We were married in this church five years ago - the first wedding in the church for 97 years - and we filled it to the brim with flowers and 34 people. It looks unusually empty in this video!
There is a smaller church in or near to Acol in Kent… God Bless England - and we pray for the young to fill her churches once again in praise of the Father through Jesus Christ 🏴🏴🏴🙏🙏🙏🇮🇱
We must never lose churches like this. It’s heartening to hear the local community is fully committed to looking after it and, more importantly, using it. Lovely video - well worth a subscription to the channel. 👍
Yes, those seat cushions were some patient person's lovely handmade contribution -- with the year of each one's creation worked in to the needlework pattern on the side. Wonderful touch.
You're right - this is the Soul of England - small community, farming, beautiful traditional use of the land, and anchored by this ancient stone Church. The little Organ is the perfect Voice of this Community. Thank you for this lovely Video and your beautiful Music!
Ben, this was quite a surreal experience for me. I'm from a tiny ranching community in the New Mexico mountains called Bent. About 300 people. And the populations hasn't changed since i was that young child. I went on to NYC to study acoustics, but I returned home to keep the orchard from drying up. This gave me lots of time to discover different historical micro-churches (we call them chapels because they are so small. These are different in style, as they were built by the Spanish, and in Apache Indian territory. These rustic, Southwestern chapels (some made of adobe) are either so isolated and distant in dirt roads, or are simply hidden by the mountain landscape that they remain virtually un-known to the public. Only the locals come in from time to time to sweep up bit, pray for the usual aliments. One chapel is completely surrounded by graves. Which is quite surreal in itself. Thank you for brining to me your parallel European-chapel experience! - Your, _Acoustic Rabbit Hole_
Ah, It's so rural here, they would just be found off of highways. I don't think there would be any address. I appreciate you enthusiasm! I just did a recording, however, at our stone church on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, and it shows both the inside out outside in the mountains! I should have that recording up my tonight (performing a Buffy Sainte Marie song, being that she was just exposed as being white, not Indian!!!) - _The Acoustic Rabbit Hole_ @@InOtherNews1
@@Acoustic-Rabbit-HoleBuffy looks and sounds Native American to me; she has not made much of a public rebuttal. I give her the benefit of the doubt until I know more. She just always seemed like an honest soul to me. But this channel and Ben are authentic and fascinating.
In the Dickens’ novel “Martin Chuzzlewit” one of the characters, Tom Pinch, plays the organ in a small church in Wiltshire. Later he goes to the cathedral and helps a friend, the assistant organist, with the stops. In the dramatization they leave out the need for someone to pump the church organ. I suppose to help the story along.
Such a lovely little church ❤ It’s a pity that it’s not better maintained on the outside. Thank you so much for showing it to us. The organ is so cute.
This church would truly deserve the name "St Martin In The Fields" 😄 Thanks for playing some delightful tunes on that beautiful instrument, much appreciated.👍
What a gem of a little church! And well cared for by the people who live there. This is what makes England so beautiful! You are a great narrator Ben, and an even greater organist. I wish all viewers a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Love from Amsterdam.
Living near to Salisbury I pass along this road a few times every year; I really must stop off and investigate this wee church when the sun climbs higher again, especially as I now see the access path. I have studied medieval and Anglo-Saxon churches for almost 70 years and to see a church I've not yet visited is always special. So many thanks for posting.
I'm sure that man who entered the church in the end was happy that someone was playing hymns on the organ in this little church in a rural village, beautiful video
You offer some wonderful renditions of O Come, O Come Emmanuel, while at the same time introducing us to the unique sounds of this astonishingly beautiful instrument!
My mother's family is from England. When I was in high school we went on a trip to visit my relatives there. Your videos remind me of falling in love with the beauty of England on that first trip
Very enjoyable presentation Ben. What you've described is the concept of unification. This is something theatre pipe organs encompassed (pun intended) decades ago where a single rank could have 8 different stops drawn from it. An organ of say, six ranks (a common size for a Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ for example) would sound far greater and versatile than a straight organ of similar size. And - yes, that was a clever way to get more bang for the buck.
Hi Ben. I just found your channel and I am listening to all of your videos. You are a fantastic organist, and you make the organ at your St. Martin's church in Salisbury sound amazing. I love the way you play hymns, and the way you can make these small organs work on well known music. Many years ago I was an organist at a small Episcopal church in the US with a very small 1882 E & G G Hook organ and I had to make it work for hymns, preludes, postludes, and psalms. And I always played Louis Claude Daquin's Noel Suisse on Christmas Eve. I'm looking forward to hearing more from you. All the best to you sir!
I am an Episcopal COE American who married a Englishman from out side of Carisle. These small churches are a total amazement to me. Although my husband grew up in a rural English farm community attending COE schools and rural parishes. On major church holidays and feast days we always attended his family Parrish, among them was the Abbey in Abbeytown. If you don’t know of it … try to make a visit…. Historically important and beautiful in its Simplicity.
