Projects > St John the Baptist Church, Huntley

Restoration of Grade I listed Gray & Davison church organ

Posted: 13th October 2014

Funding: £8,000
Scheme Type: Normal Grants
Project Type: Heritage Buildings & Places of Worship
Area: Forest of Dean District Council

St John the Baptist Church, Ross Road, Huntley, Gloucestershire, GL19 3EX

An historic church organ has been restored to its former Victorian glory with its original decorative features and characteristics retained.

Funded by donations and a grant from The Gloucestershire Environmental Trust, the organ restoration took three years to plan and for grant applications to be approved.

Built by a famous builder in 1863, the Grade I listed Gray and Davison organ is located in the Grade I listed church, St John the Baptist in Huntley.

The restoration work was carried out by John Budgen and the organ was first removed from the chamber in May 2011 to allow the window to be restored. The Cornopean reed pipes were fitted with new sections to recover the original length and re-tuned to a Victorian character.

The organ was re-dedicated by the Bishop of Tewkesbury, The Right Rev. John Went in April 2012 and was played at an event in June 2012 by Dr Massey, a former organist and Master of the Choristers at Hereford.

The Parish Church Council parish members are extremely grateful and pleased at the restoration work that has been carried out on the organ and Ian Fox, Gloucestershire's Diocesan Organ Advisor has recommended that the fine craftsmanship to the organ by John Budgen is reported to the diocese.

Website: www.gloucester.anglican.org