IN their earlier years, before acquiring an organ with its impressive pipes, nonconformist chapels relied on a harmonium. This was the comparative simplicity of Knowle Park Congregational Mission in Fell Lane, soon after enlarging its premises in 1915.
Faced with an expanse of wall behind the pulpit, congregations could absorb a painted text, in this case “In All Thy Ways Acknowledge Him And He Shall Direct Thy Paths”. The pulpit and rails could be removed for social occasions.
The installation of a pipe organ represented an important development for any place of worship. Knowle Park Mission started fundraising in 1927, deciding on “a two manual instrument with tilting stops” built by Messrs Laycock and Bannister of Cross Hills and costing £810.
“The great day of the opening was June 22, 1929,” enthuses the chapel history. “Mrs W Cecil Sharpe of Matlock consented to officiate and Mr Norman Strafford of Leeds to follow with an organ recital.”
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