Save Welburn Organ
A SHORT HISTORY OF WELBURN CHURCH
Prior to 1840
Villagers worshipped at St Martin’s Church, Bulmer.
1840
George, 7th Earl of Carlisle of Castle Howard financed the building of a new boys’ school in Welburn. This small rectangular building also doubled as a ‘Chapel of Ease’ for the village.
1857
The schoolroom had become too small for use as a place of worship (as many as 120 people sometimes attended Evensong).
In July a committee was formed, led by Revd Ishmael Fish, Superintendent of the Reformatory at Crambeck, to look into the possibility of building a church.
The Earl of Carlisle agreed to provide a site and financial help.
August 1858
Architects Mallinson & Healey of Bradford and Halifax were chosen and plans were submitted for a church in the Gothic style of 14th century.
Costs were originally estimated at £1,200, although the sum rose to almost £4,000 by completion.
Later in the year, gardeners were brought in from Castle Howard to level the site.
1859
The builder chosen for the work was J. C. Teale of Wheelgate, Malton, and his firm also produced the ornate carved stonework. The stone used was local Wath stone, which has weathered badly over the years.
On 14th March, the Earl of Carlisle laid the foundation stone. In his speech, the Earl referred to ‘this improving and spirited village of Welburn’ and that he would take pleasure in being able to see the church spire from Castle Howard.
The Earl contributed a large share of the building costs in memory of his mother, Georgiana, who had died on 8th August 1858. Memorial plaques to the Earl and his mother were later placed in the church and the stained glass windows in the Chancel and the west window are dedicated to their memory.
1860
Work clearly advanced rapidly, as on Saturday 19th May the Malton Messenger included the following notice:
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WELBURN
We understand that the new church at Welburn
which has just been completed, will be opened for
divine service, on Sunday next, the 20th inst.,
service to commence at 11 o’clock.
The church was in fact, not yet completed. The main body of the church was built but the spire was unfinished and clear glass had been put in the windows until the stained glass windows were ready.
​​
There were two services that day: Morning and Evening, each with a full church and some people unable to gain admission.
1865
The church was consecrated on 18th April. The rector was the 84-year-old Revd William Preston of Bulmer. To assist him, Revd James Gabb was appointed curate and lived at The Grange, Welburn.
1986
The church remained a ‘chapel of ease’ to
St Martin’s, Bulmer until the formation of the Howardian Benefice in February 1986, when the Parish of Welburn with Crambeck was created.
The Father Willis Organ at St. John the Evangelist
Learn about the instrument we are working to save
Historical significance
The organ in Welburn church was built around 1870 by the renowned organ building firm Henry Willis, and is of great historical significance.
A "lovely example"
Its importance was acknowledged in 2017 when it was awarded a Grade II historic organ certificate* by the British Institute of Organ Studies, noting that it is “a lovely example of the work of Henry Willis.”
Saving the organ
However, woodworm infestation was recently found and professional investigation shows that a long overdue programme of repair and restoration is urgently needed if the organ is to survive.
