Old Parish Church Guide Book

In 1937, the instrument was rebuilt, reduced to 2-manuals by Henry Willis of
London and moved to the present chamber with the console still in the chancel.
In 1972, the organ was rebuilt by Rushworth and Dreaper of Liverpool, who
retained the chamber; such tonal changes as were made, were incorporated in the
modified Willis console still in the chancel.
In 1989, the organ, then in the care of R.C.Goldsmith Ltd, was restored to
3-manuals, a new choir organ being built by him and installed in the south gallery
while a new 3-manual console was also provided and placed on the pavement
directly underneath the choir organ.
In 2002 the organ was overhauled by J.R.Lightoller, organ builder. At the same
time some tonal improvements were carried out to the existing pipework and the
organ extended by the addition of two further stops, namely a pedal trombone
and a swell celeste. This enhancement of the organ was carried out as a memorial
to the late Iain Cruickshanks who was organist and choirmaster over a period of
35 years. At present the organ is now a fine instrument with a comprehensive tonal
range.
The Chancel and the Choirstalls
Within the chancel, the communion table, chair and prayer desks, together
with the chair and kneeler tapestries, were all gifted to the Church. Also
gifted, was the wooden cross which forms a focal
point within the chancel. When the chancel
is lit, the cross casts two shadows, reminding
everyone of the three crosses that stood on
Calvary’s Hill.
The chancel was re-arranged within a fabric
scheme to celebrate the centenary of the
present building on 24th March, 1987. It was
the generosity of two other members of the
congregation which made this re-arrangement
possible, along with the provision of new
choirstalls which brought the organist and choir
out of the chancel and into the body of the kirk.
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