St Luke’s Anglican Church launches appeal to raise funds for 116-year-old organ

A 116-year-old staple of a Toowoomba church, recently used in a touching commemoration of the late Queen Elizabeth II, is in dire need of community support. Here’s how you can help.

A Toowoomba church has launched a special appeal to save a heritage-listed organ that has been a staple at myriad community events during its colourful 115-year history.

St Luke’s Anglican Church has hosted countless concerts and events throughout its 126-year history, and since 1907 has housed what is considered one of the top three organs in Queensland.

The 1907 Norman and Beard pipe organ was listed by the National Trust of Queensland in 1993, and just recently was played to commemorate the late Queen Elizabeth II.

“It looks beautiful on the outside and still sounds beautiful, but some of the connections in the console and pipes are beginning to show a few signs,” Reverend Canon Paul Mitchell said.

“It is in constant use, but the mechanism is becoming unreliable.

St Luke's Anglican Church community appeal for help to conserve their National Trust listed 1907 Norman and Beard pipe organ, Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“We want to ensure it’s still available for both of our use and the community’s use.”

In order to maintain and preserve the organ for the next decade, Mr Mitchell is hoping the appeal can raise $165,000.

The first stage requires removing and thoroughly cleaning seven ranks of pipes and is expected to cost $23,000.

At more than 60 years old, the console need to be rewired and components need to be replaced, which is expected to cost $72,000.

“Slider seals for the Great and Swell organs … these allow for movement resulting from climatic fluctuations in order to maintain airtight seals, exacerbated by climate change,” Mr Mitchell said.

“(Those would cost) $45,000 or $50,000 if not done at the same time as (the cleaning of the pipes).”

The Reverend Canon Paul Mitchell as St Luke's Anglican Church community appeal for help to conserve their National Trust listed 1907 Norman and Beard pipe organ, Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Lastly, the action magnets and valves are more than 60 years old and require an overhaul, estimated to cost $20,000.

“We could just respond to things that are immediate, but then we would be going back year after year,” Mr Mitchell said.

“We’re looking into the future or the use and availability for the wider community.”

St Luke’s Hymnfest on Sunday, March 12 will officially launch the church’s organ appeal.

The free event, starting at 3pm, will see performances by local musicians and choirs, including a massed choir for guests to sing well-known hymns.

A celebratory afternoon tea will be offered at the end of the event as well, with donations welcomes to go towards the appeal.

“It is hoped that this celebration of music and song will highlight the blessing of music offered in this place for the benefit of the wider community,” Mr Mitchell said.

“We’ll leave whatever people want to donate up to them, and leave this as an offer for them to have a free experience.”