Shankill Parish rededicate their J W Walker Pipe–Organ
Earlier this month, almost 650 people packed into Shankill Parish Church, Lurgan, to celebrate the completion of the major restoration of their J W Walker Pipe–Organ.
Townspeople joined parishioners past and present for the act of re–dedication and unveiling of the memorial plaque in what is the 150th Anniversary year for the current Parish Church.
Carl McCambley, Musical Director, led the congregation on the organ with a rousing opening hymn, “Crown Him with many crowns”, setting the tone for a most memorable evening.
Bishop Harold encouraged the congregation to consider being more active in worship as he shared from Psalm 150 focusing on the “What, Why, How and Who” of worship.
The focal point of the evening was a most moving rendition of “Jesu, joy of man’s desiring” by JS Bach. Following the recital the congregation burst into spontaneous and prolonged applause such was the joy of hearing the beautiful sound of the organ fill the Parish Church once more.
The organ in the church was last played on Easter Sunday 2013 and the total cost of restorations was just over £170, 000. The total raised to date is £159,000.
Pictured above: Carl McCambley with Micheal Creavey of J W Walker & Son. Below: Bishop Harold and Rector Geoff Wilson unveil the plaque and Michael Creavey is pictured by the organ.