The CHRISTMAS SPECIAL! Foot Pumping Carols at a DISUSED CHURCH

[@SalisburyOrganist]

In 1986 this building was placed under the care of the Redundant Churches Fund (now the Churches Conservation Trust) owing to the considerable cost of repairs, which were too great for a small community. The Christmas decorations were prepared for a one-off carol service, the first held here for decades; however the church is no longer used for regular worship. See my earlier video of the history of this church: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGrPlZaQqZt0rsk

[@amandafontaine9441]

Glad you gave this old girl a chance to be played. Despite the wheeze, it was lovely.😊I am battling cancer, including lung, and can't sing as well as I could before, but I sing to Him anyway. He is worthy.

[@donnahalsted7718]

God bless both of you dear girls breathing together.

[@JulieAnne17-dn]

My love and blessings to you!!

[@SteveChristian-z9l]

May the healing love of Christ Jesus be yours , now.

[@susanvan1672]

@amandafontaine.... I am quite certain that your voice sounds lovely to Him. It is your faith, love ,and worship that He hears....❤

[@mafakefoot]

amandafomtaine442 Blessings and prayers from Dallas Texas on 3rd Day of Christmas. I am sure I could hear you singing gloriously!

[@Espiel78]

The chill wet lanes, the charming old church, the Hardy readings, the creaky old pump organ and the beautiful carols you have coaxed from it all make an evocative and wonderful Christmas present. Thank you, and Merry Christmas to all!

[@deanedge5988]

Very moving. Thank you for your music; and the poetry, and the most perfect english line of the year "I've just been outside for a pork pie" .

[@juliedemarchi8767]

I love this. That you are playing on an old, badly in need of repair, imperfect organ is such a fantastic analogy. That’s how God uses us, too. There’s still beauty.

[@RobertCaley-h5i]

God bless and keep you.🎉

[@noelbolingbroke-kent3009]

Silent night! Holy night! Skies are clear, stars are bright. No-one could possibly imagine two months ago that Ben Maton would enjoy such a meteoric rise to fame. His captivating videos in remote country churches to music by Byrd and Bach are beyond compare. Ben is a bright new star in the silent night. Happy Christmas, Ben!

[@RobertCaley-h5i]

How wonderfully put. Bless you.🎉

[@randall8379]

Sad to see these parishes closed. They played such an important role in English country life.

[@MarjorieFlohr]

I was not troubled by the squeaks. I didn’t even hear them! Blessed Christmas to you, and thank you for the beautiful music.

[@orglancs]

Thanks again for another of your treasures, Ben. The music, the river, and the church were beautiful enough, but Hardy's poems made it all perfection. He really was aware of what we were losing. What would he make of the world today? Better not ask.

[@chrisforrest9482]

My, oh my. What an exquisit Christmas Eve with beautiful music, beautiful words, in a beautiful church, in what surely must be God's chosen countryside. Thank you, Ben. I am truely humbled before the wonder of God's gifts. Bless you and I wish you a very happy and joyous Christmas. 🥰🤠

[@imapatching09]

how wonderful - the inside is still a House of God

[@jonboz7585]

Such an adventurous organist, braving sketchy roadways, slogging through the mud, and playing in chilly environs. Nonetheless, it makes for an informative and rewarding experience for those of us who’d never get the chance to visit such places. Thanks for sharing your discoveries, as it is much appreciated. I’ve been listening to your Christmas album all week, and it’s very relaxing and perfect for contemplating this blessed time of the year. ♥️♥️♥️♥️🎹🎹🎹🎹

[@kstewart3052]

This took me back to younger years. When I was a boy, our small church had an old pump organ, but the organist drew the praises of God from it. Thank you Ben, and Happy Christmas from the States.

[@marye7798]

You are as much a story teller and historian as a musician. Exemplary.

[@chopperbillintexas5854]

A man with a passion for his music, and the instruments he plays it on. A man with amazing talent and a smooth and beautiful baritone voice with a knack for storytelling. Throw in a big dash of good looks and a charming personality, and one can, will, and as I did, fall for him. Thank you, Ben, for all you possess and lovingly share with others.

