Conisborough Notes – The Church Organ

December 1888

Mexborough and Swinton Times December 7, 1888

Conisborough Notes – The Church Organ

I understand that Mr White, the organist at the church, is trying to raise enough money to put the church organ into thorough repair.

The organ itself is very old, having been in Conisborough Church nearly 100 years. It is one of the old-fashioned G organs which are seldom met with nowadays.

A new set of pedals is absolutely necessary, and which I hear are to be made and ready by Christmas. Other portions are in great need of repair, and some are quite worn out.

I do hope that all will come forward and help on the work by giving liberally.

£50 is the sum required to put the instrument into thorough repair. If allowed to continue in its present state a new organ will soon be needed.

The organ itself is excellent in quality and tone, and quite large enough for the church.

Mexborough and Swinton Times December 14, 1888

A resident writes as follows:

“In your notes from Conisbrough last week, your correspondent is evidently labouring under a misapprehension at to the age of the organ in the Parish Church.

The incident was bought from Messrs. Forster and Andrews of Hull about 42 years ago, and was one of the first organs built by that firm in Yorkshire.

The composition of the organ was a choice of the late Mr Edward Harrison, and the same gentleman obtained the wherewithal to buy it. The quality of the instrument is most certainly such as no firm need to be ashamed of, and it is to be hoped the same firm will be entrusted with any repairs which may be deemed necessary.”