The Memorial Community Church organ has survived the blitz, vandalism, pigeons and floods – but now it needs a bit of TLC to survive

A church organ — The Memorial Community Church organ

The East End’s most significant church organ celebrated its centenary recently, but it is in desperate need of care and restoration.

The organ was presented as a gift to the West Ham Central Mission in 1924 by internationally renowned singer Dame Clara Butt (for whom Elgar famously wrote Land of Hope and Glory). Over the years it has survived the blitz, vandalism, pigeons and floods – but now it needs a bit of TLC to survive.

“We’re so proud of this special instrument,” said Reverend Andrew Allcock, Minister of the now Memorial Community Church, “but it’s barely hanging together and desperately needs a rebuild.”

To celebrate the organ’s centenary and raise funds for its restoration, the church on Barking Road, Plaistow, held a birthday concert on 16th July.

The organ was used regularly up until the end of the last century and was out of action for some time as a result of damage. According to Reverend Allcock, while now in tune, several ranks remain unplayable and the whole instrument is still suffering from the legacy of damp and neglect.

The church has been quoted a £130,000 bill for a rebuild.

Lack of action now will mean further deterioration from which the instrument might not be able to recover.

For further information or to donate, contact minister@memorialcc.org.uk

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