The Organs of Holy Trinity Church, Folkestone
Holy Trinity Organ Positive pipes 2015
The instrument is one of the finest in the south of England and is highly suited to all types of organ music. It has a very clear chorus structure in each department and fills the building with richness and brilliance.
The first organ at Holy Trinity was built by Bishop and Starr in 1869. This was replaced by a larger, finer instrument built by Bishop and Son in 1888. The poor state of the pneumatic action necessitated a thorough reconstruction by the firm F Tunks and Sons in 1923. The action continued to be troublesome and was partly electrified by Hill, Norman and Beard in 1949. During the 1950s small additions were made by F H Browne and Sons.
Reconstruction in 1923 left the organ with a poor tonal design, and defects in blend, balance and voicing became increasingly apparent. Some pipework was damaged and eventually there was severe deterioration of the post-war electric action.
Organ piston capture system
This led to a major investigation and in 1965 it was decided that essential work must be undertaken. The task of rebuilding the organ was carried out by J W Walker and Sons in 1966. The design was largely the responsibility of John Belcher, who was Organist and Choirmaster of the church at the time.
Since then the organ has been in the care of F H Browne and Sons. Necessary works completed have included a new piston action and capture system installed in 1985; this was replaced in 2003 when the organ was rewired and now includes a stepper system. Both the Positive and Swell divisions were cleaned and overhauled at the same time. In 2007 Browne’s donated a new Great Trumpet stop in memory of the late John Blaskett (Organist and Choirmaster 1980-1990) and the Clarinet stop was restored to the positive section.
July 2016 Restored Organ
In 2012 signs of damage to the sound boards and leather had been identified and a humidifier was fitted just before Christmas 2013 in the hope that this might stop any further deterioration. This humidifier was mostly funded by donations made to the “Friends of the Music”.
January 2016 saw a major restoration of the organ with the removal and restoration of all pipework; removal and restoration of the soundboards; thorough cleaning; reassembly, regulation and tuning. This work was completed thanks to the generosity of our congregation and friends with additional funding from the following organisations, without whom this work could not have taken place: The Queen Victoria Memorial Foundation; The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust; The Ronald Cruickshank Foundation; The Williams Church Music Trust; The ON Organ Fund and Shepway District Council.
Following the completion of this work, the director of Browne’s commented:
“I believe Holy Trinity is probably the best organ we have in our care and it’s great to see it being looked after so well.”
As you can see constant maintenance of such a large instrument is essential and you can help keep this treasure for future generations by sending or leaving a donation in the church. Alternatively we hold a series of organ recitals on Wednesday evenings during the summer months of July, August and September; any profits from these usually go toward the organ. Events like these added to the generosity of the congregation and friends of the church have meant that the upkeep of the organ has been maintained. Leaflets are available in the church should you wish to become a member of “The Friends of the Music” at Holy Trinity. Any help you can give would be very much appreciated..
For further details about ways you can help and for full details of the Summer Organ Recital Series visit the "Friends of The Music" page.
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c/o St George's Church, 8 Audley Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3QA
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