Ben, Many years ago I became, like you, a self-styled "Organ Thief"; I'd sneak into churches (usually small, usually remote), and if the organ was unlocked, and the power was on, I'd have a few moments enjoyment. I'd always leave a small donation in the collection box afterwards. My stamping ground was East Anglia, which has a rich heritage in smaller, and chamber organs. That area, into Suffolk, I might suggest, would be well worth your highly enjoyable scrutiny. I might also suggest you start with the organ at Belchamp Otten, a delightful "Flight (& Robson(?)) barrel organ converted in Victorian times to a standard manual. It has the most beautiful Stopped Diapason I have ever heard in over 60 years, anywhere, bar none. Interestingly, in neighbouring Belchamp Hall there is the tiny Father Smith organ bought for Lady Isabella Raymond and given as a gift to her by none other than Handel himself. The Raymond family still live there, so it might be possible to visit, though undoubtedly some prior notice would be necessary. If you do get to play the Otten organ, take time to savour the intoxicating overtones of that Stopped Diapason which give it an extraordinarily enchanting tinkling character. In a round tour you might also want to pay homage to the Wetheringsett Tudor organ. Keep on "thieving", it is so very enjoyable!
How reassuring that in such a tiny church there was the vision to install an authentic pipe organ and how atmospheric Ben your gentle rendition of Veni veni Emmanuel, a lovely meditation in itself as we approach Advent, Thank you
What a joy to see a ancient church still being used to praise and worship our God! And where music isn't 46 people on the stage singing AT the congregation, but the people in the pews being led in worship as they have been literally for centuries!!!
Very enjoyable Ben “Veni Emmanuel” put me in the mood for Advent. You never cease to amaze and inspire me. It is so heartwarming to see a lovely young man like yourself engrossed in traditional hymns and church organ music, with an almost virtuoso talent. You are a friend of mine any day mate.
How wonderful to find this church and organ with no abhorrent huge screens and drum kit and microphones that have ruined our local church x don't let this technology take this church over.
Let the sacred music season begin! I sit on an old church bench in my basement enjoying organ music from the Tabernacle in Salt Lake and a tiny Wiltshire church with sensitive Ben Maton. It can’t get better. Thank you.
It may have been built for a family chapel. Is the history of the organ online I wonder. It’s cute. My dad and I are church organists and we’ve both always wanted pipe organs in our homes. Thank you for a fascinating video.
I like how the organ perfectly matches the building. I'm playing O come O come Emmanuel at mass next week.I might try copying Ben, doing the first verse with just a single bass note and then adding more and more harmony as it goes on. I really enjoy this channel.
Your tours of old English churches are very interesting and very informative. Keep up the great work. Since I am in the US none of our churches go back before the 1600’s. But we also have wonderful organs here. Our organ is an old pipe organ that we call a tracker organ in my church that does not get the use it should. There are very few organists in my area today.
Thank you Ben for another awesome tour. I love small churches and tiny organs. Hope you have a lovey Christmas season with more of your excellent videos to come. - Cheers, - Matt, Mendocino Presbyterian Church organist, California
Sometimes you just know that you’re experiencing something very special. The little organ is exceptionally special and perfect for the space. Also, did you notice the needlework on the chair cushions? The placement of the windows reminds me of the Matisse chapel in Provence. And of course there’s sensitive and snarky old Ben! Hahaha. You just have about the best taste in music ever. Thank you for an awesome Christmas gift. If god lives anywhere, it’s in this perfect place.
Incredible, emotional and vibrant music in a parish church that goes to your soul as you take it all in. Brings back my youth and family at St. Pauls, Swindon (North Wiltshire) in the city centre (long demolished).
Formerly a separate civil parish, Fifield Bavant is now within Ebbesbourne Wake parish. The small Church of England parish church, begun in the 13th century, is dedicated to Saint Martin and is a Grade II* listed building. The population is now about 20, although it was 49 in 1831. (from Wikipedia). Salisbury Cathedral is also constructed of, mostly, Chilmark stone.
Hello Ben! Yet another amazing video of a most unexpected church. You really meant "small" and that organ is yet another thing. You played it to give it's best!!
Just found a video you put up for the organ at the Holy Infant & St Anthony of Padua church in Bolton. Built by my 2x Great Grandfather Alexander Young. It was interesting to see and hear it, thank you for posting. I have collected information on many his builds and repairs in the UK and we are blessed to have one of his in Maryborough, Queensland. He came from humble beginnings, born in "The Latch" a small stone cottage, on the Balgownie Burn, in the Glamis Estate. The ruins of which are still there and visited some years ago. If you could refer me to any you may have played or indeed play one in the future as a "request", I would be grateful.
What an achingly beautiful video. My heart is so full it hurts. A lovely little church with magnificent music in a perfect English countryside. Thank you so very much for this video. I look foeward to many more. ❤❤
Hi Ben. Just discovered your channel and I’m loving it. Now I want to visit all these little churches and explore their instruments and histories. Greetings from Germany!
