Revival of the Pipe Organ

105 years strong... keep the music playing on!

Inside the St. John's Parish Church sits a working piece of Jamaican history. The R. Spurden Rutt & Company pipe organ at the St. John's Parish Church in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica was installed in 1915. It is still functional today, over 100 years later, being the primary source of musical accompaniment for Sunday services. However, as expected, there has been much wear and tear on the organ, which has required maintenance over time. In February 2021, the church engaged the services of Friedemann Buschbeck Organbuilding Company to undertake an assessment and carry out minor repairs. Tuning and rudimentary repairs were done on site, while some of the organ’s pipes were removed and taken to the company’s workshop in Tampa, Florida for rehabilitation. Thankfully, we have not lost the functionality of the organ during this phase of the repairs.

A total of USD$20,000 is needed to facilitate the full rehabilitation of the pipe organ. This restoration will be carried out in phases with our first goal being USD$20,000. The next set of repairs which can be done onsite will involve the façade wind chest and pipes and is expected to commence in November of 2021.

The pipe organ has served the church with distinction, and adds to the unique atmosphere in this long-standing place of worship. It also forms an integral part of the St. John's Parish Church’s illustrious record as a historical centrepiece of the town of Black River.

Your donation to the pipe organ’s restoration will not only uplift the music of the St. John's Parish Church, but will be a contribution to the conservation of a glorious piece of musical history, still echoing its venerable notes after 105 years.

Please contribute to this piece of history today!