Our Church Organ
The enthusiasm of Walter Goss Custard led to the installation of a four‐manual Holdich organ of 43 stops that was commissioned on 18 April 1882. The organ was built into a gallery in the south‐east corner of the church (to the right of the high altar). The 1882 organ remained in use until 1928. It was rebuilt by Norman and Beard in 1901/02 with new Great and Swell sound‐boards, much revoicing and a new Tuba. The same firm made stop changes in 1914.
After a complete breakdown in 1929 the instrument was rebuilt by Willis as a three‐manual, and the opportunity was taken to remove the organ to the recently erected rear gallery where the organ was divided.
The rebuilt organ was dedicated on 7 May 1930. Walkers carried out further (largely conserving work) on the organ in the 1970s which included rebuilding the Great Organ.
Choir
Our Director of Music & Organist, David Smith, leads a small choir of mainly adult voices. New choir members are always welcome, no previous experience is required as some training & guidance is given.
Our Choir sometimes visits other Churches and Cathedrals to sing evensong for example, with other visiting choirs, we've joined with and have historical links with our founding Priest Rev Charles Lyndhurst Vaughan's first Parish of St Neots and their choir on these visits.
Contact David Smith via the Parish Office or speak to him after the 10:30am Sunday Parish Mass if you are interested in joining the Choir.
Musical Heritage
Christ Church has a long musical tradition, the internationally famous counter tenor, Alfred Deller, sang in the choir before moving to Canterbury and later gave concerts. Walter Goss Custard and Allan Biggs are among our past organists who also both gave concerts.
Hiring Our Church For Your Event
We warmly welcome music groups from outside the Church to use our buildings.
We have enjoyed visits from St Leonards Concerts, Hastings Philharmonic Choir & Orchestra, Sunshine on Sea concerts, among others.
A Bechstein Grand piano was donated to us by a generous benefactor, which is available for use in concerts etc...
David Smith
Director of Music/Organist
