A rare organ at a North Tyneside church has been restored as part of an ambitious project, which includes a wider programme of improvements.
It means St John’s in Killingworth also has a new kitchen, mezzanine floor, storage area and eco-friendly heating, with the old gas burners replaced with an infra-red system.
The organ is one of only 10-surviving instruments in the UK built by Robert Postill in the 19th century. Due to its national importance and significance, it is the only Postill organ awarded Grade II star status by the British Institute of Organ Studies.
Now it has been restored to its former glory by local specialists, Lightbown’s of North Shields, and given the grand positioning it deserves thanks to the new mezzanine floor.
“We are absolutely delighted with how it has turned out,” said the Revd Sarah Moon, Priest in Charge of Killingworth Parish.
“The organ looks and sounds wonderful. The restorers have done a remarkable job. We were already very proud of it and now it has an extra special positioning with the new mezzanine floor.”
Postill built some 166 organs, largely across the North, although two were sent to South Africa and one is in the chapel of Blenheim Palace.
The organ restoration at St John’s is particularly satisfying for the church’s organist Nigel Brown, who memorably raised more than £2,300 towards the project in 2024 and 2025, when he cycled 1,490 miles across the UK to visit the nine other churches that have Postill organs.
Overall, the first phase of the project cost £320,000 with National Lottery Heritage Fund funding amounting £196,470, with works approved and sanctioned by the Diocese of Newcastle.
The parish has raised funds thanks to numerous successful activities. Funds have also come from Northumbria Historic Churches Fund, the Rothley Trust, Banks Company, the National Lottery Community Fund, Benefact Trust, ON Organ Fund, Catherine Cookson Trust and Killingworth Christian Council.
Sarah added: “We are indebted to the funders and particularly the Heritage Lottery Fund. They have helped to secure the relocation and restoration of our historic organ whilst creating new facilities in a refurbished church. We plan to make it available for organists to have access to play and for schools to visit and learn more about our musical heritage.”
The completion of works was celebrated with an organ recital by Daniel Cook, the Master of Music and Organist at Durham Cathedral, on 1 May.
The next phase of the project will get underway in late 2026 or early 2027. This will include an additional new entrance on the North side of the church with step-free access, as well as toilets and a welcome space.
Sarah added: “We began with our plans six years ago. It is wonderful to see a major part come to fruition including a new kitchen, storage and general improvements including new heating. It is a great encouragement for us to get on with the final phase, adding toilets and a new entrance.”
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