Church organs have long been at the heart of worship. They accompany hymns and fill our church buildings with music. But what makes them special today, and how can they continue to bring people together, both in worship and beyond?
Fiona Brown, organist and member of the steering group at St Stephen’s Cheltenham, feels that the organ is central to worship.
“It’s the soul of the church, and a vital part of the church’s character and worship. It supports the singing absolutely brilliantly.
“When you come into the building and you hear it, it sounds amazing. What I love about playing the organ is that you’ve got so many different sounds, and also you can be doing so many different things at once.”
The organ offers a unique experience for the person playing it, and also for those listening. Playing takes practice and coordination. You use your hands to play the keyboards and your feet to play the pedals, all at the same time. You can also change the sound using special controls called stops, which means the organ can sound like anything from a gentle whisper to a powerful orchestra.
“Playing the organ can be deeply personal. I think it’s wonderful if you’re in a church building late at night. It’s all quiet, and you’re just playing,” Fiona said. “It’s the most peaceful thing to do. It really feels like a spiritual activity, if you’re playing the right music.”
The 1912 Norman and Beard organ at St Stephen’s is in poor condition due to more than a century of wear. But it is still played for services around two to three times a month, despite its condition.
“If the organ was restored at St Stephen’s, it would help keep music at the heart of church life, and make it accessible to a wider audience,” Fiona said. “Alongside its role in worship, a restored organ could be used for recitals, teaching, choral and orchestral concerts, and could be used to accompany silent films.”
Restoring the organ would also support St Stephen’s wider plans to become an arts and community centre, bringing more music, performances and activities into the building alongside regular worship. With restoration costs estimated at between £150,000 and £272,000 plus VAT, the church hopes to include the work in its wider fundraising plans. The aim is to make better use of this much-loved building and create more opportunities for the local community to enjoy music and take part in activities.
You don’t need to be an expert to give playing the organ a go. In 2025, a campaign by the Royal College of Organists gave around 3,500 people the chance to try playing an organ, many for the first time. It’s a great way to discover a new instrument and learn a skill that can bring music to churches and communities.
If you’re interested in this story, Gloucester Cathedral Organ Academy is hosting ‘Leading the Line’ in November, which will include an organ masterclass with Jonathan Hope, Assistant Director of Music at Gloucester Cathedral, and a congregational hymn-singing workshop. Masterclass participants will play the organ for the congregation. Find out more →
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