CSI Christ Church, Kodaikanal.
I believe the Hammond B3 Cabinet is used a Keyboard Stand these days. I had the good fortune of playing on it for a few minutes in July 1994(I was unaware of turn wheels technology then).I remember an old organist lamenting the condition of the instrument and the inability to get it repaired to its pristine condition.
With its complicated turn wheels technology, I think its fate was sealed.
REGINALD CONCERTO 552 CONSOLE VIEW 1:Note the mellifluous Flute Stops ,and then the Brighter Stops. Envelope Control is a new term I see, though I remember having seen one of its effects-Percussion on a small 4 Octave Portable Reginald 49 (Where it sat in the company of an Attack and Sustain Roto Switches)in the TELC New Bethlehem Church, Ambattur in the 1990.It has vanished, of course. -Image :Courtesy-Mr Steven Son
REGINALD CONCERTO 552 lovingly maintained by the faithful at Sawday Memorial Church, Mysore. It looks so impressive and beautiful. During an informal chat with the maker of this Organ, Mr John George,I quipped, "Sir, Why don't you advertise your Reginald Organ with colourful Advertisements and brochures". Pat came the answer, "My work is my advertisement".-Image :Courtesy-Mr Steven Son
SAWDAY MEMORIAL CHURCH,MYSORE
Veteran Organist of yesteryears, Late Mr Spurgeon Deva, is seen here playing on the good old Pump Organ(circa),which still exists in a worn down state.
Having devoted a major part of his entire lifetime-more than 35 years, to the cause of Church Music and glorification of the Lord through the Hymns of the Church, he passed away a few years ago.
Data sent by Steven Son, s/o Late Mr Spurgeon Deva.-Image :Courtesy-Mr Steven Son
Above:A Reginald Organ Cabinet for a Keyboard.
09/07/2016-The Digital Two Manual Complete Organ with Pedals at St John's Church,Trichy:It is probably a Content Organ.But strangely , a neat wooden casing covers the entire Pedal Board(which I had observed during my last visit when it was not covered). A bit of this casing can be seen below the cover.The Organist,Mr Edwin is passionate about Great Organ compositions .But with a Doctor playing the Double Bass during the services,I guess that the Bass line is complete.I looked in vain for the Heritage Reed Organ which is shown on the Church Jubilee Documentary.
The Organ at St Paul's Church,Vepery-Courtesy : Mr Chella Kumar
The Organ at St St Paul's Church,Vepery,Chennai(Image by Pipe Organ Serviceman,Mr Chella Kumar).This is the first glimpse that I have had of this Organ in its frontal view.Years ago(in 1981),I had heard its sounds while attending a Service.And then it was a time in the mid 1990s while attending the wedding of MrS.P.P.Selva Kumar,Principal,Sethu Bhaskara School,Pudur, Ambattur,Chennai-53.
St Paul's Pipe Organ(Image:Mr Chella Kumar),The one thing I find strange is that the number of stops are lesser than the stops found on the Western Reed Organs of that Time.Jeba says that this Organ is short on volume in the context of the present day St Paul's church: the building has been extended and the congregation very large.
SAD ARTRONICA ORGAN (Tranqubar,South India){Image Mr Edwin Santiago}
It might be a good idea for churches to preserve such artifacts for they hold a period of history within themselves and the hard work of those who took the efforts for the purchase.
It might be a good idea for churches to preserve such artifacts for they hold a period of history within themselves and the hard work of those who took the efforts for the purchase.
Sad Artronica(Tranqubar), the Kingly Organ of the Socialist Indian Economy!(Image:Late Mr Edwin Santiago)
The broken 13 Pedal Clavier is seen
The broken 13 Pedal Clavier is seen
Sad Artronica: Another view! (Image:Mr Late Edwin Santiago)
Another Sad Artronica at St John's church on the East Coast.A full 2 manual organ with a full pedal board section even during its heydays was largely unused.And then then the Organ was gently eased out in favour of a keyboard.A Good imported Digital Organ did come in to the church later.And there was no question of restoring this organ.
CSI HOUSE OF PRAYER CHURCH:This Stylish Digital Organ has been in service in this CSI Church for quite some time now.I am sure sure that this must a 3 Manual Organ.I saw a young and confident Organist on the Organ when I saw it for the first time after its installation but ironically,the first item was not a four part Hymn but a chorus titled,'Holy,Holy Spirit....Omnipotent Father of mercy and grace'.
Another view of the Digital Organ.Earlier,many years ago,an Atronica 60 single Manual Organ without Pedal used to stand in its stead.A Reed Organ was beside it.Probably around 2006 the Artronica was shunted out to some other small church.The Old Organist was eased out too,according to one church member who is no more.I had seen this Old Organist from the time that I visited this church for the first time in the early 1990s.
That's the Organist at the 3 Manual Digital Organ.I forgot to ask his name.Otherwise,Mr Leslie is named as the Cathedral Choir Organist.This Organist consented to open the Digital Organ Roll Top to enable me to take a snap which is published as the next image.
The Pipe Organ has a new livery from the time(probably repainted after its restoration) I had seen it from a considerable distance in the 1990s.I have had the good fortune of attending choral concerts with performances of Handel's 'Messiah' and 'Elijah'.I remember ,one Mr Abraham ,being mentioned as the Cathedral Organist in those days.I was a novice trying to understand Western Music Notations.These concerts helped me grasp the rudiments of Notations and the sound of Western Music traditions.One Mrs Olga Frolich used to be the Conductor at many of these choral concerts that also had the Organ and the Piano and the Strings Orchestra in accompaniment. She was accompanied by Mr Frolich during these concerts. Both of them seemed to be of European descent.
The early concerts attended by me in the 1990s were at the Rani Seethai Hall abutting the Gemini Fly over) a few yard away from this church.I was a student of Loyola Autonomous College doing my Post Graduation in English Language and Literature when I used to frequent this area for research work at the British Council Library and the American Center Library.I could also access Books on Music at these Libraries.That was an added incentive for me.And on 9 January,2017 while I was in attendance at a Wedding in this Church,I could see the reference section of the same Library from the St George's Cathedral.Memories came flooding back, as I would watch the St George's in the late 1980s and early 1990s, from within the American Center Library's Reference Section.
Being brought up in a secular environment in my social life as a student and as an Adult,these hallowed places of worship and their musical instruments have had an irresistible charm for me.I long to be at these places and to worship at these places.These places are in my heart,as I go about performing my duties as a secular public servant in Government service.Sadly,the Organist did not choose to play the Pipe Organ.He said that it was playable but not in perfect condition.In a British ruled India,this Pipe Organ was a Government Organ in an Official British Government Church and I suppose,maintaining this Organ with private collections in a post Independent Secular India is a daunting task for the Pastorate Committee.
This Digital Organ,which to me,seems to be a new and recent addition to the St George's Chennai,reminds me of the Cabinet design of the 3 Manuel Digital Organ at the ' House of Prayer' Church in Adyar. Probabbly,they are of the same make. This Organs is very rich with all its multiple layering sound effects.The Pedal Notes effects are absolutely stunning to the discerning ear.I could not get a video demo on this Organ as the Organist wasn't too keen on giving it.(Of course ,I would love to play Organs such as these).
TELC ARUL NATHAR CHURCH,KELLYS,CHENNAI
Uncle Somasundaram{Chorister(bass) and Honourary Organist at CSI Redeemer's Church,)on the Hammond Organ in this Church on 15.07.1994 at my Wedding.He played the,'Wedding March' as we marched out.I asked the Photographer to take the image.What I had in mind was seeing my Uncle and the console of the Hammond Organ on the image.But the final image didn't come out the way I had wanted it.No one is to blame.For how will a friend photographer from another faith understand my enthusiasm for the organ? By around 1998 or so ,I saw a sleek and thin keyboard being used the Cabinet of the Hammond served as a Keyboard stand.the slippery slope did not harm the keyboard as the Organ Manual's Top had two Holder Fittings that would stop the keyboard's slide down.The Hammond continued to be used for a few more months for other services such as weddings if my memory is correct.
Uncle Somasundaram{Chorister(bass) and Honourary Organist at CSI Redeemer's Church,)on the Hammond Organ in this Church on 15.07.1994 at my Wedding.He played the,'Wedding March' as we marched out.I asked the Photographer to take the image.What I had in mind was seeing my Uncle and the console of the Hammond Organ on the image.But the final image didn't come out the way I had wanted it.No one is to blame.For how will a friend photographer from another faith understand my enthusiasm for the organ? By around 1998 or so ,I saw a sleek and thin keyboard being used the Cabinet of the Hammond served as a Keyboard stand.the slippery slope did not harm the keyboard as the Organ Manual's Top had two Holder Fittings that would stop the keyboard's slide down.The Hammond continued to be used for a few more months for other services such as weddings if my memory is correct.
