This year, the William Goodrich organ at Trinity Episcopal Church, Wrentham, is 200 years old. Originally built in 1825 for the Universalist Church in Providence, Trinity Church has been its home since 1915. To celebrate this milestone, the church is presenting three opportunities to hear this amazing instrument. All three events will be held at the church on Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m. Following each event, refreshments will be served in the church parish hall. There is no admission charge, but a donation to support the maintenance of the organ is requested.

First, on October 26, 2025, Music Director Rick Duthe will give a lecture-demonstration called “How Does This Thing Work?” showing how old technology still keeps this remarkable instrument’s voice alive. Other than an electric motor that keeps the wind pressure supplied to the bellows, the instrument uses the same mechanical action with which it was first built. The demonstration will include a peek into the organ’s pipe chamber.

Next, on November 9, 2025, prominent Boston-area organist Peter Sykes will present a recital illustrating the organ’s full potential as a solo instrument. Mr. Sykes is a well-known performer on keyboards of all types, and has been Director of Music at First Church in Cambridge since 1986. He is a teacher and recording artist, and is currently Associate Professor of Music and Chair of the Historical Performance Department at Boston University. The recital will be preceded by a presentation about the organ’s history and its builder, William Marcellus Goodrich. The presentation will be given by Matthew Bellocchio of Andover Organ Company, which has maintained the instrument since 1968.

Finally, on November 16, 2025, a Four-Person Organ Recital will be given. This brings together four musicians with strong connections to Trinity Episcopal Church “back home” to celebrate their associations with this instrument. The performers are Lorna Russell, former Director of Music at Trinity Church, Philip Hall, pianist and substitute organist at the church, David Burnham, currently Director of Music at St. Gabriel’s Church in Marion, Massachusetts, and Rick Duthe, current Director of Music at the church.

Please join us for these events as we celebrate an instrument that has been making good music for 200 years! We look forward to seeing you there.

Trinity Episcopal Church
47 East Street (Route 140)
Wrentham, MA 02093
(508) 384-3958