A vicar has teamed up with a community group to bring a rare church Organ back into use.
The project is part of a major resurgence at All Saints Church in Church Avenue, Highams Park, by Reverend Steve Clark, who hopes to maintain the building as a thriving community hub.
A total of £50,000 is needed to repair and maintain the Organ, which was built in 1910 by world-renowned manufacturer Robert Spurden Rutt, who was based in High Road, Leyton.
Organ maker Robert Spurden Rutt's name engraved on the All Saints organ
By the outbreak of the First World War, he had designed and built over one hundred instruments.
Records show the organ might have originally been housed in an earlier church in Selwyn Avenue and moved to All Saints some time before 1978.
It fell into disrepair and has been out of use for about 30 years.
In 1959, Mr Rutt’s company was absorbed into J.W Walker and Sons, who are organ makers to the Queen.
Janet Charlesworth, of Gordon Avenue, 61, remembers playing the organ as a university student.
"I played off and on a good 20 years ago," she said.
"It was quite good but the pedals hardly ever worked. It is certainly very important for the church and concerts but also a valuable asset for the community.
"I would love to have it back."
Rev Clark is working with the Highams Park Planning Group (HPPG), particularly chair of the Group’s heritage body, Camille Hastings-Prosser, to submit a bid to the heritage lottery fund for £43,000.
They are hoping the remaining £7,000 will be raised through concerts and other fundraising events.
Congregation member Ms Hastings-Prosser, of Castle Avenue, said the church’s future was recently under threat.
"A few years ago the Diocese of Chelmsford was looking for close it as there was only a handful of people in the congregation," she said.
"The new vicar brought the church to life and turned it into a community space.
"He really brought it back from the brink of closure and now the church hall is in continuous use and is always open.
"This organ is of local distinction and part of Highams Park’s heritage so it is vitally important we restore it to its former glory."
Reverend Clark, added: "The church needed a new minister to turn it around and now the congregation has swelled to over 130 members.
"Sadly, due to lack of finances this wonderful instrument has been neglected.
"In order to enable the community to once again enjoy the benefits of this historic instrument and building, we have adjusted the physical layout of the church and it is to this aim that we need to breathe new life back into this magnificent organ."
The first fundraising concert has been organised by Etesian Winds and will take place at the church on July 10 from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5.
Rev Steve Clarke, Camille Hastings-Prosser, Highams Park Planning Group chairman Gordon Turpin beside the church organ
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