TELC ARUL NATHAR CHURCH,KELLYS,CHENNAI
In all probability,this keyboard platform and the Organ stool must be the remnants of the Hammond 2 Manual Console Organ that used to exist in this church.What's happened to the Old Hammond: scrapped?
In all probability,this keyboard platform and the Organ stool must be the remnants of the Hammond 2 Manual Console Organ that used to exist in this church.What's happened to the Old Hammond: scrapped?
CSI CHURCH OF THE VICTORIOUS CROSS,ASHOK NAGAR,CHENNAI
To me it seems an early model of the Electronic Organ.It was very impressive when I attended a service here last Sunday(12.08.2012)and I got the feeling that even the Modern Digital Content doesn't match the volume(i.e, if you take the output from the cabinet speakers as the bench mark) produced by this smaller Organ,spinet organ if I am correct(i.e without further amplification).That the Church has sustained this Organ over the years ,in the age of the keyboards,is indeed remarkable.
Jeba speaks:
Electric Organ:
Make : HONHER Germany, not a very known name.
Specifications : 2 Manual(split) with 13 small pedals.
I just spoke with the Organist Mr.Earnest he said the organ is been used regularly for all the services,and needs a bit of repair.
Source:Emmanuel Jeba,Organ Enthusiast
Jeba speaks:
Electric Organ:
Make : HONHER Germany, not a very known name.
Specifications : 2 Manual(split) with 13 small pedals.
I just spoke with the Organist Mr.Earnest he said the organ is been used regularly for all the services,and needs a bit of repair.
Source:Emmanuel Jeba,Organ Enthusiast
The reed organ the ELM church in Kodaikanal,Tamilnadu,India.
Quite big I should say for a reed organ in this part of the world.In fact ,it took some time for me to understandand that it was indeed a reed organ.It is possibly the only reed organ left over in India which has two manual and complete pedal board.The cloth mesh below the keyboard manual is a typical reed organ feature.
a rare full console reed organ ...
Wow,a complete pedal keyboard!The centre non-key pedal pair could be the Belows pedal.The small pedal lever should be the volume pedal.Then what is the pedal in between the two?
air pump power
An Air pump.Possibly a later addition!
Hammond organ at christ church,Kodaikanal
.Double manual Organ without a pedal board.There was a Volume Pedal below.A part of the Reed Organ's bench is visible.In 1994,I had the opportunity to play on this piece after the Sunday Service.The former Emmanuel Church (Anna Nagar) Organ looked like this from a distance.
The CSI Christ Church in Kodaikanal had a funtional Hammond Organ(Probably a B3:No probably not B3) without bass pedals(Plus one Reed Organ): IN JULY 1994.
10/07/2016:I saw this Organ still looking as good as new and probably not functional.The Organ Cabinet functions as Keyboard stand for a keyboard.A cable to connect a keyboard to the PA System Amplifier was seen on top of this Hammond Cabinet.
The CSI Christ Church in Kodaikanal had a funtional Hammond Organ(Probably a B3:No probably not B3) without bass pedals(Plus one Reed Organ): IN JULY 1994.
10/07/2016:I saw this Organ still looking as good as new and probably not functional.The Organ Cabinet functions as Keyboard stand for a keyboard.A cable to connect a keyboard to the PA System Amplifier was seen on top of this Hammond Cabinet.
Reed organ near the Hammond at christ church ,kodaikanal
A beautiful Reed Organ
Reginald 49
An Electronic Oscillator Organ-Manufacturer:Mr John George,Ambattur,Chennai
MCC,TAMBARAM,CHENNAI
The Chapel Organ at Madras Christian College's Bishop Heber Chapel.Seems to appear like a Pump Organ.
Aside:
Interesting I remember quote attributed to Bishop Heber who was amazed at the Most Magnificient Pipe Organ at St John's Church ,Meerut.That Organ must have witnessed the Sepoy Mutiny Massacre at that Church and it remains disfunctional now.But this has survived the ravages of time while being a poor cousin of the Pipe Organ.Courtsey:an unknown contributer on the net.
Aside:
Interesting I remember quote attributed to Bishop Heber who was amazed at the Most Magnificient Pipe Organ at St John's Church ,Meerut.That Organ must have witnessed the Sepoy Mutiny Massacre at that Church and it remains disfunctional now.But this has survived the ravages of time while being a poor cousin of the Pipe Organ.Courtsey:an unknown contributer on the net.
TELC REDEEMER'S CHURCH MADURAI
TELC Holy Redeemer's Church,Madurai:1 Pipe organ(not working:purchased second hand from a church in Bangalore a long time back).I was at Madurai on 4.1.2011 and couldn't resist entering the Redeemer's Church.The Pipe Organ manual was not locked and so I could snap this image with my cell camera.The Pipes seem to look good.The stops machanisms are in a bad shape .Some stop knobs have falled down(it is another matter that stops and stop knobs carry histories of organ sounds along with them).The Keys are jammed and in a bad shape.This must be the only Pipe Organ in the Madurai region and it is dead.And being a double manual Organ it must have ranked among the best of organs of India in it's time.The Manual was locked safely when I had visited this church in 1994.I still remember its glorious notes that sounded out in the 1970s.When did it become silent,I don't know? I do not know if the Church's administration and its congregation are interested in it's restoration.Seeing the fallen stops knobs(They carry thier own versions of the history of organ sounds) lying around the Manual was a sad experience.It was my father who told me about pipe organs.I wonder how he came to know about pipe organs having grown up in Madurai.Probably,this church had introduced him to the pipe organ.
News from the Web site of Holy Trinity Church ,Bangalore(CSI Tamil Church now-Formerly Government Church of the English):
The magnificent Pulpit and the Pipe Organ were also built in London. The Pipe Organ was sold to the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church and at present it is being used in one of the churches in Madurai.
Data:TELC Holy Redeemer's Church,Madurai:1 Pipe organ(not working:purchased second hand from a church in Bangalore),1 Reginald 3 manual organ.I also noticed an upright Piano which was covered in a corner near the Pipe Organ.Quite unsual to see a Piano in a TELC Church,I thought.
TELC LIturgy actually gives a lot of scope for the organ.TELC Adaikalanathar,Chennai is going in for a restoration with Samuel Devasudar's expertise.
26 November 2017:Now, this Organ is in a fully restored condition.
Got this interesting Mail from a Scholarly Theologian, Revd William Allberry,Tamilnadu Theological Seminary,Arasaradi,Madurai 625010
Tamil Nadu, South India,0091 94863 77844 on 18/02/2016.His comprehensive report on the Restored Pipe Organ in TELC Redeemer's Church is appended here.
Dear friend,
I happened upon your website and was interested to read (on the Photo Gallery page) about the pipe organ in Holy Redeemer’s Church, Madurai, which was in a poor state of repair.
Did you know that it has been restored? Maybe this has been reported elsewhere on your website, but it would be good to add a note to the photo page that it was restored in 2014 and is now in splendid regular use in the church’s services.
At the request of the Director of Music there, I wrote an article about the restored organ for their magazine and attach a copy in case it is of interest.
With best wishes,
Revd William Allberry
The ‘Bryceson Bros and Ellis’ organ – an appreciation
Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
(Psalm 150 verse 4, KJV)
As an annual visitor to Madurai I have long been aware of TELC Holy Redeemer Church in its prominent position in the centre of the city, and I have noticed the pipe organ sitting in the corner. I was very happy to hear last year that after 22 years of disuse it was being renovated at a cost of some 12 lakhs, through the generous contributions of church members, the work being completed in December 2014.
As a retired priest in the Church of England (I now teach English to the seminary students at Tamilnadu Theological Seminary, Arasaradi, for four or five months each year) I believe strongly in the value of music and the part that it plays in our worship. And when I attended a service at Holy Redeemer Church recently I was delighted to hear the sound of the organ being used to lead the singing of the pastor, choir and congregation, and to hear a voluntary played.
The brass plate on the organ case shows that it was built by a firm called ‘Bryceson Bros & Ellis, London’, and I understand that it originally came to Fort St George in Madras, and that it was later installed in St Mark’s Cathedral in Bangalore before it was brought to Madurai in 1969. My research shows that Henry Bryceson was a Scot from the city of Perth, who later became a pioneer of electric action in organs, and that one of his organs was installed in the Drury Lane Theatre, London. The organ at Holy Redeemer, however, uses the original ‘tracker’ action, in which the keys and pedals are connected directly to the mechanism which admits air to the many pipes, requiring great skill from the organist.
