Organ Advisory Service

The Methodist Organ Advisory Service was set up in the 1970s as a much needed service for the church. Today the need is even greater given the costs of repairing, rebuilding or replacing pipe organs, and the huge variety of none-pipe organs which are available.

The Advisory Service works through a team of advisors who between them cover the whole of British Methodism. Most districts have their own advisor, but some advisors do cover more than one district.

Advisors are usually active organists so they are aware of the tensions which can occur when discussions about organs are raised in Church circles! In addition they have a good working knowledge of organs and access to more technical advice, should it be required. They are also aware of the particular competences of different organ builders and the differences between the many “none pipe” instruments now available.

Advisors normally give their services to churches free of charge but individual churches are required to meet travelling and other subsistence costs.

Churches needing advice on organs are encouraged to involve their advisor as early as possible in their deliberations. Whilst there may be a view within a church on the desired action to be taken, an outside, impartial advisor can often present an alternative solution which may be both technically more appropriate and cost effective.

An advisor will normally visit the church, discuss the situation with appropriate church officers and produce a report. Dependent upon the situation and the solution eventually agreed by the local Church Council, the advisor may continue liaising with the church whilst the project progresses. (This is more likely where a pipe organ rebuild/refurbishment scheme is the preferred solution.)

To contact the co-ordinator of the Organ Advisory Service by email please click here