The organ at Holy Trinity Church in Camden Town

By MAISY GLEDHILL

FOR years, it has provided a musical backdrop for weddings, baptisms and Sunday services, but the organ inside a Camden Town church needs a big fix.

Now Holy Trinity in Clarence Way is appealing for donations to repair this crucial part of the church.

Father Philip Corbett – and Torquhil, his Dandie Dinmont terrier – told the New Journal this week: “We have reached this point where things need restoring, particularly our organ, which will cost in the region of £45,000 to restore and protect it from further damage. However, we don’t receive any funding from the government so we can only make money through fundraising.

“The church is 176 years old and has seen all sorts of things. It’s been at the heart of the community for all of this time, where people come to be baptised, married, and take part in school worship.”

The parish has launched a “sponsor a pipe” campaign, where supporters can sponsor individual pipes for £20. There are 210 individual pipes available for sponsorship, covering around 10 per cent of the overall repair budget.

They’ve also hosted bric-a-brac sales, raffles, and carol services in an attempt to raise more money for the cause.

Father Phillip and Torquhil

The Grade II-listed Bevington and Sons tracker-action organ was built in 1850, and repaired in the late 1900s following damage from World War II bombings.

Fr Philip emphasised the importance of music in worship, and the impact that the organ has had: “We play it every Sunday but every now and again it ceases to function quite when you want it to. I am a big hymn fan. My favourite is Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, it’s rousing to sing along to.”

Holy Trinity will hold two fundraising concerts. On Thursday 19 November at 7pm, the church will be hosting Primary School Assembly Bangers, and on Friday 11 December at 7pm, a cabaret evening with Fr Philip.

For both events tickets are £10 and can be bought on the door.