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The Parish Organ of Great St Mary's

The earliest history of the Parish Organ is shrouded by uncertainty, though it is likely that the first instrument to occupy the organ chamber in the Chancel was, like its successor, built by the local firm of A. T. Miller. Indeed, Albert Miller was himself Organist of Great St Mary's for many years. The first Parish Organ being inadequate in power to accompany the services, the Parish raised 450 pounds for the enlargement and reconstruction of the organ in 1892. Further work on the organ took place in 1924 and 1934, before a major rebulding by the local firm of E. J. Johnson and Son in 1961. Though a large and powerful instrument, the old Parish Organ was badly sited, the egress of sound from the chamber being unsatisfactory, and the action had become obsolete. After careful consideration, the Parochial Church Council, assisted by expert advisers, took the courageous step to replace the old organ with a completely new instrument, at the same time refurbishing the Vestry beneath the organ and creating a new room at first-floor level behind it. The new organ was designed and built by Kenneth Jones and Associates of Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland, and was installed in 1991, with an Inaugural Recital by Simon Preston on the 20th October.