i) Introduction
The initial reason behind the 'Instruments in Methodist Worship' survey which was carried out in the Autumn of 1997 was the National Pipe Organ Register, (NOPR) instigated by the British Institute of Organ Studies (BIOS). At the suggestion of the Methodist Connexional Property Committee, endorsed by The Methodist Church Music Society (MCMS), it was expanded to include all instruments regularly used in worship.
Whilst it is disappointing that only some 35% of churches responded it must be emphasised that they represent a real cross-section of Methodist churches throughout Britain. It is worth noting that the vast majority of churches still use an organ as the principal instrument, a little over 50% of which are pipe organs. It is good to note those places which are starting to supplement their organs with instrument groups, but disappointing that these are still in a minority.
Tribute should be paid to those who have made this result possible :
Church Officers and Musicians who completed the survey forms, Mr Rex Thompson of
Sheffield, Mr Ernie Mould of Loughborough, Miss Valerie Hill of Taunton & Mr Starr of
Newark who together produced the original summaries, to Mr David Burke & Mr Richard
Evans of Bristol who transcribed all of the material on to CD-ROM and to the Connexional
Property Committee (The Rev Kenneth Street) who supported the project, provided the survey
forms and giving financial assistance for the production of the CD-ROM. Also to Mrs Marion
Saunders, Connexional Music Secretary, and the MCMS Executive who actively supported the
project.
Philip.L.Carter
Organ Advisory Service Co-ordinator and Training Officer.
ii)Survey Forms
The survey forms have been digitised using a flatbed scanner.Each side has been scanned at 100 dpi (dots per inch) resolution in grey scale. The two sides have been stiched together to form a single document. This has then been scaled by 90% and saved as a JPEG file. This compresses the bitmap to a reasonable size in order to fit the survey onto a single CD-ROM whilst maintaining legibility.
Where no information has been include on the second side of the form, only the first side
has been scanned. Extra information provided (with the exception of electronic organ
manufacturer's data sheets/brochures) on separate sheets regarding organs has also been
scanned, and is alongside the main form.
It was not possible to adjust the exposure for each individual form - a suitable
compromise was found to give the best results with most of the forms. Consequently those
with thin,scrawny writing in pale colours may not be as legible as hoped ( some of the
originals take some deciphering!).
All queries regarding this survey in the first instance should be addressed to:-
Mr. P.L.Carter
50 Bayham Rd
Knowle
Bristol
BS4 2DR Tel or fax: (0117) 977 9152
vi) Disclaimer
This material is provided for reference purposes only. We have taken reasonable care in
the preparation of this information which is based on the submissions of participating
individuals. P L Carter assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in these
documents nor does he make expressed or implied warranty of any kind with regard to this
material, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and
fitness for a particular purpose. P L Carter shall not be liable for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with, or arising out of the furnishing, performance,
or use of these documents and the materials they describe.