The peculiarities and wonderment of each and every Lodge meeting presents an ongoing and unique challenge to the musical and mental faculties of the long suffering Lodge Organist.

The first obstacle confronting this essential Brother is the type and condition of the instrument on which he is expected to perform. Organs come in a variety of shapes, sizes and in all conditions known to man.

The writer recalls a pipe organ of ancient vintage which had been sadly neglected. Of its two manuals one rocked up and down, the other down and up! Four of the nine stops were inoperable and a built in electric blower made such a noise that it had to be turned on and off for and after each musical interlude. The instrument died a natural death shortly afterwards and was quietly interred.

The performer invariably has to sit on a very cold wooden organ bench and in the bleak mid-winter this simply “piles” on the agony.!

Amongst other hazards faced by Bro. Organist one of the worst is the over-enthusiastic Director of ceremonies, who feels that everyone in sight must be saluted with musical honours. Fed up with an interminable list an organist is reputed to have said “Anyone else will have to blow their own trumpet – I’ve run out of fanfares”. Appropriate music for the reappointment of Lodge stalwarts can be The boys of the old brigade” – and “sheep may safely graze” is popular at meetings of Butcher’s Lodges.

Musical Diva’s are a major cause for concern. Coming with a variety of vocal talents (for want of a better word), some mimic opera stars whilst others invent their own key and timing during their performance. Perhaps a consolation is that both organist and singer start together - only the skill of the accompanist ensures they finish likewise”

YES – Bro Organist often sits on his bench lost in wonder at what he sees and hears. If only there was a Nottinghamshire Lodge of Senility! Or perhaps there is and I have forgotten about it.

W. Bro. H W Stringer.

Bro Peter Olko - thanks to our often unsung hero's who greatly enable the meeting nights one to remember. The above photogrpah was taken from this site, which Organists may like to view: http://mysite.verizon.net/dalderdi/organ/organs.htm