Newspaper Clipping of the Day

Via Newspapers.com

 

There are a number of stories of churches haunted by spectral organists.  This example appeared in the "Ottawa Citizen," October 24, 1956:

TORQUAY, England--The vicar says that when Henry plays the organ in vine-covered St. John's Church the music is something, but you can't help noticing you can see right through him. 

The vicar, Rev. Anthony Rouse, reported the matter to the Church of England's Fellowship for psychical Study. 

The ghost is supposed to be Henry Ditton Newman, a former church organist who died as a young man in 1883. Mr. Rouse said there is some evidence that the organ played on its own during Newman's funeral. 

He added: 

"I myself have heard the organ play twice at night.  I can't tell you the music. It is sweet, but sort of heavy. I have heard it just for a few minutes." 

Ancient services to exorcise Henry have been held but they have not driven him out. A former vicar, Rev. Sir Patrick Ferguson-Davie, thinks Henry will always be around. 

"Unusual ghost in a way," Sir Patrick said. "He is very happy. He doesn't want to go away."

There are reports of St. John's still being haunted, so perhaps Henry is still keeping up with his organ practice.