School marks Centenary of Memorial Organ

RGS celebrates one hundred years of our magnificent main hall organ, which continues to be at the heart of the school with much significance to our community.

Donated to the school as a war memorial by Sir Arthur Munro Sutherland, the organ stands proudly in our main hall. An impressive sight with its gold painted pipes and the names of those who have fallen in conflict carved into its wooden panels, it serves as the focus for our annual remembrance events. 

Watch below as we share some of the rich history behind what it represents, how it was funded, as well as an insight into the construction design and restoration project.

William Lough ON (1922-33) vividly remembered the installation of the organ, and his words ring true:

‘The organ was a splendid acquisition. The hall became visually and musically unthinkable without it’.

Our next ONA magazine which dives further into the centenary will be published soon, if you would like a hard copy delivered please email development@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk.