The first church was Christ Church and St John, Union Grove, SW8 2QT at 2.00pm. See the church website here and the specification here. 
Twelve SSLSO members and 1 guest met to play the Lewis organ in Christ Church, and the Forster and Andrews in St Paul’s. Peter Smith, organist at Christ Church explained how what remains of the original organ came to be. The result of water damage and a compromise financial arrangement meant that the choir organ pipework left the church with the builder. The remaining Great, Swell and Pedal divisions have a striking richness of tone, ably demonstrated by Peter’s performance of the Fantasia on ‘Lift Up Your Heads’ by Guilmant and by Dr Harry Bramma’s exploration of the full dynamic and tonal range of the organ. The biggest impact is in the chancel, as the screen and arch dampens the volume as one enters the nave. Harry and Dr William McVicker discussed the importance of this organ, being the likely first organ that Lewis built, in the church where he was married. Harry described how Lewis’s star has risen in recent years as to be one of the most important British organ builders. Influenced by Edmund Schulze, his organs are found all over the UK and also in St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, Australia. Music by Buxtehude, Dupuis, Dupré, and Howells all featured during the afternoon.

St Paul’s Rectory Grove,  SW4 0DX, is situated only 15 minutes’ walk in a straight line, but is much more awkward to arrive at by car as a result of one way traffic restrictions across a railway bridge and through Clapham centre. However, the church is tucked in a corner in an almost rural setting, most charming. See the church website here and the specification here.The two manual and pedal organ is about to be rebuilt. It speaks directly into the church on the north side as there are no transepts to block the sound. Thanks to Robert Bowles’ knowledge of local churches and their personnel, we were able to gain access to the church and organ via the vicarage. Robert also spoke about the organ before members played music, again, by Buxtehude, Dupuis, Dupré, Karg Elert, and others. Two lovely features of the organ is the 4′ flute on the Swell, and the 8′ Cremona on the Great. One hopes that the forthcoming rebuild keeps the straight pedal board.

Thanks are due to the clergy of both churches who granted permission for the visits and who met our members during the course of the afternoon. Also to Peter Smith from Christ Church and to Paul, the St Paul’s treasurer for being there to help.

Marilyn Harper