The beautiful 19th century organ of St Michael le Belfrey will be restored, rebuilt, and installed in St Lawrence Church as part of The Belfrey’s Impact Project.
Built in 1885, the Denman Organ has been part of the church for over 130 years. Though a few repairs have been made to it during the 20th century, this lovely instrument has remained silent in recent years, and it is hoped that its transfer to St Lawrence will give it new life.
The removal of the organ will kickstart a new era for The Belfrey, who recently chose an architect to redesign and reimagine this bastion of faith within the city. It will also introduce an exciting new chapter in the sung worship of St Lawrence Church – the current building of which is a mere two years older than the organ itself.
Vicar of St Michael le Belfrey, Matthew Porter, said: "We are thrilled our beautiful Denman organ will find its new home at St Lawrence's and remain here in York. We are pleased to see the organ restored to its original character and to see the worship life of St Lawrence's benefit. It's heartening that many from the Belfrey and other City Centre Churches are working together to see this project come to fruition."
If you would like to contribute to the new life of this wonderful organ, please contact the Priest-in-charge for City Centre Churches, the Revd Jane Nattrass at nattrassjane@aol.com. To find out more about The Impact Project at the Belfrey, see their website at www.belfrey.org.