The organ has two manuals and a full pedal board (operated by the feet). Each stop on the manuals has a different tone, and has 56 pipes. On the ‘Great’ manual there are 5 working stops, and one dummy where the pipes are missing; on the ‘Swell’ there are 5 more stops, and here the pipes are enclosed in a box with shutters operated by the organist which acts as a volume control. In addition there are two stops attached to the pedals, which produce the deep, bass sounds. There are the usual couplers which connect the manuals and pedal board, as well as three ‘pre-sets’ operated by pedal levers which immediately produce soft, medium or loud combinations of the stops.
Musically, the sound is excellent, and fills the church well. It seems to stay well in tune; this is mainly because almost all the stops are ‘flue pipes’ rather than ‘reeds’. Flue pipes are made of wood or metal, and force air across a lip, rather like a recorder or flute, whereas reed pipes are metal, and the sound is made by a vibrating reed, like a clarinet or saxophone; reed pipes go easily out of tune, especially in the climatic conditions we find in India. Your organ has just one set of reed pipes, which is the Swell trumpet, but it is incomplete (some notes are missing, and it would be very nice to replace them one day). Nonetheless, the organ gives a fine rich, traditional sound.
My surfing on the internet showed up a fascinating photo of an 1850 Bryceson organ in the parish church in Woodborough, near Salisbury in England, and the appearance is so similar to yours in Madurai that I think they must be contemporaries.
In my own church in the UK we had a very fine pipe organ which required a great deal of money spent on it; like yours, our congregation responded generously, and the work was done. We felt that not only was the organ a vital part of the worship we offered to God, but it was also a gift passed to us by our predecessors, and as a matter of stewardship it was our responsibility to hand it on in a good state of repair to the next generation.
I am so happy that your church seems to feel the same way, and that moreover you are training young musicians to be the organists of the future. Thank you for the opportunity of experiencing this wonderful instrument, and God bless you all.
Rev. William Allberry
former Rector of Esher, retired
THE MCC REED ORGAN
I remember a girl singing ,'The Lord is my Shepherd' accompanied by this very instrument way back in 1991 or so at a wedding.Quite a paradox to find that the !940s Hammond Electric(MCC Hammond) could not survive but this humble and much older Pump Organ could!
10/07/2016:I have heard that this Organ is no longer seen in the Heber Chapel.These day,as in August 2016,people tell me that this Reed Organ is not seen in this Chapel.Of course a used Pipe Organ is under installation.
MCC REED ORGAN
Mason and Hamlin were big names in Reed Organ business in the days of yore.This Organ must be older than the Pipe Organ in TELC Redeemer's Madurai (see the picture above) but has survived quite well.
MCC ORGAN
Another view of the Cabinet of the Mason and Hamlin Reed Organ at Madras Christian College ,Tambaram,Chennai.My greatful thanks to Ms Priyadarshini Paramasivam ,my former student,at KV JIPMER Pondicherry, who got these images,being a student at MCC now.The upright Piano in the background should be a grand old lady.
ST THOMAS'S CATHEDRAL(CNI)
This is the Content Digital D6800 at St Thomas Cathedral (Church of North India),Mumbai.
Courtesy:Mr Ravi Joshua,Organist,St Thomas Cathedral.It must be great to see the Stops come to light once pulled.It is really nice to see a three manual content digital Organ here in India.
Courtesy:Mr Ravi Joshua,Organist,St Thomas Cathedral.It must be great to see the Stops come to light once pulled.It is really nice to see a three manual content digital Organ here in India.
ST THOMAS'S CATHEDRAL
The High Altar and the Choir Stall.The Content Organ is visible .
EDINBURGH CONFERENCE 1910
I found a rare picture on an Organ in this picture of the World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh(1910) which doing research on the Missions in South India.The Huge One Manual Organ in the middle of the conference hall looks like a Reed Organ.
A REED ORGAN BY AN INDIAN MAKER
This image an old Pump Organ was sent to me by a follower of this site.This organ is likely to be restored shortly.The wood looks very strong and of a very good quality.The Manufacturer's plate indicates one Mr Savarimuthu of Mary Harmonium Works,50 Subramaniapillai St,Salem-1.Does this establishment exist now? Stops Names:Bass,Organ,Treble,Forte,Clarinet,Flute and Tremolo
PIPE ORGAN PLUS REGINALD- HYBRID ORGAN
That is Jones Peterson,the passionate Organist playing on the Organ at St John's Church,Hyderabad.This is a Unique Organ.The Top Manuel is a Reginald Electronic ORgan
News:
In early 2003, a man in Hyderabad set out on what seemed to be an impossible quest. There were no assurances that he'd even find what he was looking for - to revive pipe organs. He, Commodore TMJ Champion, a retired naval officer, organist and a determined restorer, met Tapan Kumar Das, that year. Das listens to Tagore and doesn't play the pipe organ. Yet Champion's search ended withhim. "He had been looking all over India. When he contacted St. John's Church in Kolkata, they gave him my contact," says Das, the great grandson of the founder of Kolkata-based Hurry Brothers (set up in 1850), a firm responsible for assembling church pipe organs in India and the only pipe organ repairer in the country. Together, Champion and Das breathed life into the pipe organ of St. John's Church in Secunderabad. Built in September, 1908, the church's ancient pipe organ was in a state of disrepair for over two decades - its keyboards stiff, its pedals caught, termites attacking the woodwork and its bellows torn. Restored to its former glory, the pipe now has been heard since August 2003. But not all pipe organs in the country are as fortunate.
Champion, who has helped restore close to 15 organs so far, says he has been witness to abject cruelty meted to these traditional instruments. He has seen close to twenty pipe organs being dismantled and discarded. "While other pipes stand decaying, unused and …
News:
In early 2003, a man in Hyderabad set out on what seemed to be an impossible quest. There were no assurances that he'd even find what he was looking for - to revive pipe organs. He, Commodore TMJ Champion, a retired naval officer, organist and a determined restorer, met Tapan Kumar Das, that year. Das listens to Tagore and doesn't play the pipe organ. Yet Champion's search ended withhim. "He had been looking all over India. When he contacted St. John's Church in Kolkata, they gave him my contact," says Das, the great grandson of the founder of Kolkata-based Hurry Brothers (set up in 1850), a firm responsible for assembling church pipe organs in India and the only pipe organ repairer in the country. Together, Champion and Das breathed life into the pipe organ of St. John's Church in Secunderabad. Built in September, 1908, the church's ancient pipe organ was in a state of disrepair for over two decades - its keyboards stiff, its pedals caught, termites attacking the woodwork and its bellows torn. Restored to its former glory, the pipe now has been heard since August 2003. But not all pipe organs in the country are as fortunate.
Champion, who has helped restore close to 15 organs so far, says he has been witness to abject cruelty meted to these traditional instruments. He has seen close to twenty pipe organs being dismantled and discarded. "While other pipes stand decaying, unused and …
ST PETER'S CHURCH , NAGAPATTINAM:
Huge pipe organ(Non functional)
A huge, eight-feet-high pipe organ has been laid to waste due to the rigours of time and non-use.
According to Rev. Franklin, it is reported to have been put into use till the sixties. “I am told only two other places, Kirk in Egmore and Ooty, hosts such a pipe organ.” "We had attempted to get an expert from the UK to have it mended. But he quoted an estimate of Rs.15 lakhs, and finally considering the complexity of the organ and no one around to play it...we shelved the idea," says Rev. Franklin.The Dutch design of the Church and the decision to place it here implied the significance attached to Nagapattinam as a walled town closer to the Dutch Ports in Ceylon.
The intricately-carved altar rails, rich mahogany pews, , the curvaceous stairway leading to a seating area facing the altar – all add to the aura of the bygone. A floating congregation has made it difficult to maintain any records, says Rev.Franklin.
However, a historical study of Churches founded before 1746 points to the construction of the Dutch Church by the Dutch Governor of Negapatam.-COURTESY:THE HINDU
A huge, eight-feet-high pipe organ has been laid to waste due to the rigours of time and non-use.
According to Rev. Franklin, it is reported to have been put into use till the sixties. “I am told only two other places, Kirk in Egmore and Ooty, hosts such a pipe organ.” "We had attempted to get an expert from the UK to have it mended. But he quoted an estimate of Rs.15 lakhs, and finally considering the complexity of the organ and no one around to play it...we shelved the idea," says Rev. Franklin.The Dutch design of the Church and the decision to place it here implied the significance attached to Nagapattinam as a walled town closer to the Dutch Ports in Ceylon.
