My duties as 'Sub Organist' at St. Michael's Church in Sittingbourne involve full involvement in all services. There are three services on Sunday. Holy Communion at 8.00am is followed by Parish Communion at 9.30. Evensong takes place at 6.30 with Choral Evensong mostly held on the second Sunday of the month. Holy Communion is held at 6.30 on the last Sunday of each month. Playing morning services involves the team of organists, and I play the evening services except when I am called on to work elsewhere. In this case, one of the other organists will deputise.
Many hours are spent practising during the week, when time allows in preparation for the services ahead. During the cold winters, the organ-loft heaters are blowing almost as hard as the organ itself!
The organ itself is a fine machine, dating from 1881. Several rebuilds later and St. Michael's Church posesses one of the finest church organs in southern England. With three manuels and pedal board it makes a mighty sound when called upon to do so. Full rergistrations and history along with photograhs of the church and organ will appear here shortly.
The Director of Music is Mr.Colin Jilks who works during the week as an organ builder and tuner. It is his own company set up after the demise of the company for which he had worked since leaving school.
The Organist is Mr.Ian Payne who has been attending St. Michael's Church since the age of seven. He is a trained electrician and looks after the electrical side of the church. He is an early riser too, as he works for the Royal Mail.
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