On the evening of Friday 20th May 1949 at 7.30pm, a service of thanksgiving and dedication took place at Stonefield Parish Church, on Glasgow Road.
The occasion was also to acknowledge a most beautiful gift of an organ to the church. With the Second World War ended, an inscription was thought appropriate to be inlaid into the organ itself, which read:
“To the Glory of God. In thanksgiving for his safe keeping in time of stress, and as a memorial of those who, for us, laid down their lives 1914-1918 and 1939-1945.”
The organ was made by Messrs H Hilsdon of Glasgow. There were 3 manuals, 27 stops and 15 couplers making a total of 42 stops. It was a remarkable piece of equipment being all electric. Andrew Wright & Sons Ltd undertook the builders work, T&W Roberts did the joinery, Robert White undertook the electrical work and Charles Messer & Son did the plasterwork.
It is unknown what became of the organ when the Church burned down. It is also confirmed that Hitler’s personal pianist once played this organ during the 1960’s.
From “Blantyre Explained” by Paul Veverka (c) 2017
Anybody interested can download the Church Service booklet here.
Hi does anyone have any pictures of Andrew Wright & Sons Builders, they were my Grans Grandparents, her name was Christina Wright and she lived at Rosebank Cottage, Blantyre. Thank you