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1881: Organ committee took advice from Edmund H. Turpin, organist, composer, and one of the founders of the Royal College of Organists.
http://www.rco.org.uk/aboutus.php
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/t/u/turpin_eh.htm
1882: The professional opening of the organ was performed by Edmund H Turpin in March 1882.
1882: The organ was initially played by the church’s existing organist Mr Wetton. He was asked by the deacons to reapply for the position. Clearly he took offence at being required to compete for the position, as the deacons minutes indicate that he had written to them saying that he could not possibly apply for a position he had already held. Reading between the lines, perhaps this man is actually Henry Davan Wetton who is recorded as the sub organist at the nearby Westminster Abbey from this date onwards (1881-1896). From his date of birth we can deduce that he would be 19 at the time. Perhaps there was already friction between the deacons and a brilliant young organist. Henry Wetton is also a published composer.
1883: W. Clarke. The deacons minutes include a charming letter from the deacons asking Mr Turpin for advice on the correct protocol for the organist to use the organ to give private lessons. His reply tactfully suggests that the organist is on a limited retainer and so is surely entitled to use the instrument to supplement his living, but with restrictions to avoid conflict with other uses of the building. The accounts show that Mr Clarke’s retainer is £35 per year, and the deacons minutes indicate that also takes over the role of choir master for an additional £15 per year.
1902-1932 ? Composer and organist Arthur Berridge
Mr Berridge left more than 150 published compositions. His life was included in a BBC programme about tracing famous ancestors http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/history/tracingyourroots_20071121.shtml
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