St John's Lawton Organ
The pipe organ was installed in 1922. It is of historical importance, being the first instrument constructed in New Zealand by the Scottish organ builder E H Lawton. The Vicar of the day, the Rev Frederick Petrie, had recommended him through family connections back in Scotland where Lawton had previously installed organs. It remains as one of the best preserved Lawton organs in existence, and as an example of the English Edwardian style of organ building.
The organ has four divisions; Swell with six stops, Great with five stops, Choir (MIDI only) and Pedal with two stops. Swell and Great can be coupled together, and also to the Pedal for greater versatility. The sound is adequate for the church, but can now be augmented by modern technology. When in 2002 the organ was overhauled and restored by the South Island Organ Company Limited, it was fitted with an electronic control system. This gives the organist many more playing aids and also enables all divisions to be connected to the nearby digital piano, with the potential to access 128 digital voices. The new aids also provide piston setters and sequencers, together with record and playback functions.
Since restoration the organ has attracted many national and international players, all of whom speak highly of the instrument. It has been described as “a little gem” and “one of Feilding’s treasures,” and remains as Feilding’s only playable pipe organ.
If you are interested in using our organ for a concert/recital, please contact Lynn Heath (06) 323 2849 [email protected] and she will do her best to help you. Financial arrangements can be negotiated at the time.
Click here to read more about the organ's history
The organ has four divisions; Swell with six stops, Great with five stops, Choir (MIDI only) and Pedal with two stops. Swell and Great can be coupled together, and also to the Pedal for greater versatility. The sound is adequate for the church, but can now be augmented by modern technology. When in 2002 the organ was overhauled and restored by the South Island Organ Company Limited, it was fitted with an electronic control system. This gives the organist many more playing aids and also enables all divisions to be connected to the nearby digital piano, with the potential to access 128 digital voices. The new aids also provide piston setters and sequencers, together with record and playback functions.
Since restoration the organ has attracted many national and international players, all of whom speak highly of the instrument. It has been described as “a little gem” and “one of Feilding’s treasures,” and remains as Feilding’s only playable pipe organ.
If you are interested in using our organ for a concert/recital, please contact Lynn Heath (06) 323 2849 [email protected] and she will do her best to help you. Financial arrangements can be negotiated at the time.
Click here to read more about the organ's history
