Church organ vandalised in Derry/Londonderry

By Richard O'Reilly

Windows were smashed and a treasured organ damaged after vandals broke into Christs Church in Derry/Lonodnderry

The damage was discovered by a parishioner at the Infirmary Road site yesterday evening.

Speaking to Q Radio News Archdeacon of Derry and Rector of Christs Church Robert Miller called the vandalism 'mindless'.

"They kicked in the panelling of the front of the organ" said Archdeacon Miller "And then, we think using a broken bottle cut their way through the various reeds"

"It's considered to be one of the finest instruments on the Island" continued Archdeacon Miller "it's just mindless".

The organ was installed in the church in the year 2000, after the previous instrument was destroyed in an arson attack in 1997. 

Archdeacon Miller says he doesn't believe there was a financial motivation behind the vandalism, however a crystal decanter used for communion was also taken from the Church.

"It [the decanter] was actually given in memory by a parishioner who's child had died" said Archdeacon Miller "obviously there's a huge significance in that item"

The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Ken Good, visited Christ Church within minutes of learning of the break-in.

“This is a very disturbing incident,” Bishop Good said. “It is sacrilege and I feel deeply for the parishioners of Christ Church who will be dismayed when they learn of the break-in.

"I can assure them that the people who would perpetrate such an outrage are small in number and in no way represent the vast, vast majority in our community who want to live in peace and harmony." 

The incident has been roundly condemned by local politicians, with Foyle MP Elisha McCallion calling it 'disgraceful'

SDLP Councillor John Boyle said the incident is 'repugnant and sickening', while Sinn Fein MLA Karen Mullan  said her thoughts are with the congregation of Christ Church.