Victorian Organ Hits a High Note in Church's 21st Century Makeover

St John's Church in Killingworth, North Tyneside, has recently completed the restoration of a very rare and important organ. This organ is unique because it is the only one in the country to have a Grade II star status from the British Institute of Organ Studies, which means it is recognized for its national importance. The organ was built by Robert Postill of York, who made 166 organs, mostly for churches in northern England. One of his organs is even in the chapel at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. Today, only 10 of these organs are still around, and the one at St John's is one of them.

The restoration of the organ is part of a bigger project to modernize the church and make it more useful for the community. The church has added a new kitchen, new toilets, and meeting rooms. The vicar, Reverend Sarah Moon, explained that the goal is to have the church used by the community every day. She said that when the project started six years ago, the church did not even have running water and was heated by coal. Now, they are working to bring the church into the 21st century so that it can be a place for everyone.

The organ was restored by experts who had to take it apart completely and fix all the woodwork so it would look like it did in Victorian times. Nigel Brown, the organist at St John's, went on a fundraising bike ride to visit all the other Postill organs that still exist. He traveled 1,490 miles across England and Scotland. The organ was played for the first time in a year on Easter Sunday, and Reverend Moon said it was amazing to see people singing along to the music. She said it brought tears to her eyes. The church plans to let organists play the organ and to teach children about music heritage. Two keyboard groups from local schools will visit soon to try playing the organ and learn about its history.