St Mary’s is extremely fortunate to possess a fine 2 manual and pedal organ, built by Forster and Andrews of Hull in 1873. In the 135 years since it was installed time and wear and tear had taken a serious toll, and it was no longer able to produce the quality of sound that it was once capable of. The mechanism too was suffering the ravages of use, age and time! In January 2007 the Parochial Church Council, taking the advice of  the Diocesan Organ Adviser, made the bold decision to launch a campaign to raise the estimated £100,000 needed to fully restore the organ and to re-locate it on a gallery.

The need to restore St. Mary’s organ became increasingly urgent, and a major failure even more likely as time went on. Click on the organ pipes to read

why this was and to see  images that illustrate the extent of the problems we faced.

Restoration Project

Thank you everyone for all your generous donations, wonderful support for our fundraising events, and for the involvement of local businesses and schools.

We would especially like to thank -

The Heritage Lottery

Festival Republic

Garfield Weston Charitable Trust

Pat & Donald Shepherd Charitable Trust

Balfour Beatty Southern Eastern Regn.

Organ Restoration

July 2010 Update

St Mary’s Boston Spa celebrates Organ Rededication

and First Recital

On Saturday 3rd July St Mary’s Boston Spa was buzzing with expectation before the Inaugural Recital on their newly-restored Organ.  The evening was opened by the Vicar, Fr Peter Bristow, who welcomed an audience of nearly 200 people including guests, members of St Mary’s, Rt Revd Martin Wallace (Bishop of Selby) and Mr Geoffrey Coffin of Principal Pipe Organs, the York firm which had spent the past 6 months restoring and rebuilding the 133 year old Forster and Andrews Organ.

After Bishop Martin performed the rededication and had expressed his appreciation of the successful completion of the Restoration Project, Fr Peter Bristow said how much he and the congregation echoed the Bishop’s comments and added that the entire Committee had worked so well together to raise funds, successfully apply for a Heritage Lottery Fund grant and ensure that the project was completed.

The occasion also saw a presentation of gifts to St Mary’s former Organist, Mr John Townend, who had been honoured with the title of Organist Emeritus in recognition of his enormous contribution to the music of St Mary’s over many years.  He received from members of the congregation, past and present, a framed photograph of the Organ in its new position on the Gallery and a cheque which John said would be put towards a holiday and items for his home.

The inaugural Recital followed.  Mr Coffin had prepared a programme of fine music, specially selected to show off the capabilities of the Organ in its most delicate and colourful moods.  A former Assistant Organist of York Minster, he skilfully made the Organ the centre of attention and it performed wonderfully, much to the great enjoyment of the audience.

After the Recital a buffet was provided by the ladies of the congregation and the new History of St Mary’s was launched along with a companion walk-around guide for visitors.  Copies are now available in the Church which is open every day to visitors and those seeking a quiet place apart for personal prayer.

Pictured at the Organ on its new Gallery:  Mr Geoffrey Coffin (Principal Pipe Organs, York) with Mrs Liz Etherington (Chair of the Appeal Committee) and Mr John Townend (Vice Chair and Organist Emeritus)