Our pipe organ is a remarkable asset to our school, enhancing church services with its rich splendour and contributing to free community concerts and recitals that help train the next generation of organists.

The Nelson “Catchgate” Organ Story:

The Methodist Church in Catchgate, County Durham, was on the brink of closure, as its elderly members could no longer afford the upkeep of the building. However, they were deeply concerned about what would happen to their beloved 950-pipe Nelson organ.

In 2017, the church contacted organ builder Martin Renshaw for assistance. Martin then contacted me, and I held discussions with Clapton SDA Church about providing a new home for the organ, where it could benefit both the school and the wider community. This was a significant project, but the ‘new’ organ has since been received with great enthusiasm by both the congregation and ELSOM students.

Sadly, the Methodist Church in Catchgate, County Durham, closed its doors in December 2018. It was a very difficult time for the church community; however, they were reassured that their cherished organ had found a new home rather than being destroyed. We have remained in contact with former members of the church and continue to provide regular updates on concerts, organ lessons, and other activities, so they can see how their organ is being used.

Our dedicated organ builder, Martin Renshaw and partners, have also established a charity, Pipe Up For Organs, to raise awareness of the challenges facing traditional pipe organs today.

https://www.pipe-up.org.uk/

Summary (taken from the website):

“A cultural catastrophe is staring Britain in the face: the imminent loss of its pipe organs. Around nine organs a week are either being scrapped or allowed to fall silent. If this trend continues, the number of organs in Britain will halve over the next ten years, and by 2070, there will be none left outside cathedrals, Oxbridge colleges, a few concert halls, and some well-supported churches.

One of the glories of Britain’s heritage—once found in churches of all denominations, cinemas, and theatres across the country—will be lost to most communities and become the preserve of a few elite institutions.

Unless the organ community, alongside the public, acts effectively and without delay, this heritage is at serious risk. This call to action outlines both the threats and the initiatives that could, if properly funded and implemented now, help conserve a significant part of this cultural legacy. We urge everyone to support this effort.”

Our Nelson Organ is among the few pipe organs in the UK to have been preserved from destruction and has already attracted public interest, including coverage by the BBC. We currently have 12 organ students from BAME backgrounds, ranging in age from 8 to adulthood, who have had remarkable opportunities to learn and perform on this instrument.

BBC News Report, 11th March 2026

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVx2PMiCpIJ/?igsh=eDQ0dWVkc2tkemxr

ELSCM: The Nelson “Catchgate” Organ Story

https://youtu.be/ZwqdlDH48t4?si=9Kf0ALArd2L83gfa

However, the organ now requires significant repairs, with multiple mechanical issues that need urgent attention. Due to insufficient funding, we are unable to meet these costs, and as a result, the instrument is currently not in a suitable condition for concerts, training, or other activities.

Your support would be greatly appreciated.