The Father Willis Organ of Saint Mary's, Ewell
The pipe organ at Saint Mary's in Ewell is a distinguished musical instrument with a storied history. Built by the renowned organ builder Henry Willis—often referred to as "Father Willis"—this instrument represents a significant piece of ecclesiastical musical heritage, blending Victorian craftsmanship with a rich tonal palette.
A Journey from Highbury to Ewell
The organ was originally constructed in 1889 for the Anglican parish church of St Augustine in Highbury. For decades, it served as a centerpiece of worship in that community. However, by 1975, the future of St Augustine's church became uncertain, and the risk of closure loomed. To ensure the preservation of the instrument, the church sold the organ to Saint Mary's, which had suffered the loss of its own similar instrument in a fire two years prior.
The transition was marked by a strange irony. Only days after the Father Willis organ was removed from Highbury, St Augustine's church was reprieved from closure. Instead, a nearby church dedicated to St John closed its doors, and its smaller organ was subsequently installed at St Augustine's.
The installation at Ewell was carried out by the Liverpool-based firm Rushworth and Dreaper. While the firm maintained the original build of the instrument, they made a few aesthetic adjustments to align with the fashions of the 1970s. Specifically, some of the finely stencilled front-pipes were painted gold. Despite this, a few of the original stencilled pipes remain visible from certain angles behind the gold facade.
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Promoting a Hidden Gem
Despite its prestigious origins and its reputation as one of the finest instruments of its kind built in the Highbury area, the Ewell organ has remained relatively unknown to the wider public. To rectify this, the Vicar of Ewell, the Parochial Church Council, and the Director of Music have committed to promoting the instrument through a series of dedicated recitals and concerts, bringing its unique sound to a new audience.
Key Facts
- Builder: Henry Willis (Father Willis).
- Original Build Date: 1889.
- Original Location: St Augustine, Highbury.
- Current Location: Saint Mary's, Ewell.
- Installation Firm: Rushworth and Dreaper (Liverpool).
- Notable Feature: Original stencilled pipes partially hidden by gold paint.
Technical Specifications and Stop List
The organ is divided into four primary sections: the Great, Choir, Swell, and Pedal organs. Each section provides a variety of stops—the knobs that control which pipes receive air to create specific sounds.
| Division | Key Stop Types | Notable Ranges/Pitches |
|---|---|---|
| Great Organ | Diapasons, Flutes, Trumpets | 16' to 2' (including Mixture III) |
| Choir Organ | Dulciana, Flutes, Oboe | 8' to 2' |
| Swell Organ | Bourdon, Salcional, Hautboy | 16' to 2' (including Tremulant) |
| Pedal Organ | Diapason, Violone, Ophicleide | 16' to 8' |
Great Organ
- Double Open Diapason 16'
- Open Diapason 1 & 2 8'
- Claribel Flute 8'
- Principal 4'
- Flute harmonique 4'
- Twelfth 2/3'
- Fifteenth 2'
- Mixture III (1/5')
- Double Trumpet 16'
- Posaune 8'
- Clarion 4'
Choir Organ
- Dulciana 8'
- Lieblich Gedact 8'
- Claribel Flute 8'
- Gamba 8'
- Concert Flute 4'
- Piccolo 2'
- Corno di Bassetto 8'
- Orchestral Oboe 8'
Swell Organ
- Lieblich Bourdon 16'
- Open Diapason 8'
- Lieblich Gedact 8'
- Salcional 8'
- Vox Angelica 8'
- Gemshorn 4'
- Flageolet 2'
- Mixture III (1/5')
- Contra Hautboy 16'
- Cornopean 8'
- Hautboy 8'
- Vox Humana 8'
- Clarion 4'
- Tremulant
Pedal Organ
- Open Diapason 16'
- Violone 16'
- Bourdon 16'
- Octave 8'
- Bass Flute 8'
- Ophicleide 16'
Frequently Asked Questions
Who built the organ at Saint Mary's, Ewell?
The organ was built in 1889 by the famous organ builder Henry Willis, commonly known as Father Willis.
Where was the organ located before it came to Ewell?
It was originally installed in the Anglican parish church of St Augustine in Highbury.
Why was the organ moved in 1975?
It was sold to Saint Mary's to protect the instrument's future because there was a risk that St Augustine's church in Highbury would be closed.
What changes were made to the organ during its installation at Ewell?
The firm Rushworth and Dreaper installed the organ and painted some of the stencilled front-pipes gold to match the fashions of the time, though some original stencilling remains visible.
How is the church planning to promote the instrument?
The Vicar, the Parochial Church Council, and the Director of Music intend to increase awareness of the organ through a series of concerts and recitals.