History
Work began on this magnificent organ in 1856 by Messrs Kirtland and Jardine, successors
to the famous Manchester organ builders Boston and Renn. The Grand Organ was initially
commissioned by Benjamin Joule for St Peter’s Church in Manchester.
St Peter’s church was consecrated in 1794 and little is known about the first organ.
In 1853, Benjamin Joule became the honorary organist and choir master of St Peter’s
Church. Largely at his own expense, Benjamin engaged Kirtland and Jardine to build
a fine organ for St Peter’s at a cost of £2,750.00.0d.
The design, development and construction of the Grand Organ took almost seventeen
years to complete. The instrument was at the forefront of innovation and change,
making it one of the most important ‘transitional’ organs of the period. The widespread
influence of the famous French organ builder Aristied Cavaille Coll was spreading
through England, especially after the Great Exhibition in 1851.
A 32’ stop made it’s appearance in the specification for the St Peter’s organ. String
tones and imitative reeds also appear in abundance together with harmonic flutes
and free reeds. The new instrument was inaugurated by Mr E. J. Hopkins in 1856 and
over the years, subsequent developments took place . At the time of its completion,
it was the fourth largest organ in England and ranked as the twenty seventh largest
in the world.
Benjamin Joule was associated with St Peter’s for forty years. In 1906, the church
closed and sold to Manchester City Corporation. It was subsequently demolished and
in 1907 the organ was given to the parish of St Brides, Old Trafford. The church
established a wonderful music and choral tradition, with organists travelling from
far and wide. After the war however, both the congregation and parochial funds dwindled
and by 1960 this unique and very special organ was neglected and almost unplayable.
The impressive original casework no longer exists.
In 1988, it was decided to demolish St Brides and the closing service took place
on 26th July 1987. After lengthy negotiations, Cannon Ian Gray purchased the organ
and moved it into safe storage whilst its future was resolved. Following discussions
with Lincoln Cathedral, it was decided that the organ would be restored and installed
in St Katherine’s.
Messrs Kirtland and Jardine, the company who constructed the organ, have been commissioned
to restore this very important and magnificent instrument and install it in its
new home