THIS FORGOTTEN ORGAN IS TRAVELLING 4,000 MILES TO AMERICA

This organ was described as the best organ built in England since the Second World War.
I travelled to Central London to see this 1958 JW Walker organ which hasn't been tuned or maintained in many years, and to find out what is happening to it.
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[@jeffreyhoward879]

I played this organ in the early 2000’s for a rehearsal of the London Welsh Male Choir Festival to happen at the Royal Albert Hall a few days later. A thousand full-blooded male voices in The City Temple and that organ really held its own. It was a magnificent sound!

[@bobbyhendley3084]

Thank God it’s being kept INTACT and placed in an appropriate setting where it can truly and fully speak - as intended! My hearty congratulations to the worshippers in Chicago who are going to have such an incredible, historic, and significant blessing for generations to come. Richard - please do keep us updated as to its progress, particularly when it gets ready for its inauguration and debut in Chicago.

[@craigbomgaars651]

Thank you for sharing the video! If you travel to Chicago and find the time, please stop by Fourth Presbyterian Church, not too far from St. James, to see the 142-rank organ installed there in 2015.

[@paulh5293]

Glad the organ has found a home, but what short-sightedness on the part of the City Temple. Replacing a magnificent instrument like this with a piano and no doubt the ever-present drums, guitars and tone-deaf chorus... not a great step forward. Chicago are proud to base their music on the Anglican choral tradition, but in the home of that tradition it no longer exists. Congratulations to the people of St James Chigaco - may this fine instrument give you many years of joy.

[@timothytikker1147]

Exactly! Worship fashions come and go. When their current fashion finally goes, their having given up an organ that would cost well over a million pounds to replace will prove a huge setback, and their impulsiveness shown for what it really was.

[@falcon664]

I am thrilled by any organ that can be saved and continues to bless us with beautiful music. I hope there are parts of the Chicago organ that can be salvaged and used to keep other organs working at their best. An organ transplant service.

[@socialite1283]

Sad to hear that Temple Church has gone down that path. Good to hear that the organ has a new home that will value it.

[@L12H]

City Temple isn't the same church as the Temple church

[@merrykatt]

That's incredible of how much work and time it takes to do what is being done with the organ, great video, 😺💖💞❤️♥️💕🇨🇦

[@kelvinsmallwood6315]

Very interesting. Temple Church London was renowned for its music. I have organ recordings on record from temple Church. Pity it has gone down.

[@arihall]

I hope you're not confusing the City Temple with the Temple Church. They are very different!

[@ironbuckeye]

John-Paul Buzard is a friend of mine! Excited for his firm and for the community at St. James where Stephen Buzard is for this beautiful instrument!

[@amazingamalia5183]

My brother and I are part of the chorister program at St James and so excited to see the new organ come in!

[@SeattleBoatdog]

I’ve been actively involved in the world of the pipe organ since the early 1970s, and this is absolutely fantastic to see

[@sandrafogarty1073]

Interesting video. 👍 I'm glad the organ is being relocated to be used, and not being left to deteriorate or be scrapped.

[@stephenmills6117]

Absolutely fascinating! One of my first loves as a boy was listening to an Eric Thiman recording on that organ. Just checked my shelf and the vinyl LP from the 1960's is still there. I will need to get a turntable going again! Look forward to hearing how it sounds in its new home in due course. Thanks for informing us Richard.

[@martinstringer6923]

Fabulous news Richard. My late father used to go and listen as a London worker!

[@martym61]

Great video. I hope both the organ and you have a wonderful trip to America.

[@ghlargentg]

Thank goodness creative minds helped save this masterpiece. Good work Chicago…. Buzard is a great company.

[@richardfitzgerald537]

Thank you Richard , perhaps this instrument can be a BiS Virtual set in the future? Your passion is inspirational ! It is wonderful that this instrument is being preserved for future generations.

[@beautyinsound]

Thank you very much Richard! 😊

[@johnruiz8758]

Richard, if your in the Chicago area, you should do a meet and greet! I live in Grand Rapids Michigan. A few hours from Chicago and would be great to meet you in person. Been a fan since you first started your KZbin page! :-)

[@TimvanElderen]

This is just amazing Richard! You certainly did so much for BiS during your well deserved holiday! Will thee be a VC tomorrow?

