THE PIPE ORGANS .

 

Echoes of Majesty: Pipe Organs at The Bishop’s School and Europe’s Old Churches

“I have always been spellbound by the deep, resonant chords of old pipe organs, which seem to lift the spirit and fill a church or cathedral with solemnity, history, and splendour unmatched by any other instrument.”

On a recent trip to Europe, I sought out these majestic instruments whenever possible. I climbed into the lofts to get closer to the gleaming pipes, the polished console, and occasionally, the hidden bellows. The lofts themselves were almost magical—shadows dancing on the walls, the scent of aged wood, and silent pipes looming overhead gave the space a ghostly aura, as if generations of players still lingered, waiting to strike the first solemn chord.

Being there reminded me vividly of home—St. Mary’s Church in Pune, with its venerable pipe organ, where Bishops boys once pumped the bellows during services. Though unseen and strenuous, the organ’s majestic voice filled the church with reverence and grandeur, echoing through stone and memory alike.

My fondest recollections belong to Founder’s Day at The Bishop’s School. Across twenty or so ceremonies, I watched the boys march down to St. Mary’s in spotless white uniforms and maroon blazers, shoes gleaming. The staff, too, were immaculately dressed. A few alumni were always present, and so were some ex-staff, making the occasion even more special and tinged with nostalgia. Inside the church, the atmosphere was hushed and expectant. Pews were adorned with flowers, and the altar bright with baskets of fruit—offerings from the boys to be given to the poor and needy.

In the week leading up to the service, Bishops boys pitched in wholeheartedly. There was no Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, or Jew—every boy worked side by side. They cut the grass, swept cobwebs, polished pews, and shined the famed brass eagle lectern. It was a yearly facelift for the church, and though it meant dodging a few tedious periods, the result was radiant—a church ready to welcome its children and guests alike.

Then came the grand entry: the Head Boy and House Captains walking with solemn dignity. As the service began, Mrs. Jolly—who everyone would remember—played the ancient organ. Though heard only once a year, the moment she touched the keys, the church seemed to breathe. The organ’s sound was majestic and moving—sometimes gentle, sometimes thunderous, always awe-inspiring.

The service was led by Mr. B.W. Roberts, the Principal, who preached the sermon, while Mr. Beaman oversaw nearly every aspect of the arrangements. The main hymn was always “O God, our help in ages past,” echoing through the stone walls, blending with the swell of the organ. Then came the Bishops’ School Song, sung with full voice by boys and staff alike, adding pride and belonging.

The organ’s voice is unlike any other. It can whisper softly or thunder like a storm, but always with majesty and reverence. Even now, whenever I hear a pipe organ, I am transported back to those Founder’s Days—the march, the flowers, the fruit baskets, the polishing, the laughter, the expectant hush—and above all, that magical sound.

How many of you carry fond memories of the Founder’s Service at Bishops, as I do?