Scotland-sourced organ delivered to Marienkirche - Church in Germany acquires organ from Scotland
In a significant cultural and musical event, the historic Hill & Son organ has been installed at St. Mary’s Church in Prenzlau, Germany. This organ, built in 1904 by the renowned Scottish organ builder Hill & Son, promises to enrich worship, education, and the appreciation of organ music in the region for years to come.
The organ's journey to St. Mary’s Church began with its acquisition by the historic church, known as the "Cathedral of the Uckermark." The decision to bring this organ to Prenzlau was driven by the church's commitment to preserving sacred music heritage and enhancing its musical resources.
The restoration process was a meticulous endeavour, led by organ builders from Eberswalde. With no blueprints available, the restoration was like a detective's work, according to Andreas Mähnert. The organ was dismantled in Scotland in 2018 and transported to Prenzlau under controlled conditions.
Over the years, the organ was restored piece by piece. Damaged pipes were repaired or reconstructed using traditional materials and techniques. The mechanical action and key mechanisms were restored for responsiveness, while the wind system was refurbished or replaced to ensure steady, reliable air supply. Specialists tuned the organ according to Hill & Son’s original tonal design, adapting slightly to the acoustics of St. Mary’s Church.
The installation and reinstallation of the organ were carried out simultaneously with the new gallery and vault. The organ will be inaugurated in 2026, on Ascension Day, with a multi-day festival planned to honour the completion of these projects.
The restored organ will play a crucial role in regular worship services, enriching choral and congregational singing. It will also be featured prominently in organ recitals, attracting organists and audiences interested in historically informed performances.
Educational workshops and demonstrations about organ building, restoration, and music history are planned to engage the local community and visitors. Collaborations with local music schools and conservatories will allow students to study and perform on a historically significant instrument.
A long-term maintenance program has been set up to preserve the organ’s condition, including annual inspections and regular tuning. Fundraising and grant applications will support ongoing care and potential future enhancements.
St. Mary's Church, Prenzlau, is set to have organ music again, thanks to a 120-year-old organ from Scotland. The completion of the vault fell during the Corona time, and a celebration could not be held then. However, with the installation of the Hill & Son organ, the church's musical heritage is being revived, offering a rich musical experience for all who visit.
In a strategic move to boost both musical and educational resources, the local community intends to embrace the organ's expertise through vocational training programs, focusing on organ building and restoration techniques. Meanwhile, an interior-design project is underway, integrated with the organ's installation, aiming to establish a lifestyle space with a home-and-garden atmosphere that beautifully complements the organ's rich sounds and historical value.