The intricately-carved altar rails, rich mahogany pews, , the curvaceous stairway leading to a seating area facing the altar – all add to the aura of the bygone. A floating congregation has made it difficult to maintain any records, says Rev.Franklin.
However, a historical study of Churches founded before 1746 points to the construction of the Dutch Church by the Dutch Governor of Negapatam.-COURTESY:THE HINDU
THE CHURCH OF THE ASCENTION,LOVEDALE ,OOTY
The Church took nearly three years to build and it was consecrated on Ascension Day (believed by Christians as the day Jesus Ascended into Heaven), in May of 1914.
The Church features Gothic architecture and the stained glass alter panel is a piece of exquisite artistry on glass and depicts the Central Theme of the Church - the ascension of Jesus into Heaven.
The Church also has a Great Pipe Organ which was installed in 1918. Presently non-operational, it is a rare piece. Only about 10 or 15 such instruments are in India today.
Restoration efforts on:
Efforts were on to restore the organ, he said and added that it was estimated to cost between Rs. 3 lakh and Rs. 6 lakh. Mr.George added that to commemorate the centenary both the Tamil and English congregations had organised special services. The Church now catered to the spiritual needs of about 200 families.
Around 1948-50, the Church came under the governance of the Church of South India (CSI). Hence it is under the CSI St. Stephen's Pastorate, Ooty and the Diocese of Coimbatore. Reverend Christopher Rajendran is the present Presbyter-in-Charge of the Church.-Courtesy:The Hindu
The Church features Gothic architecture and the stained glass alter panel is a piece of exquisite artistry on glass and depicts the Central Theme of the Church - the ascension of Jesus into Heaven.
The Church also has a Great Pipe Organ which was installed in 1918. Presently non-operational, it is a rare piece. Only about 10 or 15 such instruments are in India today.
Restoration efforts on:
Efforts were on to restore the organ, he said and added that it was estimated to cost between Rs. 3 lakh and Rs. 6 lakh. Mr.George added that to commemorate the centenary both the Tamil and English congregations had organised special services. The Church now catered to the spiritual needs of about 200 families.
Around 1948-50, the Church came under the governance of the Church of South India (CSI). Hence it is under the CSI St. Stephen's Pastorate, Ooty and the Diocese of Coimbatore. Reverend Christopher Rajendran is the present Presbyter-in-Charge of the Church.-Courtesy:The Hindu
ST JOHN'S CHURCH, HYDERABAD
CLASSIC FARE: T.M.J. Champion playing the 99-year-old pipe organ at St. John's Church in Secunderabad. Photo: Satish H.
HYDERABAD: A retired naval officer associated with software industry keeps alive his passion for the pipe organ. And after St. John's Church, he is out to ensure that some more churches in and around the city echo with the sonorous notes of the music instrument.
Commodore T.M.J. Champion, VSM (Retd.) who was instrumental in restoring the pipe organ, which lay silent for almost 15 years at the St. John's Church in September 2003, has now set his sight on the St. George's Church, Abids. The instrument here too is not functional and restoration work is likely to begin in a month's time.
That apart, Commodore Champion is communicating with authorities of the Medak Cathedral to attend to the pipe organ that is awaiting expert help to strike the right notes there. "I am trying to get the pipe organ there, inspected by T. K. Das of Hurry Brothers from Kolkata and have written to them in this regard," he says.
Five instruments
A total of five such instruments are available with churches in and around the city but apart from the one at St. John's Church, none are fully functional. "The one at Holy Trinity, Bolarum is barely operational and all others need full scale effort to revive them."
With no formal training, Commodore Champion is a self-taught master in pipe organ and is ready with a list of church compositions, hymns and carols, to play this Christmas. Incidentally, the music instrument here will complete a century in September 2006. "It was built in the year 1806 by Habeebullah of Misquith & Co., Chennai," he reveals.
Compositions
The man who served 35 years riding high seas with the Indian Navy is also behind several compositions and one of them `Descant', written for organ and trumpet, was played during a recent police parade.
Consultancy
The church organist has come up with a group `Voix Celeste' offering consultancy in Pipe Organ repair and restoration and also sacred choral music. For him, nothing can match the pipe organ in terms of quality and sound.
"This is pure physical acoustics that fills the church and cannot be matched by any amount of electronic music," he says.-COURTESY:THE HINDU
HYDERABAD: A retired naval officer associated with software industry keeps alive his passion for the pipe organ. And after St. John's Church, he is out to ensure that some more churches in and around the city echo with the sonorous notes of the music instrument.
Commodore T.M.J. Champion, VSM (Retd.) who was instrumental in restoring the pipe organ, which lay silent for almost 15 years at the St. John's Church in September 2003, has now set his sight on the St. George's Church, Abids. The instrument here too is not functional and restoration work is likely to begin in a month's time.
That apart, Commodore Champion is communicating with authorities of the Medak Cathedral to attend to the pipe organ that is awaiting expert help to strike the right notes there. "I am trying to get the pipe organ there, inspected by T. K. Das of Hurry Brothers from Kolkata and have written to them in this regard," he says.
Five instruments
A total of five such instruments are available with churches in and around the city but apart from the one at St. John's Church, none are fully functional. "The one at Holy Trinity, Bolarum is barely operational and all others need full scale effort to revive them."
With no formal training, Commodore Champion is a self-taught master in pipe organ and is ready with a list of church compositions, hymns and carols, to play this Christmas. Incidentally, the music instrument here will complete a century in September 2006. "It was built in the year 1806 by Habeebullah of Misquith & Co., Chennai," he reveals.
Compositions
The man who served 35 years riding high seas with the Indian Navy is also behind several compositions and one of them `Descant', written for organ and trumpet, was played during a recent police parade.
Consultancy
The church organist has come up with a group `Voix Celeste' offering consultancy in Pipe Organ repair and restoration and also sacred choral music. For him, nothing can match the pipe organ in terms of quality and sound.
"This is pure physical acoustics that fills the church and cannot be matched by any amount of electronic music," he says.-COURTESY:THE HINDU
MEDAK CATHEDRAL HYDERABAD
The church’s ceiling, a soundproof one, now has gaping holes. Due to this, birds frequent the place dirtying it. The pipe organ, also from London, is lying unused because officials at the Church rue that there is hardly anyone who can repair it. However, Father Dhanraj feels that there are enough musicians who can repair the pipe organ. The last time that the organ was used was 30 years ago. -Courtesy:INTERNET
LATEST NEWS:Courtesy;Alex William
The pipe organ at medak cathedral has been restored. it is a small one manual organ
LATEST NEWS:Courtesy;Alex William
The pipe organ at medak cathedral has been restored. it is a small one manual organ
GLORIA CHURCH,BYCULLA,MUMBAI
Hidden under dust and cobwebs in the loft at Byculla’s Gloria Church, is a century-old German pipe organ that was once the pride of the church. Today, some of the pipes of the wind instrument are missing, keyboard strings are broken, and the edges of the pedal board are infested with termites.
“It is not in a working condition. There is hope to restore it because the carved ivory designs and music notes rest as they were a few decades ago,” said Margaret Fernandes, a resident of Byculla, who was part of the church choir in the 1960s.
The instrument was originally a Bishop’s organ that was shipped to the city from Germany, when the Church was instituted in 1913. The church will begin its centenary year celebrations in November.
“The pipe organ’s sound echoed in every corner of the church when the choir sang to its tunes during mass,” recalled Charmis Braganza, who played the instrument for five years in the early 60s.
The Church’s pipe organ had two manuals (keyboards) that were played by hand, and a pedal board played by the feet. “During a trip to Shimla a few years ago, I learned that a damaged pipe organ in a local church had been repaired. This gave me hope that the organ in Gloria Church could be revived,” Braganza added.
“The missing pipes will have to be imported from Germany,” said Fernandes.
The parishioners have estimated a budget of up to Rs1 crore to revive the instrument. “Six months ago, musicians from Belgium came to inspect the instrument. However, they did not revert to us,” said Father Rocky Banz, the parish priest of Gloria Church.
To make donations to revive the pipe organ, log on to
www.gloriachurchbyculla.org or contact 022-23726630.
-Courtesy:The Hindustan Times
“It is not in a working condition. There is hope to restore it because the carved ivory designs and music notes rest as they were a few decades ago,” said Margaret Fernandes, a resident of Byculla, who was part of the church choir in the 1960s.
The instrument was originally a Bishop’s organ that was shipped to the city from Germany, when the Church was instituted in 1913. The church will begin its centenary year celebrations in November.
“The pipe organ’s sound echoed in every corner of the church when the choir sang to its tunes during mass,” recalled Charmis Braganza, who played the instrument for five years in the early 60s.