Another heartwarming and very inspiring video. After watch all the videos from your channel, I would never blame on the organ is too small. I learned so much from watching your videos. You made all these little organ sounds so powerful! It sounds so beautiful and connected.
Hi Ben, I'm so happy I discovered your channel. The experience of the landscape, Church, and organ even the impromptu church visitor, 😂is so beautiful. You should have asked him to say him say hello 😊 It makes me want to travel to Britain just to visit these old unsung places firsthand! 😊 We don't have places this old in America. The organ in this video gives off super Middle Ages vibes. I'm sure it's not that old, but still. I can't wait to see where you'll take us next! Sending many good wishes to you from your American friend across the pond. 😊🧡🙏
A beautiful Church in beautiful setting. So simple, but as elegant as it needs to be. The organ is very plucky and the voicing is delicate but exciting to listen to. Thanks for these videos. Bill Simonds - formerly with M P Moller Organ Company - 80 years old - Richmond, Virginia
Ben, Thank you for beautiful videos! I love it, featuring small churches in small villages. And of course for beautiful music from the historic organs!
My biggest pet peeve is "the organ isn't large enough!". This showcases a 1 rank unified organ that can sound incredible with the right organist at the helm! Also, this has some brilliant videography of the English countryside!
Dear Ben, thank you very much for your brilliant and informative videos! If you're ever around Yeovil in Somerset you should come and visit St Vincent's in the tiny village of Ashington just to the north. Unfortunately we don't have a proper organ (it's just a keyboard) but the church has incredible history - for example we've just had the roof completely redone and the bells assessed. We found out that the treble bell (which is currently not in use) is quite possibly one of the oldest still hanging in England, dating from around 1290. We are planning to get the bells restored and in use in the next few years.
My mother and father are at rest in the graveyard of another small Wiltshire church at Rollestone, Shrewton on Salisbury Plain. An idyllic spot in the fold of the hills. 70 years married to my father, my mother came from Germany and made her life and valued friendships in the village.
Thank you! Just discovered this and i love it..both the music and the sentiments of treasuring these places. I like to think what irish seer and author lorna byne says...she says that she sees, in every church, everywhere there has prayer over times past, either one or many angels waiting to help with our prayers now. Wish i could see the angels in each of these small churches..
It must be beautifully atmospheric there at midnight mass. Just imagine pitch dark outside, candlelight within, and Noel Suisse on that very flutey dinky little organ
O come O come Emmanuel was a favorite hymn when I sang in a church choir. I am enjoying your videos so much. Merry Christmas from the Southwest corner of Tennessee!
Hello Ben, you furnished my meditation for today. Thank you. I'm Roman Catholic and from what I've heard from you, I'm assuming you're Anglican. That observation will serve as backdrop for my question: if this is an Anglican Church, where's the Tabernacle and the Eternal Light? The organ and you're playing were gorgeous! A blessed and holy Advent to you, sir.
As soon as I saw that valley I recognised the location, the hamlet and the church. We visited both earlier this year as my family has connections there - the Spencers, and from them Maria Lush, my Grandmother, born 1858 (in Bower Chalke). Quite emotional to hear that organ played there, and with those pieces. Maybe the instrument is modern, but the sound is timeless and brings the spirit of the place to life, whether the spirits of 2023, 1923 or 1823. Many thanks indeed.
Bravo! There was nothing lacking in it's performance from you in that setting. I've seen other tiny pipe organs have as many ranks. There may be only an octave on the lowest pitch? They'll pack the pipes underneath the case, running sideways along the back or where they can. Often they'll cut the longest ones, (miter), to fit. Others here sound like they'd know a lot more how it all works. Again - a most excellent outro. Cheers.
Dear Lord and Father of mankind, Forgive our foolish ways! Our Hero has discovered another remote rural treasure and exclaims: 'I am speechless; could it be any better; it's time to go inside; let's go and investigate the organ!'' Ben's videos and organ playing are a delight and make the world a better place.
This is wonderful. I will never be able to travel to England because of my views on Youtub. I can do it this way. What beautiful countryside. This is a beautiful man who loves his Country, and his faith is evident in his poetry, his love letter to Britannia through music and history.
Thank you. Beautiful to see & hear. Your explanation is appreciated. I just read about a church in Whitby. The warden said the church clock had to be removed as it was about to fall out . The church needs much repair. So sad to hear. Churches are special.❤
What a sublime and beautiful video timeless and atmospheric. I am unbelievably privileged to live only a mile away at Bowerchalke and of course know St Martins and that enchanting little valley with the Ebble and sheep so well. As Ben says a timeless English scene. This video and the late Autumn afternoon setting is perfection in a very troubled world 🙏🙏🙏🙏
I was half expecting to find you at the beautiful little Saxon church at Alton Barnes in Wiltshire! I love that you visit churches no matter how rural they all or how small the organ.
