Community

The Willis organ at St Mary’s, Horsham serves far more than the regular Sunday congregation. It is a shared resource for the whole town, supporting worship, education and community life across traditions and ages.

A Space for All

St Mary’s regularly welcomes people of different faiths and none for services, ceremonies and community gatherings where the organ plays a central role. Inter faith services, remembrance events and civic occasions often bring together representatives from churches, other faith communities and local organisations, united by music that the organ helps to lead.

Schools, uniformed organisations and community groups also use the church for services and celebrations in which the organ provides processional music, hymns and reflective pieces, creating a sense of occasion for pupils, families and staff.

Multi Faith and Civic Events

The organ is used for:

  • Civic and remembrance services attended by people of many beliefs and backgrounds.

  • Inter‑faith gatherings or peace services, where music from different traditions is included alongside organ repertoire.

  • Community vigils and reflective events, offering a space of comfort in response to local or global events.

In each case, the organ’s role is to support shared moments of remembrance, hope and solidarity rather than a single denomination’s worship alone.​

Education and Young People

Local schools and youth organisations visit St Mary’s to learn about music, history and engineering through the organ. Demonstrations, workshops and joint services give young people a chance to experience a large pipe organ up close, often for the first time.

These visits introduce students of all backgrounds to live music making and can support curriculum areas such as music, STEM and local history, helping them to see the church and its organ as part of their own community heritage.

Charities and Community Partners

The organ frequently supports charity concerts and fundraising events that benefit local, national and international causes. Visiting choirs, instrumentalists and community ensembles use the instrument as part of programmes raising money and awareness for a wide range of issues.

Restoring the organ ensures that this shared, inclusive asset remains available to all who use St Mary’s as a place of gathering, reflection and celebration, whatever their background or belief.