The Church’s pipe organ had two manuals (keyboards) that were played by hand, and a pedal board played by the feet. “During a trip to Shimla a few years ago, I learned that a damaged pipe organ in a local church had been repaired. This gave me hope that the organ in Gloria Church could be revived,” Braganza added.
“The missing pipes will have to be imported from Germany,” said Fernandes.
The parishioners have estimated a budget of up to Rs1 crore to revive the instrument. “Six months ago, musicians from Belgium came to inspect the instrument. However, they did not revert to us,” said Father Rocky Banz, the parish priest of Gloria Church.
To make donations to revive the pipe organ, log on to
www.gloriachurchbyculla.org or contact 022-23726630.
-Courtesy:The Hindustan Times
ZION CHURCH,CHENNAI
NEWS REPORT:For several months now, the century-old pipe organ at CSI Zion Church, a heritage landmark in Chintadripet, remained silent. Several Sundays had gone by without the sonorous music that accompanied the hymns sung during the church service.
Last Sunday there was an occasion for the members to rejoice, as the pipe organ, which was a rare piece in the country, was restored and rededicated by Sundar Clarke, former bishop of the CSI Diocese. This treasured possession of the church is almost as old as the church. Manufactured in 1895 in England, the antique masterpiece of the church has been used at all important occasions in the church. As few of the chords were not working, the pipe organ was in need of repair. Restoring it remained a pipedream for the church members, as there were no specialists to repair such an antique instrument in India.
A specialist had to fly down from England, and Rs.5 lakh kept aside for the repair for the pipe organ to regain its glory, said one of the church members. The instrument is estimated to be worth Rs.1 crore.
Now, the church has got back its melody. The carol service of the church was held with the resonant music of the pipe organ this Advent Sunday. A congregation of 300 people listened to carols such as `Standing by the promises' sung by the choirs.
A church member said that the carol service was popular in the city. He recalled that the Governor's band used to accompany the choir during the British period.
Courtesy:The Hindu
My thought-Does this Organ have Pedal Keys or is it similar in nature to the Organ in All Saint's church,Trichy which does not have Pedal Keys.
Last Sunday there was an occasion for the members to rejoice, as the pipe organ, which was a rare piece in the country, was restored and rededicated by Sundar Clarke, former bishop of the CSI Diocese. This treasured possession of the church is almost as old as the church. Manufactured in 1895 in England, the antique masterpiece of the church has been used at all important occasions in the church. As few of the chords were not working, the pipe organ was in need of repair. Restoring it remained a pipedream for the church members, as there were no specialists to repair such an antique instrument in India.
A specialist had to fly down from England, and Rs.5 lakh kept aside for the repair for the pipe organ to regain its glory, said one of the church members. The instrument is estimated to be worth Rs.1 crore.
Now, the church has got back its melody. The carol service of the church was held with the resonant music of the pipe organ this Advent Sunday. A congregation of 300 people listened to carols such as `Standing by the promises' sung by the choirs.
A church member said that the carol service was popular in the city. He recalled that the Governor's band used to accompany the choir during the British period.
Courtesy:The Hindu
My thought-Does this Organ have Pedal Keys or is it similar in nature to the Organ in All Saint's church,Trichy which does not have Pedal Keys.
ST MARY'S CHURCH,CHENNAI
ST PHILOMENAS CHURCH MYSORE(ROMAN CATHOLIC)
The church houses an ancient pipe organ, which is said to be the best in the state. “Even this is in a state of decay.The stained glass paintings need someone to restore them too as they need intricate work. Some of them are broken and need complete replacement,” he(Parish Priest) explained .Courtesy:Internet.
Self:I visited this St Philomena's Church on the 18th of October 2012.I noticed this small and neat Pipe organ in the Loft above the entrance to the Aisle.I wonder about its present condition.Photography is not allowed in this church.
*At CSI Wesley Church near the Mysore Bus Stand,I found a a Solid looking old Pump Organ(It looks similar to the Organ that is featured on my page titled the Edinburgh Conference )inside the CSI Wesley Cathedral in Mysore.
26 November 2017-CSI St Bartholomew's Church now has a Pipe Organ purchased from the KI School Chapel in Koadaikanal,Tamilnadu.
Self:I visited this St Philomena's Church on the 18th of October 2012.I noticed this small and neat Pipe organ in the Loft above the entrance to the Aisle.I wonder about its present condition.Photography is not allowed in this church.
*At CSI Wesley Church near the Mysore Bus Stand,I found a a Solid looking old Pump Organ(It looks similar to the Organ that is featured on my page titled the Edinburgh Conference )inside the CSI Wesley Cathedral in Mysore.
26 November 2017-CSI St Bartholomew's Church now has a Pipe Organ purchased from the KI School Chapel in Koadaikanal,Tamilnadu.
ST MARK'S CHURCH,PODANUR,COIMBATORE
1.Today(16.7.2012),I found a write up on St Mark's Church,Podannur(Student's Edition),Coimbatore.What interested me was a line which said,'the pipe organ has been substituted by a swanky keyboard'.Oh,not again!.What became of the Organ is the question on my mind!
News: With its heritage preserved so carefully, St Marks, today, is a fully functional church with a congregation of 60 members. Some stolen brassware has been replaced, the plump kneelers people jostled for are missing and the old pipe organ has been substituted by a swanky electronic keyboard. Even so, the order of Sunday service has remained unchanged for years, say parishioners. -Courtesy:The Hindu
News: With its heritage preserved so carefully, St Marks, today, is a fully functional church with a congregation of 60 members. Some stolen brassware has been replaced, the plump kneelers people jostled for are missing and the old pipe organ has been substituted by a swanky electronic keyboard. Even so, the order of Sunday service has remained unchanged for years, say parishioners. -Courtesy:The Hindu
ST MARY'S CHURCH,PUNE
SOME GOOD NEWS AND GOOD EFFORT!
St. Mary's Church:
St. Mary's Church, an ancient church dating back to 1825, is built by British people to facilitate the British people settled in Pune for worshipping. This is an elegant structure with a blend of British and Indian architectural styles. The mortal remains of Sir Robert Grant, the renowned writer of religious lyrics and an erstwhile Governor of Mumbai, is placed under the floors of the church. Everyday worship is offered in this Church and the church still uses pipe organs of about 130 years old. It is a nice Christian religious tourist destination. -
St. Mary's Church:
St. Mary's Church, an ancient church dating back to 1825, is built by British people to facilitate the British people settled in Pune for worshipping. This is an elegant structure with a blend of British and Indian architectural styles. The mortal remains of Sir Robert Grant, the renowned writer of religious lyrics and an erstwhile Governor of Mumbai, is placed under the floors of the church. Everyday worship is offered in this Church and the church still uses pipe organs of about 130 years old. It is a nice Christian religious tourist destination. -
CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING (ROMAN CATHOLIC),COIMBATORE
Rev. Fr. A. Laza (1 941-1 950) undertook many improvements. The Calvary Grotto was constructed as a remembrance of the first Mission by the .edemptorists. He constructed a balcony for the choir and bought :he grand Pipe-organ (the only one of its kind in the South). The main altar with its elegant hack-drop was constructed with marble tones, with the donation of Mr. Maria Pragasapillai and the altar was consecrated by Bishop Ubagaraswamy in 1944. Because the annual scourge of plague, so frequent in those days, a special chapel Ln honour of St. Sebastian was constructed, behind the church. He laid the foundations for the twin Belfries and partially constructed the Southern belfry, which was completed by his successor, Fr. S. Amidham, (1950-54). He also started the construction of the Lourdes Grotto, at R.S.Puram. He built two shops for rental. The unique pipe-organ whose melodious and reverberating music, used to enthrall all the Worshipers, after the death of Mr.Dias, as there were no one who knew to play it, had to be disposed of later! What a sad loss! -Courtesy-Internet
ST GEORGE'S GARRISON CHURCH,WELLINGTON ,OOTY
A pipe organ was imported from England and erected between 1900 & 1902 in memory of Her Majesty Queen Victoria. Annie Israel, who has been playing the pipe organ for the past 30 years says that it is in perfect condition and when played the music reverberates and fills the church.
Courtesy:The Hindu
Courtesy:The Hindu
ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL,RANCHI
Ranchi, Aug. 27: If in 2006, it was Rajdeep Singh who was in the limelight for playing the only pipe organ in the state (not used since 1975) at St Paul’s Cathedral (after a gap of 31 years), this time it’s the turn of his students.
Singh recalled the incident last year when he took up the assignment of playing the pipe organ at the St Paul’s Cathedral Church.
