Date:08/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/08/stories/2006120802550200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Century-old church pipe organ restored and rededicated

K. Lakshmi

Specialist brought from England, and Rs.5 lakh spent on repairs

REGAINING RESONANCE: The century-old pipe organ being played at the church service at CSI Zion Church, Chintadripet, on Sunday. — Photo: R. Ragu

CHENNAI: For several months now, the century-old pipe organ at CSI Zion Church, a heritage landmark in Chintadripet, remained silent. Several Sundays had gone by without the sonorous music that accompanied the hymns sung during the church service.

Last Sunday there was an occasion for the members to rejoice, as the pipe organ, which was a rare piece in the country, was restored and rededicated by Sundar Clarke, former bishop of the CSI Diocese. This treasured possession of the church is almost as old as the church. Manufactured in 1895 in England, the antique masterpiece of the church has been used at all important occasions in the church. As few of the chords were not working, the pipe organ was in need of repair. Restoring it remained a pipedream for the church members, as there were no specialists to repair such an antique instrument in India.

A specialist had to fly down from England, and Rs.5 lakh kept aside for the repair for the pipe organ to regain its glory, said one of the church members. The instrument is estimated to be worth Rs.1 crore.

Now, the church has got back its melody. The carol service of the church was held with the resonant music of the pipe organ this Advent Sunday. A congregation of 300 people listened to carols such as `Standing by the promises' sung by the choirs.

A church member said that the carol service was popular in the city. He recalled that the Governor's band used to accompany the choir during the British period.