[@RobertCaley-h5i]

Amen.🎉

[@bmedicky]

I was relieved to see that although the church is disused, it isn't disused to the point of literally falling apart. Many thanks for your charming videos, and Season's Greetings.

[@Anagrams458]

I too, was happy to see that it still had electricity and what appeared to be live plants. Someone still loves the old church.

[@donnahalsted7718]

​@@Anagrams458These beautiful visits to the past bring visions of devout families worshiping together. How many generations! How many caring hands to tend to the space, where hearts united with the One Heart come to rest on His Mother's heart. This, on the Day of the Lord and so much more silently, at His Birth!

[@utubemouse]

Sorry if I missed it. How does one contribute to the Redundant Church’s Fund, now the Church Conservation Trust?

[@pmac4779]

An unused church just breaks my heart. She is beautiful🙏🏻✝️🕊️

[@nancyfalciani5499]

Merry Christmas, Ben! I am so moved by this thoughtful program. It is Christmas Eve here in the US and watching this has been like receiving an incredibly precious gift! Thank you and I am sure everyone who has watched this is just as moved. An absolutely beautiful Christmas “gift”! Sincerely, Nancy F.

[@vanessamay3689]

Absolutely 💯 agree.

[@trishmurphy1941]

We sang The Angel Gabriel this morning. One of my favourites. I didn’t mind the squeaks…probably more authentic! That organ would have blended nicely with the recorder consort we were treated to this morning too. Such a lovely episode.

[@k.s.2743]

The sound of the music was beautiful, overcoming any and all mechanical issues. How wonderful to give this organ a chance to “sing” again. Thank you Ben!

[@patrickmcgowan1275]

And yet, it is and always shall be so. Turn aside and open your heart. Once people prayed here.

[@woodlands769]

Lovely event. For a disused church the flower arrangements were rather good …It is sad that churches like this are no longer used enough by those who live in the village

[@ashleypresley]

Just watching your video for the first time Christmas 2023. I love England and the literature. This is so soothing to rest to coupled by the sound of the music. Thank you for sharing this peace with me tonight. I was just in the hospital for surgery to remove a mass and rushed to icu cardiac almost didn’t make it. I’m grateful to be alive and praying for anyone going through suffering that the Lord would comfort you 🤍🕊️

[@susanvan1672]

Thank you so much for this lovely video! The old pump organ sounded so wonderful to me! I don't care if the pedals squeak. It was not interruptive at all ! It was more of a subtle reminder of what it takes to play a pump organ your storytelling and photography are wonderful. What a pleasant gift I found in this video on Christmas day here in the United states. I am stuck home with a painful hip and back problem problem and have been unable to go to my family gathering. So, I am grateful to you for putting this out for us all to see.🎉❤

[@virginiaoflaherty2983]

I loved the sound of the gasping wheezing just under the organs voice. Like the pews and the walls showing the weight of the years. How many people through sorrow and joy have sat in these pews and listened for the voice of God. Merry Christmas.

[@heidigusset8479]

Thank you for beautiful music and poems. I thoroughly enjoy your visits to these ancient churches, bringing life to them. If they could speak, they would express thanks. I always think of the ages of saints that worshipped. How pleasant to join them - beautiful places of peace and worship.

[@jenni48.32]

Waking up to the beauty of a small church on Christmas morning.Merry Christmas to one and all.The imaginings of the peace and tranquility of a church standing in glory to God and music lifting to the heavens and the poems of time gone by brings inner meaning to life itself.Thankyou for bringing enlightenment on this special Christmas morn the birth of baby Jesus 'Unto us is morn a son'.

[@GlenTurner]

I love these organs and from Boston USA in the United States. I have a pump bargain as matter fact I have two and restoration. Praise God for what you’re doing. I really enjoy it keep it up. It’s greatly appreciated.

[@VirgilNielsen]

Merry Christmas Glen! Thought of you while listening to these beautiful carols this evening. Virgil

[@dorotheaivanovna9457]

So glad to have found this channel! Don’t care about the squeaking!