“The organ was played in the cathedral from 1896 till 1975. As no master was left to play the organ, it developed some snag. A German visitor of GEL, Church took the job of getting it repaired and in 2005 the instrument was repaired. Then there arose the problem who would play it and the church bestowed the responsibility on me at a monthly remuneration,” he said.
Singh recalled the incident last year when he took up the assignment of playing the pipe organ at the St Paul’s Cathedral Church.
“The organ was played in the cathedral from 1896 till 1975. As no master was left to play the organ, it developed some snag. A German visitor of GEL, Church took the job of getting it repaired and in 2005 the instrument was repaired. Then there arose the problem who would play it and the church bestowed the responsibility on me at a monthly remuneration,” he said.
TELC ADAIKALANATHAR CHURCH
CHENNAI: Music lovers, including the 3,500-odd congregation of the Lutheran Adaikalanathar Church at Thana Street in Purasawalkam, will get to hear the sonorous music of the 132-year-old pipe organ after a six-year lull. The church authorities have embarked on a Rs 6-lakh project to restore the organ, which moved into a state of disrepair after 62 years of use.
"We didn't want its grand music silenced for ever. Hence, we decided to revive it," says Prabhu GJ Dorairaj, the choirmaster of the church.
The double-manual tracker organ has 26 stops and close to 500 pipes vaulting 18 feet into the air, and is 14 feet long and 10 feet wide and roughly occupies about 170 square feet. It took six people to bring down the air chest, located on top of the organ, to the ground for the repair work. "The air chests and the bellows were damaged after rain water seeped in through the roof last year. This has taken a heavy toll on the organ," says Prabhu.
The organ was manufactured by Messrs W E Richardson and Sons of Manchester, Preston, London, in 1880.
While no information is available about its journey from the UK to India, it is learnt through church sources that the instrument was purchased from the Egmore Wesley Church in 1944.
Additional pipes were imported from Sweden and the organ was fine-tuned and continued to be in use till 2006, after which it developed repairs. The church authorities then decided to purchase an electronic keyboard for the Sunday worships.
But Prabhu adds, "Electronic keyboards, no matter how pricey or sophisticated they are, cannot match the acoustics of the pipe organ. Whether you are seated in the first or the last pew, you can enjoy the harmonics of the pipe organ, which will never be jarring."
Echoing his view, Augustine Paul, director of the Madras Musical Association (MMA) choir, says that a well-tuned pipe organ could even be a replacement for an orchestra. "Music pieces composed specifically for the pipe organ can't be performed on a keyboard," he asserts.
But, repairing the pipe organ is not an easy task, particularly when there is no specialist known to be available locally. The few churches in the city that have pipe organs had got them overhauled by a foreigner, a few years ago. However, for the Lutheran Church, Samuel Devasudar, was a godsend.
Prabhu got introduced to Devasudar in 1982 through fellow musicians and his work on an obsolete reed organ had been very impressive. Exactly after 30 years, Devasudar, now the director of the Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) in Coimbatore, readily agreed to undertake the work. "The Rs 6-lakh estimate might increase by 10 per cent depending on the cost of materials required for the overhauling. We have somehow managed a portion of the funds through donations from the congregation as well as outsiders and visitors to the church," says Prabhu.-Writer -Organist an Assistant Choir Master, Stephen Ebenezer from TELC Anbu Nathar Lutheran Church,Anna Nagar,Chennai for the Indian Express
*This image on the Church's web site shows this restored organ as can be seen on the Decoration pipes in the front.I do not know if a Consecration Service has been conducted for its re dedication.-12.1.21012.One Lutheran Minister(Rev Alfred Chandrasekaran) recounted to me years ago that he used to be among the team who would help operate the Bellows to supply air to the Organ.
"We didn't want its grand music silenced for ever. Hence, we decided to revive it," says Prabhu GJ Dorairaj, the choirmaster of the church.
The double-manual tracker organ has 26 stops and close to 500 pipes vaulting 18 feet into the air, and is 14 feet long and 10 feet wide and roughly occupies about 170 square feet. It took six people to bring down the air chest, located on top of the organ, to the ground for the repair work. "The air chests and the bellows were damaged after rain water seeped in through the roof last year. This has taken a heavy toll on the organ," says Prabhu.
The organ was manufactured by Messrs W E Richardson and Sons of Manchester, Preston, London, in 1880.
While no information is available about its journey from the UK to India, it is learnt through church sources that the instrument was purchased from the Egmore Wesley Church in 1944.
Additional pipes were imported from Sweden and the organ was fine-tuned and continued to be in use till 2006, after which it developed repairs. The church authorities then decided to purchase an electronic keyboard for the Sunday worships.
But Prabhu adds, "Electronic keyboards, no matter how pricey or sophisticated they are, cannot match the acoustics of the pipe organ. Whether you are seated in the first or the last pew, you can enjoy the harmonics of the pipe organ, which will never be jarring."
Echoing his view, Augustine Paul, director of the Madras Musical Association (MMA) choir, says that a well-tuned pipe organ could even be a replacement for an orchestra. "Music pieces composed specifically for the pipe organ can't be performed on a keyboard," he asserts.
But, repairing the pipe organ is not an easy task, particularly when there is no specialist known to be available locally. The few churches in the city that have pipe organs had got them overhauled by a foreigner, a few years ago. However, for the Lutheran Church, Samuel Devasudar, was a godsend.
Prabhu got introduced to Devasudar in 1982 through fellow musicians and his work on an obsolete reed organ had been very impressive. Exactly after 30 years, Devasudar, now the director of the Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) in Coimbatore, readily agreed to undertake the work. "The Rs 6-lakh estimate might increase by 10 per cent depending on the cost of materials required for the overhauling. We have somehow managed a portion of the funds through donations from the congregation as well as outsiders and visitors to the church," says Prabhu.-Writer -Organist an Assistant Choir Master, Stephen Ebenezer from TELC Anbu Nathar Lutheran Church,Anna Nagar,Chennai for the Indian Express
*This image on the Church's web site shows this restored organ as can be seen on the Decoration pipes in the front.I do not know if a Consecration Service has been conducted for its re dedication.-12.1.21012.One Lutheran Minister(Rev Alfred Chandrasekaran) recounted to me years ago that he used to be among the team who would help operate the Bellows to supply air to the Organ.
ST ANDREWS CHURCH CHENNAI
This church has lovingly sustained its organ.(Mr Leslie David on the Organ in this image).I remember Mr Handel Manuel giving concert performances on this Organ in the 1990s.Doordashan had a beautiful recording of Mr Handel Manual playing music on this Organ.Mrs Jennifer Arul(Presently with NDTV) ,too had a an informative interview ( with him performing on this organ ,Electronic Yamaha Organ etc)with Mr Handel Manual which was done for Doordarshan.Doordarshan's(Chennai) archives are sure to have these recordings with them.A choral performance in the 1990s by the Madras Philharmonic and Choral Society(MPSC) comes to my mind.Mr Handel Manual was the Conductor.Mr Arul Siromony was playing on the Yamaha Electone Organ.Mr Handel gave a Demo on the Hammond Organ that was donated to the MPCS by the well known industrialist,Mr Mahalingam. Where did that Organ go?What is the state of the MPCS?
CSI CHRIST CHURCH AMBATTUR CHENNAI-53
Christ Church is planning to shift to a Content digital two manual organ and is trying to raise funds for the same amidst all odds.God willing this will happen with ease.And it has happened.The Organ for CSI Christ Church has arrived and is waiting to be installed and dedicated in the New Church Structure.Refer to the image(Courtesy:Jones Richard).
In the 1983 to 1985 years,an old organist served this church.On his passing away,Mr Collison, a corporate executive took over the charge and has been serving with elan all these years.There was an ornate Reed Organ which made good music.At my sister's Confirmation service one evening in the late eighties,Rev Dharmaraj,Asst Bishop led the service.The Power went off and the church managed with a single petromax lamp.The Reginald could not be played but the beautiful Reed Organ came to the rescue.I still still remember it singing the Hymn,"There is Power in the Blood" in the silence of the church which was largely contributed by the power cut.This Organ was very useful during power cuts even after the arrival of the Reginald.(I remember that,the Church even experimented with English Services for about a year,before it was eventually given up).But soon it (the Reed Organ)was shunted off to CSI Orgadam Church. In 1993 ,at CSI Orgadam Church,I found this organ in a pitiable state ,counting its days.Some reeds had become non functional too.
