Last week in January – emptying the church
The organ pipes have been removed and taken to Henry Groves and Son (organ builders) for restoration and safe-keeping. They will be put back once the building work is complete. This photo shows the empty organ space.
Some of the largest organ pipes (bass flute stop)
One of the wooden organ pipes was found to have writing on it that said “Made by Charles Patterson 1902”
Pews being removed from downstairs for sale as benches
February – Starting the work
The floor removed showing the pipes underneath.
We found an old shoe under the floor which probably dates from the time the church was built in 1902. This was a tradition dating back to the earliest record in 1308AD, particularly common in the 1700s and 1800s but died out during the 1900s.
Blocking up the door to the side galley