[@janerowland4160]

One surely could not be closer to God than in this perfect setting. The countryside, the church, the music, and the huffing and puffing, like a tiny steam engine, of this wonderful old instrument. Being three thousand miles away, you brought me back to my dear England for a brief moment. Thank you Ben.

[@mikesoule1352]

I'm just now, imagining all the people who sat in those pews, and listened to that little organ for the last 120ish years, and how they must have beed feeling and worshippingon those Christmas Eves. Ooh, gives me the "chills". Thank you and peace, too! 🎶☮️🎶🎵🎶

[@connoroleary591]

Happy Christmas Ben. Peace and blessings on you and all of us.

[@RoydenWilkinson]

Merry Christmas, Ben, and a prosperous and healthy new year. Thank you for these most beautiful tours of these beautiful old churches and organs no matter how small , creaky or large and taken care of they are. Your passion for the preservation of these sacred buildings and instruments by bringing them to all of us is so appreciated! It’s a reminder that just ritual of a religion is on a path of death without a true heart of belief in the one who was born in Bethlehem that we’re celebrating today. Thank you so very much for the gift of music and poetry that you bring to me! God bless you, Royden from New England!

[@enideckert3964]

Ben, I love your dry humor along with the lovely music, great poetry and incomparable scenery.

[@joekraemer4620]

Never has the lovely French carol "Quelle est cette odeur agréable?" answered its own question better: Ben performing it with such feeling and care in this splendid little church, at Christmastime, on an instrument that has seen such a rich journey itself. Really fabulous! Thank you for bringing us such a "goodly fragrance" here at the holidays, and in all the music you make for your followers and friends throughout the year. Happy Christmas!

[@turbine6202]

Thanks you for bringing music to life again in this lovely church. Keep up the good work and Happy Christmas.

[@Belaugh]

So many views in so few minutes - and on Christmas Eve too. Thank you for the music, Ben. Have a cosy and comfortable Christmas. And a happy new year. God bless. (The squeaking sounds more like me when I getup in the morning; no detriment to the music you have been playing!

[@schoolhousemusic]

Your exquisite playing, the beautiful poetry, your touching voice- my,my, my -my thoughts and gratitude cannot be adequately expressed. So just thank you, Ben. I’m in love.

[@jeremy1350]

Hello Ben. No People to sit and listen, but I am glad that you are playing for the lonely spirits interred around the church yard. How lonely they must be. Yes, the music you played was viable and not noisy at all, but I was listening to the music and not for the noise. Happy Christmas from Montreal.

[@n4gix]

I didn't hear any squeaks while you were playing either! I am throughly enjoying your visits to these tiny, nearly forgotten churches. Please continue to spread the joy of each visit! Merry Christmas to you and all your fans around the world.

[@deirdrefleming9935]

I love these voyages of discovery to old churches, and the way you bring them to life with music. It honours those who built them and worshipped there. Merry Christmas!

[@spikey8t]

Your adventurous journey to the lovely church gives us another wonderful experience. Always a delight. Thank you and Happy Christmas!

[@Kimberlaina]

Beautiful! The sound of the organ is perfect in its imperfection. The holy hush of the church perfectly captures the quiet anticipation of Christmas Eve. Just absolutely lovely.

[@roymathews3852]

Dreamlike. Seems too good to be true. Truly, England is God's own garden.

[@ElizabethHolmes-i8p]

Bravo Ben 👏👏negotiating the challenging roads and harmonium! I didn’t even hear the squeaks, only the beautiful music. Lovely poetry and scenery too! A merry Christmas Ben, and thank you for all the wonderful videos this year.

[@tomfilipiak690]

I was not aware of the apparent defects mentioned. Just beauty and sweetness. Thank you for working so hard and sharing.

[@mungmungie]

I grew up in a small city once world renowned for its reed (and pipe) organs. Karn, principal, and Thomas organs were once produced in Woodstock Ontario, and like Miller and a few other well-known brands, found homes world wide. Your treatment of the space and the instrument makes for a wonderfully evocative video, one that I will definitely share (if Fb allows it) with others who would appreciate it. Thank you for taking the trouble to recreate these few minutes in another time. "Quelle est cette odeur agreeable?"was a favourite of my dad, who was a choir director and his friend (and my namesake) composer and organist Dr. Healey Willan.

