Horsham and St Mary’s
A Church for the Town
St Mary’s is more than a historic building; it is a living parish church serving the whole of Horsham. The church and its organ provide the musical and spiritual backdrop to the town’s major civic occasions as well as to the ordinary rhythm of weekly worship.
The organ supports a strong musical tradition, including choir work, community singing and events that draw people from across the area, regardless of regular churchgoing. Its restoration is therefore a project for the town as a whole, not just for the congregation.
A Symbol of Local Identity
For many residents, the sound of the organ is inseparable from memories of Christmas services, school carol concerts and family milestones celebrated at St Mary’s. Saving and restoring the instrument is a way of honouring those memories while investing in the cultural life of future generations.
The Willis organ also connects Horsham to national stories: Victorian technological innovation, the Great Exhibition and the development of English church music. By preserving it, Horsham keeps its place in that wider narrative and demonstrates a commitment to valuing craftsmanship, heritage and the arts.