The Church went for a purchase of a 'Reginald Spinet' organ with split manuals and a single octave pedal clavier for the feet.The
cost was Rs 20,000/- which was a huge amount for the church during those days(Purchased through an Installment Scheme in 1985).This Organ has served the church well and is still functional.The congregation loves this organ .I was pleasantly surprised to note that even when the church shifted to a rented location ,this organ was shifted too along with its extra speakers.Probably other churches would have put it into a store room and then have used a keyboard in the rented location.On a recent visit(August 2013),I found the rare Reginald spinet Organ placed near the choir stall in its Honourable Retirement Location probably ready to sing at any time of call.
csi christ church ambattur website info:
ChoirThe Christ Church has a rich tradition of worship and Prayer. Music plays a very significant role in worship in the Christ Church. Worship in the Christ Church is enriched by the sounds of the organ. The music of the organ seems to comfort the depth of the worshipper’s life. Thereby the vibrant sound of the organ draws people from all parts of Ambattur to worship in the Christ Church and to join in songs of joyful praise. The Christ Church has a 15 member choir under the leadership of Mr. Peter Collison. The Choir serves God devotedly in every worship service. Their Choral singing enriches the worship and prayer at the Christ Church. The Christ Church Choir would also offer seasonal Sacred Music especially during the season of Lent and Advent.
In the 1983 to 1985 years,an old organist served this church.On his passing away,Mr Collison, a corporate executive took over the charge and has been serving with elan all these years.There was an ornate Reed Organ which made good music.At my sister's Confirmation service one evening in the late eighties,Rev Dharmaraj,Asst Bishop led the service.The Power went off and the church managed with a single petromax lamp.The Reginald could not be played but the beautiful Reed Organ came to the rescue.I still still remember it singing the Hymn,"There is Power in the Blood" in the silence of the church which was largely contributed by the power cut.This Organ was very useful during power cuts even after the arrival of the Reginald.(I remember that,the Church even experimented with English Services for about a year,before it was eventually given up).But soon it (the Reed Organ)was shunted off to CSI Orgadam Church. In 1993 ,at CSI Orgadam Church,I found this organ in a pitiable state ,counting its days.Some reeds had become non functional too.
The Church went for a purchase of a 'Reginald Spinet' organ with split manuals and a single octave pedal clavier for the feet.The
cost was Rs 20,000/- which was a huge amount for the church during those days(Purchased through an Installment Scheme in 1985).This Organ has served the church well and is still functional.The congregation loves this organ .I was pleasantly surprised to note that even when the church shifted to a rented location ,this organ was shifted too along with its extra speakers.Probably other churches would have put it into a store room and then have used a keyboard in the rented location.On a recent visit(August 2013),I found the rare Reginald spinet Organ placed near the choir stall in its Honourable Retirement Location probably ready to sing at any time of call.
csi christ church ambattur website info:
ChoirThe Christ Church has a rich tradition of worship and Prayer. Music plays a very significant role in worship in the Christ Church. Worship in the Christ Church is enriched by the sounds of the organ. The music of the organ seems to comfort the depth of the worshipper’s life. Thereby the vibrant sound of the organ draws people from all parts of Ambattur to worship in the Christ Church and to join in songs of joyful praise. The Christ Church has a 15 member choir under the leadership of Mr. Peter Collison. The Choir serves God devotedly in every worship service. Their Choral singing enriches the worship and prayer at the Christ Church. The Christ Church Choir would also offer seasonal Sacred Music especially during the season of Lent and Advent.
ANDERSON HALL, MCC ,CHENNAI
A slice of history remaining on the cabinet remnant of the Hammond Organ(presented in 1940).I wonder about its components and its keys.(Image:Courtesy:Muvija)
I have got the news that a Used Pipe Organ from England is to be installed in the Chapel of the MCC.
I have got the news that a Used Pipe Organ from England is to be installed in the Chapel of the MCC.
MCC HAMMOND
Another view of that Hammond Cabinet!(Image:Courtesy Muvija)
MCC HAMMOND
The Anti-climax : from the multi pitch and multi layering sounds to the single key and single pitch scheme of things.Hammond Cabinet has reinvented itself as an Electronic Keyboard Cabinet(Image:Courtesy:Muvija).Hazarding a guess ,I should say that this should have been a Double Manual Organ with Pedal Clavier.What happend to the Keys,Pedals and other paraphernalia?Was it a Tone wheels Organ?What brought about its demise?Obsolete Technology?Lack of Servicing in India?Could it have been preserved as a Museum piece.It is being said that the inner components of the Hammond went missing one fine day.What is this?The Mystery of the Missing Hammond? Was it hammered away?
MCC 1940s HAMMOND IMAGINED 2
This is a 1940s Hammond Turn wheels Organ and this must have been the appearance of the MCC Hammond in its heydays.This is how the MCC Hammond would have looked in its heydays in the Anderson Hall.The reverse colouring on the lowest Octave reminds of the Artronica ORgan that used to exist at TELC Anbu Nathar Church,Anna Nagar,Chennai.
ST XAVIER'S CHURCH,BROADWAY,CHENNAI
I found this write up on the net.The Writer says that the Pipe Organ in this St Xavier's Roman Catholic Church is still fuctional .If it is so,then,this is the only Pipe Organ in a functional state in any Roman Catholic church in these parts.
One Mr Statish Writes:
Below are the pictures of St.Xaviers's Church which is in Broadway which is also called the Black Town. On 3rd December 1866 a new Church in honour of St Francis Xavier was constructed, and consecrated. In 1878 it was erected as a separate Parish. The beauty of this church is that its fully marble right from the statues & in the wall. I guess this was built by the Britishers or might even be wrong in that information. I tired hard in getting the information but sad i couldn't get one rather the age of the Church is what i got to know. The significant of this Church is that it has the pipe organ too which is in functioning. There are some Church which does have one, but not functioning. I went to this Church probably after 15 to 16 years on 17/01/2011. Prior to this date when i was kid say 15-16 years back, my mum & dad used to drag me to this Church. Never had an interest in going to this one. There used to be feast on this Church which i felt was the boring one, back those days. But now when i went after those years to see this Church i had lot feeling inside me. I was in tears A to miss the beauty of this Church, B to miss those good old days, C my faith re-newed. I was astound by the beauty of this Church & the architecture. I was blank for a while, mixed bag of emotions filled me. It is a very calm Church, had good time in praying over there. Got some peace in my Heart, Soul, Mind & Body. Hope people will experience the same when they enter this place.......(The Pipe Organ is seen in the Loft)
One Mr Statish Writes:
Below are the pictures of St.Xaviers's Church which is in Broadway which is also called the Black Town. On 3rd December 1866 a new Church in honour of St Francis Xavier was constructed, and consecrated. In 1878 it was erected as a separate Parish. The beauty of this church is that its fully marble right from the statues & in the wall. I guess this was built by the Britishers or might even be wrong in that information. I tired hard in getting the information but sad i couldn't get one rather the age of the Church is what i got to know. The significant of this Church is that it has the pipe organ too which is in functioning. There are some Church which does have one, but not functioning. I went to this Church probably after 15 to 16 years on 17/01/2011. Prior to this date when i was kid say 15-16 years back, my mum & dad used to drag me to this Church. Never had an interest in going to this one. There used to be feast on this Church which i felt was the boring one, back those days. But now when i went after those years to see this Church i had lot feeling inside me. I was in tears A to miss the beauty of this Church, B to miss those good old days, C my faith re-newed. I was astound by the beauty of this Church & the architecture. I was blank for a while, mixed bag of emotions filled me. It is a very calm Church, had good time in praying over there. Got some peace in my Heart, Soul, Mind & Body. Hope people will experience the same when they enter this place.......(The Pipe Organ is seen in the Loft)
CHRIST CHURCH,ANNA SALAI,CHENNAI
Grand old Organ Man,Mr Kanagaraj Williams on the Organ at Christ Church.
4..The CSI Christ Church on Anna Salai(Mount Road) has probably a Pipe Organ that may never play again(in the words of Mr Christopher Gray- a Pipe Organ Expert).The Church had dismantled that magnificent pipe organ for its renovation project(1995-1997).An Indian specialist died before before the date of its re-installation.The other Indian experts couldn't really puzzle out the scheme of the organ pipes.The church having rejected the offer from foreign companies relies on new indian experts (some one from Coimbatore,I was told-Is it Mr Samuel Devasudar who is working on the Tana Street TELC Organ)engaged to do that task.That Pipe Organ functions partially,I was told.A few Pipe Organ experts who visited the city a few years ago commented that the best preserved organs were the organs which were left without being touched in the the name of repair.There is a Piano in the church.I thought that the number of stops are not in proportion to the size of the organ as it looks to me.
I have great memories of its Music which happened when I attended an Evening Service there in 1983.
