by KATHLEEN CASEY
With parishes combining, the Mairehau parish of St Francis of Assisi has a small Positive organ looking for a home.
In good condition, this instrument would suit a smaller church.
Some decades ago, the late Professor John Ritchie, then choir conductor at the original church of Our Lady of Fatima, was asked by parish priest Fr O’Mahoney to arrange purchase of the organ from the Wairoa Presbyterian Church at a cost of 57 pounds 15 shillings.
The original purchase was from Matla & Sons.
Refurbished then for its new home by the South Island Organ Company, the organ was described as “a delightful instrument, small but sweet”.
It has been used for many decades in the Mairehau parish and is currently in storage. For the new large parish church to be built, the organ from the former St Paul’s, Dallington, will be used.
Interested parties should contact Fr Simon Eccleton at the St Francis of Assisi parish
office on 03 385 3459.
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