This tiny instrument bears no maker’s name,but, judging from the case design, internalarrangements and level of workmanship, itcertainly looks like the work of Hewitt ofLeicester.

This is an instrument with character. ThePrincipal stop runs from middle c only. Likethe Open Diapason, is outside the swell-box,

but, unlike the Open Diapason (which is on thecase front) there is no room around the back ofthe organ for any pipes larger than middle c.

The rest of the pipework is enclosed in a tinyswell-box, controlled by a trigger swell-pedalwhich obscures the top few notes of the straightpedalboard.

This is one of thoseinstruments whichreflects changing times,when pedals would nothave been within theabilities of some organists.Consequently, the builderprovided a full set ofpedals which couple tothe manual, but only 12pedal pipes.

The tallest pipe in theswell-box is actually tootall to fit into it.Following a biblicalprecedent, the organ-builder cut a hole in the

Croit-e-Caley Methodist Chapel

Gt: 8,8,8,4,4 Ped: 16.

swell-box top and allowed the longestfew notes to pass through!

The blower switch is unique to anyorgan on the Island, consisting of a glassbulb, rather like an egg-timer, half filledwith mercury. When the switch isoperated, the bulb is tipped, dumpingthe mercury across the mains contacts(with a satisfying flash) and starting themotor.

The instrument was given a basiccleaning, by Peter Jones, in 1980, whenthe blower box, wind input valve andswell-box were replaced. Minorimprovements have been made, as they were seento be necessary. The organ has been stable sincethat time, though it would benefit from a fulloverhaul.

Having said this, it is yet another example of alittle organ which fits its building, both visuallyand musically, and which continues to give goodservice year after year. A trial was made of anelectronic some years ago.

The electronic did not last very long in a buildingwhich is basically unheated, and has been removed.

The pipe organ, now around 130 years since it wasinstalled in the building as a second-handinstrument, has given good service, being played forthe hymns and voluntaries after an estimated 7,000services and upwards of 30,000 hymns, in additionto use in concerts etc. However, its immediate futureis uncertain as the chapel has now been closed.

If you would like to see a vdeo demonstration of thestops on the organ given by Gareth Moore, thenfollow this link to You Tube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=genqAyo_jHk