St John the Baptist Church organ is half way to renovation after council funding decision

Musican play in a church — An event at St John the Baptist (organ left)

The ‘Heart of Barnet’s Heart’ is on the way to being restored, after councillors helped secure a cash boost for the organ of St John the Baptist Church.

Fundraisers for the church said: “As the Church is the heart of the town, the organ is the heart of the Church. The Church Organ needs urgent and major refurbishment to safeguard it for the future, as many components of the organ are beginning to fail.”

The organ, originally built in 1884, is regularly used for church services, school events and concerts, which is in the centre of Barnet on the corner of Wood Street and High Street. However, many of the pipes are broken and some of the resonators have collapsed. The total cost of the refurbishing the organ will be a little more than £160,000.

The local authority granted £83,000 towards the cost after High Barnet councillors Emma Whysall and Paul Edwards advocated for the cause at Barnet Council.

Councillor Whysall said: “St John the Baptist Church gives so much to the community – spiritually, educationally, musically.

“With a new Musical Director on the way to draw young people, women and traditionally marginalised groups into classical music, I am delighted we have managed to secure council support for the church’s magnificent organ.”

Father Sam Rossiter-Peters said: “We have been serving Barnet since 1250 and our wonderful organ is a focal point for us. With this support we are all set to restore it to its full glory.”

The church is also fundraising for renovations to the wider buildings that need to be carried out.

Supporters can find out how to donate by contacting [email protected]

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