St Stephen's URC

The Organ

A Sound That Has Delighted Generations

The pipe organ at St. Stephen’s is more than an instrument—it’s a living voice of faith, a heritage treasure and a central part of the church’s musical identity.

🕰️ A Brief History

  • Installed in the late 19th century, the organ was originally operated by manual hand-pumping, requiring physical strength and precision to keep the air flowing through its pipes.
  • As technology progressed, it was later converted to an electric system, maintaining its original character while enhancing playability and consistency.
  • Over the decades, it has accompanied thousands of hymns, weddings, funerals, concerts, and contemplative services—a faithful servant to the rhythm of church life.

🛠️ Craftsmanship & Features
It features:

  • A two-manual keyboard console
  • Pedalboard for deep bass tones
  • A range of voiced ranks delivering everything from warm flutes to powerful reeds
  • Traditional mechanical drawstops
  • Fine woodwork and classic pipework integrated into the church’s architectural style

The organ is regularly maintained and tuned to ensure that it continues to perform at its best—both as a liturgical instrument and as a concert showpiece.

🎶 The Organ in Worship & Performance

Each Sunday, the organ leads hymns and offers reflective preludes and postludes. It also has a prominent role in:

  • Seasonal services such as Christmas and Easter
  • Funeral and wedding ceremonies
  • Solo recitals and organ concerts  open to the public
  • Occasional collaborations with singers, flautists or string ensembles

📖 A Story Told Through Sound

Many congregation members and visitors speak of the emotional depth and majestic presence the organ brings—its music often evoking memories, healing, and peace. It is as much a storyteller as it is an instrument.

👋 Interested in Playing or Visiting?

We welcome visiting organists, music students and those interested in learning more about the instrument.

To arrange a tour, practice session, or to discuss performing in a future concert:

📞 Phone: 0116 254 0444

📧 Email: ststephensurc@gmail.com