[@Quince828]

I knew all of those brands, and I once owned a Bell organ. I don’t recall if it was made in Woodstock or not, but small town Ontario once had many organ and piano builders.

[@mungmungie]

Possibly Brantford Ontario?@@Quince828

[@Turbogran]

I still have a working Bell pump organ in my 1800’s log house in Ontario.

[@Quince828]

@@Turbogran lucky you! Mine was beyond repair at that time. There’s someone in Ontario who collects and restores them.

[@herminapearce1044]

The organ sounded lovely, even with its quirks. The left foot pedal's squeaking really wasn't noticeable during the hymns. The wavering volume from the pumping was noticeable on the long notes, but that's a foot pump organ; my parents have several in their home, and they all do that. Thank you so much for sharing these carols and poems! I loved hearing Aled Jones mentioning your work on the radio! Merry Christmas!

[@labncroft]

Thank you Ben!!! What a blessing and gift you give to each of us weekly. Last I heard one of these played was in a disused church in a state park here in the States, by a now dear departed friend, it sqeeked and groan but it's humble tone moved me then as yours did just now. Thank you

[@iyone7]

This aging organ yet so well played within its boundaries of music production, combined with the brilliance and appropriateness of Hardy's poems, made for a most meaningful and pleasant Christmas.

[@MeCalvin]

Your videos have become gems in their own right. Lovely.

[@tlogan2563]

The arrangement of Silent Night was beautiful. Reed organs were very popular here in the US in the late 1800's. Many homes, schools, and churches had them. The reed organs were replaced by the piano. Thank you for sharing your amazing gift.

[@DarrenBush]

I don't mind the squeak. It's part of its charm. The worshippers would not mind the squeak, I feel. Wonderful sentiments and music. Many thanks!

[@danhutson3460]

Thank you Ben, for such an uplifting Christmas Eve playing of carols & soothing speaking of verse! I certainly needed this, as Christmas is no longer what it used to be for me, as many of my family have passed & this includes my parents, brother, grandparents, all uncles & aunts, some cousins. But you have calmly made me feel alive again, with the hope of continuing with my life in some sort of productive way. Merry Christmas to you & your family!

[@brucecornely9239]

Thanks so much for the simple and gentle music from the harmonium. It was a very pleasant respite from the holiday festivities, and greatly appreciated. I am again very impressed with what you coax from the elderly harmonium; it's truly exceptionally beautiful. My life would have been richer had this exposure been mine earlier, having unfortunately passed on the use of several harmoniums over the years. I do hope your Christmas was especially blessed, as you have blessed those of others around the world with you programs.

[@duaneadams5210]

Your videos are most interesting and I love the old country churches you show. I'm a reed organ restorer from the central part of the U.S.A. and I love these old organs. I love bringing an old organ back to life. They can whisper quietly or roar with volume. A Miller organ is a treasure and was always made as a high class instrument..and could be make into a first class organ again. I would love to hear what you could do with a well restored reed organ. They are a real pleasure to hear and play. Thank You for making and sharing this video with us.

[@johnhooper3468]

Absolutely delightful! Thank you Ben. And never mind the creaks and squeaks, they just add character.

[@ianpeddle6818]

Ben you are a revelation only discovered in the last few weeks. Living in Bowerchalke I hope you visit our little gem. On a world that has gone so mad in recent years your videos are a dose of sanity, beauty and a link to a calmer safer and perhaps more settled time. It’s in these ancient and timeless churches I feel close to an older England of faith and a link to the land and the seasons. Thank you and merry Christmas.

[@Suspan1]

Having played various harmoniums over the past 40 years, I actually rather like them. Some of my fellow‘reluctant organists’ are only happy on a 2/3/4 manual plus pedals, and are very snobby about lesser instruments. I love the way Ben is equally complimentary about all of them. Thank you for these unique videos.

[@chrishall62]

What a beautiful church - the Christmas decorations look very pretty; and the recital of Hardy's "The Oxen" very evocative of past times.