[@dianamoore2241]

I'm always impressed with the construction of the big castles and huge houses that were built in the times when modern machines were not available. Same with the organ . That is a very complicated construction.

[@yankee1219]

Richard, I have to say what an amazing video! i'm really excited that One of England's grand treasures will have a Second Life here in the United States in a grand cathedral where it belongs. I'm also excited to see future videos on the restoration, installation and dedication of this instrument. Im truly looking forward to it.

[@ColAdamson]

Good to see and hear you David Brown.

[@christijirinec8262]

How exciting! We are a couple hours from Chicago. We will go once it’s installed.

[@jerrymartin79]

This is so exciting. Thrilled to hear the instrument is getting a new home and very much looking forward to an opportunity to hear it in its new home!!! (And looking forward to seeing the BiS crew on the road over here too!!!)

[@richardhoover4471]

What a wonderful outcome for such a fine instrument. Soli Deo gloria!

[@zaneclone]

Sad that this organ wasn't being appreciated enough in this country... 😞

[@TekhnoPython]

Yeah they're sacrificing tradition and replacing it with boring gospel music. A pity indeed.

[@gels1922]

I was told yesterday that the organ will arrive in Urbana Champaign today Monday September 18th on trucks.

[@MQWalkman]

Thank you for this documentary. This is a good news story.

[@OrganNLou]

WOW, I have played this organ a few times, and coincidentally I played the organ at St. James many times, so I am thrilled that it is coming to the US, to St. James!!!!

[@lewisharvey98]

A great video, Richard! Very informative! 😀

[@ralphchou4719]

It's great to see that this organ will have a second life in Chicago where it will be well used. Too many organs are ending up as landfill because they can't be maintained or the congregation no longer feels it needs an organ for worship.

[@fnscooter]

Great that this organ will be refurbished and installed in a church where it will get played frequently. Sad that some churches do not desire organ music anymore.

[@byteme0000]

Wow. This beautiful instrument isn't being used anymore because City Temple "prefers contemporary music." 🤮Such a travesty. Thank goodness it's getting a new home in a place where it will be appreciated.

[@aBachwardsfellow]

I'm looking forward to hearing the organ in its new home.

[@marcelobrunorodrigues7630]

Very interesting history of this splendid organ!

[@jefferyrowley8873]

HOORAY! Oddly enough I just took out Sowerby's Symphony in G just last week. I doubt that I will be up to playing the whole thing, but I will give it a go. I also was just reading about Sowerby and St. James Cathedral in Chicago which is only 108 miles from my home in South-Central Wisconsin.

[@Quince828]

I hope that at the inaugural recital for this organ they play some of Eric Thiman’s pieces. He wrote so much useful music for the church musician. Many many years ago I was privileged to hear Sir William regale us with stories of his time on the bench. The fact that they collaborated on the specification of this instrument makes it all the more valuable and worth saving.

[@theorgelmeisterakathesoapm8589]

That's so exciting! The small 1940 MP Moeller I play started in another church across town and the churches combined and it was relocated, releathered, rewired, had its combination action updated and it's like a brand new organ.

[@gels1922]

Living in Champaign Urbana Illinois and knowing John Paul Buzard who built the amazing organ at the Chapel of St John the Divine Episcopal Church it is exciting to see the Walker Organ restored and installed at St James Cathedral Chicago. I've talked with John Paul about the organ on several occasions, and you have no idea how excited he is about his involvement in this project. ---- If you make it to Champaign, I’ll be happy to enjoy a gin and tonic with you.

[@LydiaBanton]

OMG. Sang with Richard’s virtual choir and with Stephen at RSCM. Small world ❤. Lydia

[@georgespeed3061]

Enjoyed reading the other comments. I discovered this magnificent organ through the LP record of Eric Thiman playing "his own" organ. I then travelled from Cambridge on many Saturday mornings in 2007/8 to play this organ which I certainly considered to be one of the finest in London. A wonderful experience that I won't forget, but how sad I felt knowing that this organ was no longer used and slowly deteriorating. The Church leadership then (the same as currently) had no interest in it at all. I am so delighted to hear of this relocation and wish the project well. I wonder how the sound will compare when in a traditional organ case, as at the City Temple the pipes spoke very easily through the wooden grille. The late Queen Mother attended the opening recital in October 1958.

