The 1894 Forster & Andrews organ, St Giles' Parish Church, Wrexham
This was the first 3-manual organ Chris ever played (c.1982) and it has a special place in his heart. He is pictured here having played it for his cousin's wedding (hence the robes!) in 2003. Chris knew this organ before its mid-1980s re-build, when it still had its near-original stop list, original keyboards (the ivories worn through to the wood in places) and pedalboard, trigger swell, massive pumping wheel on the east side, and very leaky Barker machine that caused the organ to speak sluggishly. The changes to the stop list would probably not be allowed nowadays; but they were, on balance, a massive improvement. St Giles is a large church and the absence of any Mixtures in the original specification meant that, despite the excellent Forster and Andrews voicing, the sound lacked the clarity that the 1980s upper-work has imparted. The new wooden 16' Trombone brought definition to the pedal department.
Click HERE for the link to the National Pipe Organ Register.
Click HERE for the link to the National Pipe Organ Register.
Chris at the organ of St Giles, Wrexham in 2003, having just played for his cousin's wedding
The console in 1986 during the restoration by Johnson of Cambridge. The Great and Swell organs were playable but the Choir and Pedal stops had not yet been reinstated. Pipes of the new Pedal Trombone 16' can be seen on the right within the case. The new wood-covered manuals and new pedalboard with darker wood on the black keys can also be seen.
The organ looking towards the west side of the case during the 1986 restoration by Johnson of Cambridge. The wooden pipes of the new Pedal Trombone 16' are clearly visible.
The organ before the 1986s restoration. The Pedal Organ has only three stops and the trigger Swell pedal can be seen. This picture was featured in the Appeal Booklet for the 1986 restoration (photographer unknown).
The newspaper cutting below are probably from the Wrexham Leader
