A historic pipe organ – one of only 11 to arrive in Australia and the oldest in operation – is celebrating its 150th anniversary at St Peter’s Anglican Church East Maitland in 2026.
The Father Willis organ, named after renowned British organ builder “Father” Henry Willis, arrived at St Peter’s in 1876 and remains largely unaltered.
Each Father Willis organ has its own characteristics, styles, and trademark sound.
St Peter’s was one of five churches within the Maitland local government area to receive the unique instrument during the Victorian era.
Anglican Parish of East Maitland Music Coordinator Thomas Barnes said the local area boasted a rich history of pipe organs.
“The only reason why we have five Father Willis organs here in Maitland is because of an organ builder and local organist called James Broderick,” Mr Barnes said.
“He influenced St Paul’s Maitland and St Mary’s Maitland; Maitland Methodist Church, which is now the Uniting Church; the former St John’s Catholic Cathedral on the Maitland riverbank; and, of course, here.
“It all came from the great work he’d done and the praise they received from the organ that was first installed at St Paul’s in the Park in 1867.”
To mark the 150th anniversary at St Peter’s, a Recital Series, featuring an exceptional line-up of organists from across NSW, is taking place each month from February to November.
The 10-part series aims to celebrate the organ’s history while ensuring it is preserved for future generations.
“All proceeds from the series will go towards the upkeep of the organ,” Mr Barnes said.
“This is the second organ that came here and it’s currently the oldest one from Father Willis in operation in Australia.
“It’s still in its original condition from when it left the United Kingdom in 1876, a few slight alterations over the years.
“If it requires an overhaul, that will mean pulling all 634 pipes out of it, cleaning them all, repairing the soundboards that the pipes sit on, and reassembling it all together.
“There’s a lot that goes into it.”
Click here to book tickets.