[@johnlandacre767]

I have been trying to imagine what a project like this might cost. Undoubtedly, the funds are available, but wow, it must be a fortune. Although a brand new organ would probably be much more. Our church in WV, USA, purchased a 1960s era Schantz console and mostly Estey pipe work from the 1920s, from a local baptist church whose building was being demolished. For around $45,000, in 2008, we got our pipe organ installed. Though it needs some work, it is playable and has been used for 15 years. The organ itself (11 rank) and all pipe work was only $5,000.

[@ubertuba]

I’m looking forward to seeing how the renovation and installation progresses and to hear the instrument in its new home!

[@redneckjones4182]

A Tom Scott of the organ world!

[@mervwhitney7229]

I hope you are soon able to play the organ in its new home location Richard

[@PipeDreamerJacques]

I’m quite happy to see this instrument making its way to my neck of the woods!

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

Just struck by your comment, and the use of the word 'quite', which seems to vary between the UK and the USA. In the UK, 'quite happy' means 'sort of happy', or 'fairly happy', whereas I suppose you actually mean 'very happy'. It's certainly good to know that the organ is going to a place in which it will be valued, and away from somewhere where they are going to 'keep our grand piano'. Hmm ...

[@PipeDreamerJacques]

@@Offshoreorganbuilder you are quite correct! 😆

[@gminor680]

@Offshoreorganbuilder That is true. However, in the UK if we say that something is "quite remarkable", it emphasises the meaning of course. Isn't English a great language?! :)

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

@@gminor680 Interesting. 'Quite funny' = mildly amusing. 'Quite appalling' = more than just appalling (completely appalling). 'Quite serious' = serious enough, but could be worse.

[@lxdesign1]

such an awesome project!

[@danielmkubacki]

That is great news for that instrument.

[@BG-sl9lv]

How wonderful for St James Chicago - how sad for Temple Church that a conceited pastor and his henchmen should deprive future generations of this masterpiece. These people think themselves so marvelous that their ideas and worship style will go on in perpetuity. How misguided.

[@Gladtobeleaving]

What denomination worships at City Temple? It seems so sad that their music has changed so much that they are willing to junk such a wonderful instrument.

[@thedevilsreject23]

So I’m guessing city church is going happy clappy? Praise band who will use “the grand piano”……. Sad it’s had to move from its true housing but at least it will be used again - extremely sad we can’t keep our organs in our buildings - how many more will be lost I wonder 😞

[@jm08050]

The minister is happy clappy with his debased "contemporary" music.

[@dianamoore2241]

We in Tennessee invite you to perform here.

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

Thanks for the interesting upload. (So, it's 'B-yew-zard', rather than 'Buzz-ard': makes me think of 'Rams-bow-tham', as opposed to, 'Ram's bottom'(!) Excellent news that the organ is being saved from those who do not appreciate it.

[@scottrowley79]

Absolute shame upon St. James for allowing what was once a glorious Skinner to languish! Especially under the "care" of an organbuilder! Are they just going to unceremoniously pitch it into the dumpster? I'm pleased for the Temple Walker, but at what historical cost to the Skinner?

[@JCMcConnaughey]

St. James never had a "glorious" Skinner. It had an Austin placed behind the Johnson case, with various scavenged E.M. Skinner parts added in. It never worked well and, at this point, the instrument barely works at all. Some good ranks from the old organ will be retained but much of it is mostly fit for the bin.

[@stepheneggert9474]

Sad to hear about there skinner being removed..they were second to none in there earlier yrs..they have pitmen chests ..I have worked on them before..lots of parts to take care of.. unless someone who had worked on there organ who didn't know there craft,well . I hope they save some good reeds and some flutes. That skinners are know for.. as a former repair man , I hope that st.james can enjoy there new organ..and care for it as they are care for over sea,s for hundreds of yrs.. America is a throw away society. Today..in my opinion. I hope more pipe organs built in America in early yrs can be saved , restored and kept in service ..great video..God bless

[@andrewkessinger5966]

Richard, while you are in the States, I hope you visit some of the famous American organs.

