By Natalie Taylor
The church of the Third Order—Tercera Orden, is one of the oldest in our city. A stark, white building along San Francisco Street, it dates back to the early 17th century when it was founded by Franciscan Friars. The interior, however, is much more attractive, with a large mural along one wall, a lovely altar, and many old paintings, including a Virgin of Guadalupe. The ceilings are high, ideal for music, both instrument and song. What the church lacked was a musical instrument to honor its space, specifically an organ.
Some four years ago, Malcolm Holliday saw this lack and decided to act. A fine organist himself, Malcolm imagined what a fine organ could look and sound like within the church. He and his partner scouted out places in the United States where old organs are sold. In a decommissioned Methodist church in Williamstown, Massachusetts—now functioning as a child care center—an old organ sat unused in one of the corners of the building. Malcolm went to visit, and as soon as he played it, he knew it would be perfect. It had been built by Johnston and Sons, in 1875, a stellar organ building company. Although it needed restoration, he knew it could be brought back to its former glory. What is more, he knew, after having measured the church space meticulously before coming, this particular medium-sized organ would fit perfectly where intended.
Then came the professional dismantling of the organ, the precise labeling and packing, and finally the transportation from the United States all the way to San Miguel de Allende. The organ arrived in 2022, was put back together in place at the church, and has undergone many restorations to bring it to its lovely state today. It is the first organ of significance to come to San Miguel in almost 100 years.
The organ has been played many times now to de delight of those present. The next concert will be on December 8, 2024, and will be free. It will start at 1:30 featuring organ, trumpet, and soprano voice. A wonderful opportunity to listen to beautiful music in a great setting in San Miguel.
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