In the year 2003,I just walked in to this church one evening,and noticed the Pastor ans the Secretary waiting for one soul to start the service.I fit the bill.The first stanza of the Hymn ,"As the Deer ..' was sung.And then there was a short message and the second stanza of the same hymn was sung to complete the service. A few of the partially playable organ were found huddled in a corner.An Upright acoustic Piano was seen.
Come 2018-The Pipe Organ is still not being used.An avant garde Yamaha Clavinova does the Organ (and Piano duties) under disciplined fingers of the Organist.
THE CATHEDRAL OF REDEMPTION,NEW DELHI
My Uncle Mr P.R.Somasundaram has fond memories of playing on this Organ in the 1960s.Comparatively ,a Modern Pipe Organ,I should say considering the fact that the Capital of India shifted to New Delhi much later in the Years of the Raj
THE CATHEDRAL OF REDEMPTION,NEW DELHI
Probably another Electronic Organ within the same Church.Seems to look like a Reginald to me.
CHRIST CHURCH,SIMLA
ST GEORGE'S CHURCH, ABIDS ,HYDERABAD
St. George's church , Abids, Hyderabad (CSI) has a pipe organ built in 1887 by Hurry bruthers, calcutta. it was partially functional till 2008. but not now. pic. attached.-COURTESY:ALEX WILLIAM
AN OLD YAMAHA ORGAN FROM HONG KONG
The pipe organ at Calicut Cathedral,Kerala
This one ,if I remember correctly was a used Organ from U.K but it gives hope for organ loving churches in India.
Calicut Organ
Another view
The last earthly remains of the Good Old American(Mr Jasper ,the erswhile Organist gave me this information) Reed Organ at St John's.Mr Naveen Amritraj,Guitarist and Keyboardist at EMC Pondicherry remembers a time when a motorised air pump was used to supply air to this organ in lieu of the Bellows pump.It had intricate wood work and keys that looked reasonably good when saw it last about six years ago.It had a Good Number of Stops from end to end.The Church could have given it to the Puducherry Museum (Just across the street)which would have preserved this along with Pianos of the French era.
...however I learnt that the reed organ was broken and burnt a long time ago. There is only one piece of reed organ which survived..:)- reports an Organist
...however I learnt that the reed organ was broken and burnt a long time ago. There is only one piece of reed organ which survived..:)- reports an Organist
The Content Organ at St John's:In addition to its
Organ repertoire,this make also gives the option
of regular key board sound(Pipe Organ Piano etc).
One gets the direct feel of the Organ and the
keyboard and see the difference.Mr John George gave a demo on this very instrument before it was shifted to the church.
Organ repertoire,this make also gives the option
of regular key board sound(Pipe Organ Piano etc).
One gets the direct feel of the Organ and the
keyboard and see the difference.Mr John George gave a demo on this very instrument before it was shifted to the church.
My Friend, Mr Emmanuel Jeba got me these interesting images and he says, "The Pipe Organ is completely dismantled and removed as white ants have demolished the structure. The Reginald was initially designed as the Second Console for the Organ. Now that the Organ is no more, they have fitted it into a temporary custom console. Currently the Reginald is not working as it was damaged during the recent Church painting / renovation, got this information from the Organist Mr. Durairaj.
I have seen a similar Reginald in CSI Missionary Chapel in Purasaiwalkkam, will try to get some photos soon."
-Coutesy-Emmanuel Jeba
Incidentally,I now remember a Pondicherry Violinist and Organ Hater(But lover of keyboards) saying that the CSI Missionary Chapel Reginald is not in use(He was quite happy about it). That he was unhappy about the St John's Church having purchased a Content Digital which is another matter altogether.He was honest about his real opinion(and he is a good violinist,Guitarist and keyboardist) which I thought should be appreciated.He revealed that he had felt the same way when the St John's church shifted to an Artronica Organ in the early 1990s after a short spell of Keyboard use.
There was a time ,many years ago when I had seen or heard thie Pipe Organ in St Mathaias's(probably at a wedding).It was probably in working condition upto the Mid 1980s.In the 1990s ,I Had the the privilege of attending a Christmas Concert by the John Millns Choir in St Mathaias's Church,having been personally invited by Mr John Collison,Bass Singer in the Jabez Choir, who came to my house in Ambattur.John Collison was the Chief Organist in CSI Christ Church in Ambattur while his father Mr Collison who passed away recently,was the the Choir Master. At that time he gave me the information that the Pipe Organ Console was fitted with a Reginald Electronic.The Unusually Upright Console was probably designed to fit into the Old Organ Console .At the concert I had observed a small Reginald Organ Speaker on the Pipe Organ Casing Area above the Organist.He also added that the Jabez and his Choristers were not too pleased with some distortion on the speakers of the Reginald Organ.Anyway,it didn't matter as the choir was accompanied by a Strings Orchestra and a Piano(One Mr Daniel?). On a comparatively recent visit to St Mathaias's,a few years ago, I saw a huge Reginald Organ Speaker place on top of the Pipes Chest of the defunct Pipe Organ(Must have been there right from its installation time). The Organ sound good if not good enough.And it has come to this,with Termites having played havoc with the wood work on the erstwhile Pipe Organ,I wonder if that Speaker Box on the Top came tumbling down.
The Speakers on this Reginald Cabinet(which is placed unusually in the corner with a left alignment )reminds of the Speaker I had seen on the Old Imported Organ in the Tamil Methodist Church on Ritherdon Road,Chennai).I wonder if Jeba who has greatly enriched my web page,,could get me an image of that Organ.
During my last couple of months at Ambattur, before I left Tamilnadu to join the Government service in Chhattisgarh State in North India(October 1997),I got a few opportunities to play on the Reginald Spinet Organ in Christ Church Ambattur during the evening services.I noticed that the Principal Organists(The Collisons) had the practice of maintaining dust free Organ keyboard Manuals with the aid of a paint brush which was placed within the console.I thought that it was a good idea and I followed the same practice when I purchased this Reginald 49 for myself in 2002.Mr Collison had invited me to assist him and the choir as an Organist in August or September of 1997 but sadly that was not to be as I had to leave Tamilnadu to join Government Service when I received the appointment orders.My first Organ playing experience was at the TELC New Bethlehem Church in Ambattur.My student Ashok was helping the Organist of that Church Benny.Both Benny and Ashok (who was essentially groomed by Benny)were were excellent Church Organists who specialised in ear playing.Benny could even train choristers in Four part part singing.Rev Alfred Chandrasekar,presently the Presbyter of TELC Anbu Nadar Church in Anna Nagar,Chennai was the Pastor.
On one occasion,at a Lenten Friday Evening Service,Benny did not turn up.And I was asked by the Thiruvallur TELC Pastor (1996)who was on a visit to preach from the pulpit to play.Interestingly,with my student Ashok being more willing to play music for the Liturgical chant Music,the mantle fell on me.This pastor made a special selection of Hymns from the English Collection rather than from the Bavarian collection as I was specialising only with the common Hymns sung at CSI Christ Church.I had a copy of the Hymns ancient and Modern and the New Life Hymnal.The first opening Hymn I played was,'When I survey the wondrous cross' Remaining Hymns were,'Nearer my God to thee' and possibly some more-I don't remember.The point of all this revelation is this.The Organ that I played was a small portable Reginald 49 Organ with a similar Console Panel as this one of mine and it one Speaker Box which was an external addition.In fact this Organ also looked that that small Portable Reginald 49 when Mr John George showed it to me and then I asked him if he could customize it into a Cabinet Console Organ which he did.One thing I remember about that portable Reginald 49 in that church was that there was a Roto switch which was named percussion and it use produced a Piano tone voice on the Organ.
Anyway,times were changing,the LMV had released an Album,'Piriyamane Esuve' with Rajeevan David accompanying on an avant garde keyboard of that time.I was moving closer into a passion for Elelctronic Organs having learnt and practised on keyboards.Benny and Rev Alfred Chandrasekhar were getting into a liking for keyboards because of their exciting modern features and special effects such as Rhythms and multiple instument voices.But my longing for Pure Organ based combination sound effects only increased in the years that went by.
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The images seen above are of the amazing Heritage Reed Organ in CSI Holy Trinity church, Idaiyangidi, Tirunelveli. It is heartening to know that this Reed Organ with its beautiful Stops and Mechanical components have survived through the vicissitudes of time. It is likely to be restored. Many thanks to the Avid Organist Calvin Jones ,who sent these images. Calvin is a is a highly skilled Organist and Organ afficado. He is seen playing on this century old Organ in Tirunelveli. It really heartens me me to see the commitment shown by Calvin. |