“Praise Him with the Sound of the Trumpet”: The Organ and the History of Church Music in Anglican Tradition
With the dedication concert for our new organ coming up this Sunday, November 16, at 2:30pm, I thought it fitting to examine the history of the organ in the context of church music.
Few sounds are as instantly recognizable or as spiritually stirring as the great swell of an organ filling a church with music. From the vaulted cathedrals of England to the parish churches of America, the organ has long been called “the king of instruments,” shaping Anglican worship and identity for centuries. Its story is deeply entwined with the history of Anglicanism.
The organ’s history in English church life began in the Middle Ages. By the 10th century, simple organs were being used in monastic settings to accompany chant. The earliest recorded example, the “Hydraulis of Winchester,” was an enormous organ built around 980 AD for Winchester Cathedral, reportedly played by two men on forty keys and powered by a team of bellows operators.
During the Middle Ages, organs were fixtures in large monastic and cathedral churches, though they were not used constantly in services. They might accompany processions, feast-day celebrations, or punctuate moments of solemnity. The sound symbolized divine grandeur, a fitting prelude to the Anglican emphasis on beauty in holiness that would later define the Church of England’s worship.
The English Reformation brought not only theological upheaval but musical uncertainty. Under Henry VIII and especially Edward VI, many organs were destroyed or dismantled as symbols of “popish excess.” Choral foundations were dissolved, and for a brief time, the English church was nearly silent.
Yet under Elizabeth I, both organs and choirs began to return. The Book of Common Prayer provided a new structure for worship in English, and musicians such as Thomas Tallis and William Byrd composed polyphonic settings that balanced clarity of text with rich harmony. Organs once again accompanied these anthems and psalms, reclaiming their place in Anglican worship.
By the seventeenth century, the organ was firmly reestablished as the leading instrument of the Church of England—its sound integral to both congregational singing and choral accompaniment.
The English Civil War (1642–1651) again silenced many organs. Puritan leaders viewed instrumental music as a distraction from pure worship; organs were destroyed or fell into disrepair. When the monarchy and Church of England were restored under Charles II in 1660, organs returned with enthusiasm. The Restoration court was fond of continental styles, and organ builders like Bernard Smith (“Father Smith”) and Renatus Harris introduced new designs and tonal colors.
By the Georgian period (18th century), the organ had become ubiquitous in English parish life. Hymn singing—once rare in Anglican churches—grew increasingly popular, thanks in part to the Wesleys and the Evangelical Revival. The organ became the natural companion of this new congregational voice.
When the Church of England’s presence spread to the American colonies, so too did its musical traditions. The first pipe organ in the colonies was installed in Trinity Church, Boston, in 1713, followed soon after by organs in New York and Philadelphia. Despite early resistance—many colonial congregations preferred a cappella psalmody—the organ eventually became the central instrument of Anglican worship in America.
After the American Revolution, the newly formed Episcopal Church continued the English musical tradition while developing its own flavor. As American builders like Hook & Hastings and Aeolian-Skinner emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, American Episcopal churches came to house some of the finest organs in the world. Their tonal design reflected the Romantic and later the Neo-Baroque movements, paralleling developments in England under organists like Samuel Sebastian Wesley and composers like Charles Villiers Stanford and Herbert Howells.
The 19th-century Oxford Movement reawakened interest in the beauty and mystery of liturgical worship. This revival deeply influenced both English and American churches, leading to renewed investment in architecture, vestments, and especially music. The organ became not just an accompaniment but a theological symbol; a voice of prayer and praise echoing the majesty of God.
Composers such as John Stainer, Charles Stanford, and later Ralph Vaughan Williams and Herbert Howells crafted organ and choral works that defined the “Anglican sound.” Their music combined emotional depth with harmonic richness, bridging the sacred and the human.
Today, the Anglican and musical tradition continue to thrive. From Evensong at King’s College, Cambridge, to Sunday services in small-town American parishes, the organ remains a vital part of worship. Modern builders like the Allen Church Organ Company that built our new organ, uphold the craft of organ design, balancing historic timbres with modern technology
From Winchester’s medieval hydraulis to the digital organs of the twenty-first century, the organ has been the musical heartbeat of Anglican worship. It is not merely an instrument but a voice—a symbol of continuity, craftsmanship, and community. In its music we hear echoes of saints, scholars, builders, and believers across the centuries. And when it fills a church with sound, it proclaims anew the truth of the psalmist:
“Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.”
-- Fr. Chris Fish
All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee
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Services & Events
This Saturday, November 15, 8:30 AM, undercroft, Men's Breakfast , great breakfast by Chef extraordinaire and Grill master Claude Crump, fellowship, and Bible study and discussion by Fr. Bragg. Invite male family, friends, and neighbors.
Sunday Services, 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM, & 11:15 AM (for online participation for the services go to: https://www.facebook.com/saintsofscotland)
Nursery, 9:00 & 11:15 AM services (lower level)
Sunday School, 10:30 AM
This Sunday, November 16, 2:30 PM, Organ Dedication Concert by Dr. John C. Wulff, followed by a wine and cheese reception (non-alcoholic drinks also). Please attend and invite music loving friends, neighbors, and relatives.
Monday November 17, 7:30 PM, undercroft. By popular demand, Fr. Bragg will be offering a series on Saints. Monday November 17 will be the introductory session.
Monday, November 24, 7:30 PM, Vestry meeting
Sunday November 30, St. Andrew's Day with Bishop Johnson's Annual Visitation, those wishing to be confirmed or received please let Frs. Roddy, Bragg, or Fish know ASAP
Sunday November 30, 7:00 PM, Kirkin o' the Tartan with Evening Prayer, Bagpiper, more Scottish music, great reception with Scottish foods and beverages. Bring your tartans to be blessed, wear your kilts, invite your relatives, friends and neighbors for a great time!
Saturday December 6, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, DMAS Advent Retreat, St. Alban's Church, 4006 Hermitage Rd., Richmond, VA 23227, The theme "The Coming of Christ,” invites us to reflect on His arrival in three dimensions: looking back to His first coming, forward to His Second Coming, and embracing His presence in our lives today. A children’s program will be focused on Advent, featuring crafts and activities. Each child will receive a kit to create their own Advent wreath to take home. A continental breakfast and lunch will be served. $20 for adults, free for children. Registration form at http://www.dmas-acc.org
MaRIH Crisis Pregnancy Center Still Needs More! Thank you for all those who helped this past week. If you weren't able help this past week or want to help more, MaRIH Center till has a great need for several items: Diapers, sizes 4, 5 and 6 Jackets (Boys & Girls), sizes 12 month, 18 month and 2T Winter clothing, 3- 6 months and size 2T Wipes Baby Blankets There are two options for helping the Center with this need!
Option 1 Amazon has all the specific items needed. You can order the specific item(s) and have them delivered directly to the Center. The MaRiH Center 3230-B Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314-4521 703-370-4774 Option 2 Drive to your local store, purchase the items requested and drop them off at church on Sunday. We will deliver them on Monday or Tuesday to the MaRIH Center.
Food Bank Needs
The food bank appreciates the generosity of our parish.Please help this month with a food donation if you are able. Those we help feed are very thankful for the food we provide to them each month. Please also buy low sugar cereals (and not the kid's types that have lots of sugar).
