On Sunday, 21 September, at Choral Evensong, the organ of Bristol Cathedral was rededicated and blessed as an instrument of worship, following a comprehensive 19-month restoration. The service was attended by approximately 300, and The Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Bishop of Swindon and Acting Bishop of Bristol, preached the sermon. During the rededication, the organ was played by Paul Walton, Assistant Organist of the Cathedral, who played a series of improvisations which demonstrated the full capabilities of the organ. The voluntary, Howells’ Rhapsody No. 3, was played by Mark Lee, Master of the Choristers and Organist.
The organ of Bristol Cathedral is regarded as one of the great instruments of the English tradition, and still features the case and some of the pipework of the original organ built by Renatus Harris in 1685. In the 19th century, local organ builders Vowles took over the upkeep of the instrument and moved it to the northern bays of the Quire. It was then completely rebuilt in 1907 by J. W. Walker & Sons Ltd, who equipped it to fill the new nave of the Cathedral and gave it the rich, romantic voice that became central to worship and music in the Cathedral throughout the twentieth century. A further significant restoration was carried out by N. P. Mander Ltd in 1989/90.
The most recent restoration of the organ commenced in 2024 and was made possible by donations from the Harry Crook Foundation, the Cathedral Trust, and individual donors. The process, carried out by the renowned specialists Harrison & Harrison Ltd, involved a comprehensive overhaul of all 3,855 pipes to clean, repair, and rebuild the instrument. The Cathedral team emphasised how the project has "preserved the organ’s historic character while enhancing its tonal richness, allowing its magnificent voice to inspire generations to come."
Early in the service, The Very Revd Dr Mandy Ford, Dean of Bristol, rededicated the organ, praying that God would “be pleased to prosper the use of this restored organ which we now dedicate to thy service in this thy hallowed house of prayer.” Later on, Bishop Neil gave the sermon and began by asking the congregation to applaud the musicians for what they had produced. He then spoke about the importance of music in our worship and how it brings people together.
The service was followed by a drinks reception, giving attendees a chance to see the organ console, meet the organists and celebrate the historic milestone.
If you would like to learn more about the Cathedral organ, please click here.