[@mattsmithlon]

Could someone please make sure that this is updated on the National Pipe Organ Register NPOR Thanks!!

[@garymcnidder9688]

@mattsmithlon Why someone ? Why cant you do it ? If it matters so much if you can do it ! Simple.

[@Velostigmat]

What a delicious tutti.

[@unequally-tempered]

What a terrible loss for London

[@user-xxxxxn]

they have demolished their church on all fronts and are proud of it. unbelievable. A piano does not belong in a church. An organ carries the music. no piano can do that.

[@HobbyOrganist]

Its amazing they paid to ship this 4,000 miles at big expense when the Organ clearinghouse has numerous big, small, historic organs they carefully removed and saved from demolitions and church closings that can be had for pennies on the dollar right here in the US...

[@pauleloidelanoy]

Great project ! That's a good idea to give their organ to those in need of a proper instrument to praise God ! But they replace it by a piano (😳😵‍💫), which is the only "bad" point... 🙂

[@pauleloidelanoy]

@@davidwright640 yes, that's actually the point : they should have kept their organ which was a real masterpiece ! but they will use a basic piano from now on !

[@willemnviljoen]

I have to disagree a bit here. Worship styles change to accommodate the congregation actually attending the church. That’s not a bad thing, even if it’s sometimes sad for musicians who would prefer something more traditional. I have many years’ worth of very happy memories from my time as an adult singer at an inner city church. At the time, the English cathedral worship style was favoured and desired by the congregation. The area around that church has changed significantly in its demographics in the past 20 years, and the makeup of the congregation changed with it. They currently enjoy a very different style of worship to what was practiced in my time there. I am sorry that I am no longer needed there, but I am also happy that the church is actually serving the community around it, so I have no desire to try to change it back to what it was, and nor should anyone else. In that particular instance, a fine organ and an extensive music collection are now gathering dust and deteriorating, because the congregation have no use for either, but church leadership refuse to part with the instrument or the music, because they see them as financial assets. Those assets will deteriorate to the point of being worthless over time. I would far have preferred an outcome like this, if that instrument and music collection could be gifted to a church which has need of them. So no, this is actually not a bad thing, it’s a great thing. Pearl clutching about “not keeping the organ” is of no use, but sending a fine instrument to a place where it’s needed is the act of someone with vision beyond their own immediate circumstances.

[@willemnviljoen]

@@davidwright640 I have no interest in drums and guitars, hence my no longer being involved there, but we should recognise that if that is what the congregation wants, standing in the way of it because of what we want won’t get us anywhere. When churches don’t adapt to the needs of their community, they tend to close down and both church building and organ are very likely to face a bulldozer from a property developer looking to build yet another office tower or block of flats. So I am sorry that my description offends you, but I stand by my comment. Being sad that the culture of a place is changing is valid and allowed, but resisting that change even though it will be broadly beneficial is not only morally somewhat ambiguous, but usually also futile.

[@peteacher52]

Now that IS good news at a time when that commodity is rare. Too many fundamentally sound organs are moldering away as churches adopt the modern, cheap sounds of synthesiser, drum and guitar, fearing that the Phantom of the Opera image of organs will repel the youthie set.

[@jennfierkrueger8302]

What piece is played at the begining?

[@jerrykautz6572]

This is such a shame to cast a wonderful organ to the winds This is happening to organs by the dozen but most of them you never hear about. Most never find a new home and are lost forever. Very sad, indeed, that the current congregations don't take care of their equipment like they are supposed to do. A good reason to not donate an organ to a church.

[@revjonathan3166]

I am trying to upgrade, but it wont let me and has csncelled my membership instead! Can you send me a link please?

[@beautyinsound]

Thank you for this donation! :) I'm also glad that you've managed to get your '5' back!! 😁

[@kalikant4673]

What is that piece at the beginning of the film?

[@Malikjardine]

Dupre Prelude and Fugue in B Major

[@user-xxxxxn]

you need an mechanical keyboardsystem/tracker. not pneumatic. that's better. And your articulation is also better. You can then influence the spuck, and attack .

[@gulfELAl9155]

Career: an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person's life and with opportunities for progress.

[@randolphfriend8260]

🥲 🩷 Very glad indeed to hear that an organ is being reused! 🎉