History

The church was dedicated to St Luke on October 18th 1872, but it was not until 1888 that the church acquired the organ, that still resides there today, from William Hill and Son, London.

The inspiration for this fine instrument came from Edward Stocks Massey who was at the time the choirmaster at the church. The Massey family, well known in the area, were cotton manufacturers and later brewers and founders of the Massey Brewery in Burnley. Edward was born at Hawks House in Brierfield and had a keen interest in music. The Stocks Massey Bequest music library in Burnley reflects Edwards interest in music.

There does appear to have been considerable determination by the parishioners of St. Luke's to have an organ of the highest quality. Firstly, Hill & Son were by no means the cheapest of organ builders. Secondly, Edward Stocks Massey only loaned St Luke’s the sum of £850 for the installation of an organ. The parish records contain a document, dated 24th August 1887, entitled, "Guarantee given by certain persons to Mr. E.S. Massey." and signed by the Rev. Edward Jobson and twenty guarantors. This was a substantial amount of money in its day and ensured an organ of high quality could be built.

An estimate for a two manual organ was prepared by Hill & Son in 1887 and installed in June 1888. In addition preparations were also done for an additional third manual. The Choir organ was added some 11 years later in 1899 and dedicated to Mary Ann Wigglesworth as indicated on a plaque by the side of the console.

The organ you see is pretty much as it was over 100 years ago. The only working adjustment made was in 1963 when the mechanical key action to the Swell was replaced by a pneumatic action, to make playing the instrument easier. With this exception, the organ is authentic to the 1888 instrument and is listed as a Grade II historic instrument with the British Institute of Organ Studies.