[@Palmetto-cz5fm]

What a magnificent Organ which you made sound wonderful despite her imperfections. And such a beautiful church and well kept sanctuary complete with Christmas decorations appropriate for the period is amazing. The scenery and beauty surrounding the church is breathtaking as well and thank you for including. Happy Christmas to you and yours!

[@julianguffogg]

I love that French carol….used to listen to it as a kid.

[@larryboekeloo5514]

What a wonderful Christmas present for all of your subscribers! God has given you such a gift that you share so humbly with us. Thank you so much, God bless you and Merry Christmas!

[@vanessamay3689]

Thank you Ben for giving us such beautiful organ sounds from UK. Such a joy to see this on Christmas Day here in New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@federicoprice2687]

Thank you once again Ben! Thank you for breathing life into this instrument, this beautiful church and into our Christmas. Truly lovely, and very special - thank you Ben, and all good wishes to you and yours for this Christmas and the new year.

[@clasinamittiga3315]

No highway should ever be built near these ancient churches. Love your videos. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

[@chong2389]

Thank you Ben, for the few minutes of peace in this troubled world. Perhaps it's my old ears that did not hear the squeaks, but the music was beautiful! I could imagine the former parishioners, now long at rest, singing along in the disused pews. Happy Christmas Ben!

[@GrotrianSeiler]

What a beautiful video, on so many levels. Thank you Ben, for all you do. If you really want to enjoy this video, you don’t hear any of the shortcomings of this sweet old organ. Life is so much about what we focus on and what we don’t. Happy Christmas and peace to all .

[@garywait3231]

Despite the organ's mechanical issues and the external noise, you have brought exceptionally fine music again into these sadly now disused churches; and your reading of the hymn poem was both a little poignant, yet also noble. Thanks from a Vermont (USA) pastor and choirmaster ( where reed organs are still used and maintained.) Wishing you a most happy Christmastide.

[@fotoralf]

How beautiful. I haven't noticed any noises. Maybe my old ears... Thanks for this video and all the others. You've been my discovery of the year. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours.

[@ЛюдмилаНиколаевнаЗаливалова]

Спасибо за путешествие в мир прекрасной музыки Рождества! Настоящий подарок! Счастливого Рождества Бен!

[@gilesrevelstoke4792]

Happy Christmas to you, Ben! I do so enjoy these video adventures. What a wonderful way to prepare for Christmas Eve tonight.

[@5474online]

"Winter Words" a century later still true if not even more so - tears & also joy of your preservation & presentations -- God's Holy light shine continually upon you & yours

[@daveschmarder-1950]

Being one who drives left side drive cars, I had to use Google Maps to find out where you are. There was even a picture of the church. No problem with the squeaks. I squeak quite a bit myself.

[@mrlucasa223]

Nice video Mr. Maton. Have a Merry Christmas 🎄

[@user-pw3tr1xg2x]

I felt that the soft squeaks somehow added charm to the voice of this well used Instrument. Thank you for ýour Videos this year Ben.I hope you have a pleasant Christmas and New Year !

[@keithmorrow7469]

Merry Christmas Ben, from the US. Thank you for sharing God's gifts.

[@jamesallison4875]

The pups and I are hanging out back and watching the sun set in North Carolina. The cows have come in, I must attend a family get together. I’ll hurry home to my friends (the dogs)and settle in for a last nog and a long snooze. You and your music fit right in. Thanks for being our friend. Happy Christmas.

[@YDdraigGoch1]

Thank you so much for this, Ben. I absolutely loved your Christmas special! I recently discovered your channel, and love your organ-playing content! I'm from America, and have been a practising Catholic my whole life. I had also studied my BA and MA at Bangor University in North Wales, and had even sung for a few months in the Bangor Cathedral Choir, where Aled Jones had sung as a young boy! I might return to Bangor for my PhD one day, and hopefully come back to sing at the Cathedral Choir there! I've absolutely loved singing to the organ as a soprano, and it's a lovely experience whenever I have had the wonderful opportunity to do so. I also think that Thomas Hardy is wonderful, too, and I studied him during my English Literature courses in Bangor! Please keep up the organ playing! It's so good for the soul. A Very Merry Christmas to you and yours, Ben! Many Blessings, Erin

[@ianbrowne8871]

You have brought joy to people the world over.

