Preserving the past

A dilemma for churches is whether or not to preserve the past. For major work to be carried out in churches a Faculty is required. Clearly, many church congregations are bringing their buildings into the 20th (no that isn't an mistake but a joke!) or even the 21st century by adding toilets, kitchens, removing pews and having comfortable chairs and so on. As I've said before, many places install data projectors, screens and goodness knows what.

Then there is the issue of the organ. Organs take up space, they need regular maintenance and people to play them: this all costs money. However, some organs are linked to the church in which they reside because they are of national or historical importance, or both: they cannot easily be ripped out. (Much the same is true of bell frames but that is another topic).

I converted to a PC many years ago and got rid of my Commodore 64: you cannot keep using old technology and the same is partly true of organs. I have known organs to have been 'restored' or cleaned and yet they are as hard to play - as regards effort - as they ever were. Lots of money spent for no real advantage.

On Facebook there is a post about an organ which is no longer used. It has history and was a very fine example of its kind, years ago. These days the specification looks drab with 8, 8ft stops amongst its 11 manual stops. They have left it in place and now use an electronic organ.

There is a photo on Facebook of the organ case which has had banners positioned for display and this has caused consternation for some. These are the comments:

• It's an inappropriate place for secular activism and the signalling of trends, virtues or vices. (I'm not sure that seeing God as Alpha and Omega is a modern trend, but the NHS rainbow so common in the Covid Lockdown is different!)
  
• Sad use of an organ facade - who in their right mind would hide beautiful pipes and woodwork with (and excuse me) hideous contemporary banners?
• Depressing to see "Holy Roller" banners blocking the front pipes!

It may be that this is an old photo and the banners are no longer there. I do think they look out of place. It is a matter of taste.