A new Viscount organ for Dorridge Methodist Church

In May 2026 we received an email from Dorridge Methodist Church, near Solihull. The church needed a new instrument to replace its ageing Wyvern organ, which had given excellent service for many years. Sadly, the instrument had started to fail, and given its age, together with a lack of spare parts, it meant that the organ was beyond economical repair.

Choosing the right instrument

Organist Jan Prior visited our showroom in Bicester and tried many instruments. We agreed the best fit for the church’s size, finish and number of stops was a pre-owned Viscount Envoy 23-S. We paired it with a new external audio system to replace the old audio fitted to the Wyvern.

Installation and hidden speakers

We installed the organ in early August. Interestingly, the external audio of two full-range speakers and a powered sub-bass that we fitted, were able to go into a high-level chamber, so that they sit out of site behind three grilles. With the chamber helping the rich acoustic.

Voicing for the building

We arranged voicing as a separate visit. This gave us time to tailor the sound to the church’s acoustics and to Jan’s requirements. We used a remote keyboard and laptop to voice the organ from the main body of the church, so we could hear it as the congregation does.

Our remote keyboard and laptop being used to voice the new Viscount organ from the main body of the church.

Looking ahead

We would like to thank Jan and everyone at Dorridge Methodist Church for their warm welcome during both visits. We hope the Envoy 23-S supports their services and music for many years to come. If your church is facing a similar decision about an ageing organ, you are welcome to visit our Bicester showroom and try the instruments for yourself.