[@jenniferdeleon7559]

I discovered this channel just this Advent! Thank you for the music that fills the soul. Listening from Canada.

[@Varykino1917]

The most special of all the Christmas specials! So beautiful - this will always stay a favorite! Thank you so much for all the time and effort you give making these videos. We appreciate them so much! Love your music! 🎅👼🎼🎄🌟😊

[@TheCommonGardenTater1]

Wonderful, thank you Ben. Merry Christmas EVERYONE.

[@cjpaisano]

This was so wonderful. Happy that the church is still decorated and used. Your playing and the organ were great! Ambiance one cannot get from the US. :)

[@GabrielleGross-g8o]

God richly bless you Ben and Merry Christmas to you and all you love. And many thanks for the wonderful offerings that bring such delight to countless people around the world and to me in California. There is nothing quite like Christmas in England, thank you for inviting us over through your treasured videos! Where's the link to the restoration fund for Ben's car? Blessings Gabrielle

[@GenevieveCKnight]

Nothing like watching this special on a beautiful sunny Christmas Eve day in Southern California 🎄 Merry Christmas to you and all tuning in!

[@nathanwolfenbarger4472]

Merry Christmas, Mr. Maton! Thank you for sharing these sacred places with us, and the voices the organs.

[@mafakefoot]

Just found you again today. Church starts at 11:00 pm I just cozy up to listen to you again.. Hope you have persons who also love you but are closeby to smile!!

[@brianmiller2365]

Beautiful! Thank you from the United States for this music.

[@greerbox]

Ben, as usual, that was very moving and interesting. Bit confusing, you said it’s disused but, still has the alter cloth, flowers and decorated for Christmas? Who knew the pie man got so far out 😮 Didn’t notice the left pump squeak until you mentioned it! Although I would say cut down on the Woodbines, you were wheezing a bit mate. It must be very very dusty in there but, who knew dust was transmutable through the ether? When you read that first Robert Hardy poem and the Carol started the dust really irritated my eyes, they were quite moist 😵‍💫 A great Christmas Eve moment of peace and calm in this deteriorating world. Thank you Ben. Happy Christmas to you, your family and friends 🎶🎅🏼❤️

[@metacomputer]

Music once more in the Church for Christmas.

[@FruitofSilence]

Incredible video channel and topic/subject/content - very original and interesting. Thank you and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[@TheMickey1892]

Happy Christmas, Ben. Really nicely done at that „disused“ church. 🎄

[@jf7243]

Christmas greetings from Australia and thank you Ben for sharing your love of the Christian message through music and ancient sacred architecture.

[@michaelpatterson5811]

I thought that the wheezing sound fitted perfectly with a 100+ year old instrument! Just like an old churchwarden alongside you, Ben. As the French carol said, that you so aptly chose - "Never the like did come a-blowing". I'm looking forward to more happy adventures in the New Year. Thanks, from Michael

[@susannabellenkes7328]

As a church organist here in the Austrian Tirol, I am absolutely delighted to have found your channel. Heartiest congratulations in providing those who visit with the transcendent joy of beautiful music.

[@RobertCaley-h5i]

Ben, you have taken me back to my home church as a child....The tiny MUKILTEO Presbyterian church on Puget Sound in WA, USA. From late 40s to late 60s when i left for US Navy, i loved the sound of our old pump organ. Now Iam 80 years old and you have transported me to that time.

[@raymondjohnson5957]

It is so awesome that you highlight the small churches and small pipe organs of the UK. The romanticism of that is extraordinary!! Keep up the good work.

[@chrismawby8186]

Thanks Ben for another excellent presentation. I lost track of how many miles/hours I covered playing one of these here in New Zealand.

[@markr.h.2574]

Thank you for the beautiful Christmas carols and poetry - Merry Christmas to you from South Germany!

[@t.vanoosterhout233]

Your remarks re the constant background noise of traffic is relatable, in my country there's almost no place left without it. So I put on my headphones and listen to you playng a slightly wheezy harmonium. Happy Christmas to you!