The Silent Organ

Some time ago the Assiniboia and District Historical Society came into possession of an antique pump organ. It had been poorly stored over the years, and came laden with dust, leaves and bird droppings. It also came with a fascinating story.

Today, the organ has been beautifully cleaned and restored, and is on display in the Society's museum. As for the story, Lila Martinson was kind enough to share it.

The Trivetts were among many families of British descent that settled first in Ontario, then migrated west. In 1908, with their five children in tow, Mr. and Mrs. Trivett came to a new life on a new homestead, near the now-extinct town of Readlyn, Saskatchewan.

Mary Trivett must have been the embodiment of the unflappable constitution her forefathers made famous. Surely, as the mother of five and a busy farm wife, her days were filled with hard work and worries. Still, she was always able to help a neighbour or take on a new challenge, and her ability to "be British" in the face of adversity made her a valued member of the community.

All her life, Mary had been a devoted member of the Salvation Army. In Readlyn there was no branch of her beloved organization, but such a trivial detail could never have kept the determined Mrs. Trivett from carrying out their charitable doctrine. Her home was always open to the poor and outcast, her kindnesses were known to friends and strangers alike, and throughout World War I, all of Readlyn benefitted from her strenuous wartime efforts.

Much of Mary's good work was accomplished through her affiliation with the United Church. She enjoyed the church and its people immensely, but confessed once to the organist, Walter Eaglestone, that she dearly missed the energizing drums and tambourines associated with the Salvation Army.

"When I go," she confided to him, "I don't want the organ played at my funeral." Apparently, Mary felt that the traditional sombre music would not be appropriately indicative of her upbeat life.

Walter Eaglestone may have dismissed the comment as casual conversation, or he may have simply forgotten it with time. Whatever the reason, when Mary Trivett passed away in the spring of 1928, her request was overlooked. Walter, still being the United Church's most accomplished organist, prepared a number of moving hymns for Mary's funeral.

The day of the service came, and mourners began filing into the church. At this cue, Walter selected his first hymn and began to play.

Strangely, the organ didn't make a sound.

Confused, Walter tried playing the notes again. The only thing to be heard was the shuffling of Mary's many friends, as they took places in the pews.

Walter gave the organ a discreet examination and found nothing apparently wrong with it. Indeed, it had played beautifully just hours before, as Walter diligently practiced the hymns. But now, no matter how he pumped the pedals or what keys he played, the instrument remained mysteriously mute. Finally, the frustrated man gave up, and Mary Trivett's funeral service continued without musical accompaniment.

Following the interment, Walter returned to the church, hoping to solve the puzzle. With the first note he struck, however, music filled the room. Amazingly, the organ played just as it had up to the moment when Mary's funeral began.

And suddenly, it made sense.

Everything became clear to Walter, as he remembered the woman's words of long ago. Mary had not wanted the organ played at her funeral and so, it had not played. Somehow, this determined lady had seen to it that her one last wish was fulfilled.

Today, as this beautiful instrument sits on display in Assiniboia, we are reminded of one woman's staunch spirit. The silent organ honoured Mary Trivett as no hymn ever could.