N10 2JP
020 8444 4296
elisabeth@thebuttonfamily.co.uk
Sheila Kleyn (Treasurer),
3 White Court, Platts Lane, London NW3 7PL
020 7431 5029
sheilakleyn@hotmail.com
If you would like to make a donation, you can do so by sending a cheque to our treasurer. Alternatively, you can transfer the money direct into our bank account. Our treasurer will be delighted to provide you with the necessary information on how to do this.