Father Smith Organ Case
Built in 1686, the Father Smith organ originally stood over the Quire screen.
Parts of its beautiful oak wood organ case are now near the West Door.
History
- Bernard Schmidt (1630-1708) known as “Father” Smith, was a German organ-builder who came to England in 1660. One of Smith's finest instruments, the Durham organ took about two years to build, but it was much more expensive than expected.
- It stood proudly until the 19th century when some felt it restricted the view of the Nave too much. To open up the space, the Father Smith organ was removed. Henry “Father” Willis built a new organ on one side of the Quire in 1876.
- The Father Smith organ case was kept as a beautiful memento of Smith’s masterpiece. The remains of the organ case still show his oak wood carvings. You can see swirling motifs, cherubs at the top, and floral flourishes throughout.
Interesting facts
Decorative details
The Baroque style case was made when Nathaniel, Lord Crewe was Bishop of Durham (1674-1721) and is decorated with his coat of arms. There are also two carvings of heads on either side, believed to be those of the ruling King, Charles II (1630-1685), and his wife Catherine of Braganza.
Out with organs
In 1643, parliament ordered that all church and chapel organs should be taken out. For Puritan believers, music got in the way of worship. By the Restoration in the 1660s, the demand for organs resurfaced but there was almost no one left in England who could build them. European organ makers like Father Smith took the opportunity to come to England and help rebuild these beautiful instruments.
Notable people
A man with many titles
Organ builders are traditionally known as “Father”. The organs built by Father Smith became well known for their dramatic design and perfect musical tone. So much so that he was asked to build an instrument for the Chapel Royal in London. He was then appointed as the King’s Organ Maker in 1681, earning around £20 per year (around £2,000 today).
Celebrity connections
Linked by their love of music, Father Smith became friends with the English composers Henry Purcell and John Blow. He was also a member of a club founded by the famous clergyman and scholar Richard Bentley, which included the composer Matthew Locke, scientist Sir Isaac Newton and architect Sir Christopher Wren.
Follow the guided tour
You’re in: The Nave You’re at: Father Smith Organ Case Next stop: The Font and Cover
- Turn around and walk between the pillars
- Walk towards the tall wooden object. This is the Font and Font Cover.