St. Elisabeth’s Church Reddish Sponsor a Pipe 2009
An appeal to support the restoration of this world class Hill Organ
The Organ
St. Elisabeth’s Church serves a large parish of 12,000 people and was consecrated in 1883. Since 2004 it has been a grade one listed building. It is fortunate in possessing one of the finest pipe organs in the country, which was built at the same time as the church by the top organ builder of the time, Hill and Son of London. It is a testimony to the quality and national importance of the instrument that the original opening recital was played by the organist of Westminster Abbey.
What is it used for?
The organ has been in constant use since 1883, for accompanying Sunday services, for weddings, baptisms, funerals as well as concerts and other functions. There can be few families in Reddish, for whom the organ at St. Elisabeth’s has not been played, at one of life’s great events over the last 120 years.
Why are we appealing for help?
Although the organ still sounds splendid, it is I need of restoration. In the 1960’s the instrument was rebuilt to a much-reduced specification die to financial constraints at the time, and since then no work has been carried out except routine tuning and maintenance. It is however, a tribute o the organ consultant who dealt with the 1960’s rebuild that he instructed organ builders to leave in situ those pipes which at the time the church could not afford to restore. Restoration of these parts of the instrument, which have not been heard in over forty years, will restore he original specification of the organ to a three manual (keyboard0 instrument and once again give Reddish a world class instrument which the community can be rightly proud of.
How can you help?
Our aim is to encourage families, businesses and the local community to dedicate a pope or pipes to a person, persons or event special to them, both past and present. It is highly likely that we can all think of people who have had a positive influence on our lives whom we wish to remember in this unique and lasting way.
How much will it cost?
The total cost of the restoration will be £100,000. The cost of sponsoring a pipe is just £25. Yu can of course sponsor as many pipes as you wish, and perhaps use this as an opportunity not only to remember loved ones, but also to commemorate a special family event, such as an anniversary or birth. Every sponsor will receive a certificate acknowledging their contribution and a permanent record will be kept on display in the church of all those whom a pipe has been dedicated. Of course, smaller donations are very welcome. Please contact Val Cottam to obtain a sponsor form.
Who will benefit?
The whole community. The church maintains a choral traditions f an exceptionally high standard, with a growing choir made up of members aged from six to well over seventy, as well as a youth choir drawn from local schools. In addition, Reddish Choral Society, a registered charity and community choir of forty people covering the whole age range regularly use the church. The church school, St. Elisabeth’s CE Primary School also use the building for regular assemblies, their annual carol service, plus other educational uses. The church would also envisage setting up an organ and choral scholarship, aimed at local secondary school aged pupils when the restoration is complete.