Christie's Old Organ

by Mrs. O.F. Walton, Amy Catherine Walton

Christie is on a mission to find out how his dear old friend Treffy, the organ grinder, can get to heaven, but time is running out for his failing friend. This is a very touching story that has led many children to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Genres: Fiction, Christian, Christian Fiction, Childrens, Classics, Family, Ebooks

184 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1874

About the author

Amy Catherine Walton, better known as Mrs O.F. Walton, was a British author of Christian children's and teenage books, mainly but not exclusively fiction. She was born Amy Catherine Deck in 1849, and died in Leigh, Kent in 1939.

Amy was the daughter of the vicar of St Stephen's Church, Spring Street, Hull.

Her career as an author began with My Mates And I, written in 1870 but not published until 1873. Her first published work was My Little Corner in 1872. In 1874 came one of her most famous books, Christie's Old Organ, which has been regularly reprinted up to the present day. It is the story of orphaned Christie and his friend, the aged organ-grinder Treffy. It was introduced to Japan in 1882 and was published in 1885 by the translation of Tajima Kashi. It was one of the earliest books in history of both Christian's and children's literature of Japan and was re-translated in 1903 and 1994.

In 1875 she married Octavius Frank Walton, who was her father's curate at the time. It was under her husband's name, as Mrs O. F. Walton, that she was to become better known. In the year of their marriage they moved to Jerusalem where Octavius took up a ministry in a church on Mount Zion until 1879. While there in 1877, her book A Peep Behind The Scenes was published. It is the story of Rosalie, a child who works in a travelling theatre.

The Waltons lived at Cally, Kirkcudbrightshire for a while, and from 1883 to 1893, Octavius was in the ministry at the church of St Thomas, York, moving to St Jude's, Wolverhampton in 1893. He retired in 1918.

Although she wrote many more books, it is A Peep Behind the Scenes and Christie's Old Organ that have remained well known, continuing to be published by the Lutterworth Press, successor to her original publisher, the Religious Tract Society.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Angie Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet and poignant story about a young boy and an old man searching for the truth about heaven and home. I liked the illustrations of how God can use very small seeds to grow His truth in people's hearts. Even though parts of the story should have been sad, the joyful emphasis on the beauty of heaven made me cry tears of sweetness and longing instead of sorrow. Very beautifully done!

The only thing that bugged me a bit was the fact that the dialogue was a bit over-heavy on names/terms of address--not just every time someone spoke, but sometimes three or four times within the same paragraph. There were a few times when my eyes started to cross a bit. :P

Content--mentions of deaths; references to coarse talk and swearing

[Kayna Yess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet story! I love it!

[Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet little book. I enjoyed every bit of it.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a enjoyable little read. I actually liked it better than I thought I would, it wasn't nearly as cliche and preachy as I was anticipating.
There were a lot of great things said even if it was a little repetitive and pushy at times. Also, I was pleased that the story line didn't end the way I expected, on a couple of counts.
Overall it was enjoyable and I think most readers could find something to enjoy here.

The best quote:
"The Lord wishes you to know you are forgiven, not to feel you are forgiven. There is a difference between feeling and knowing."

[Miss Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story!
This is one of my favorite books of all time,
it's simply precious!

[Janice Dick · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very old (Classic Stories) story featuring the gospel message. The message is clear, which is good, but the tale is used as a medium for preaching, and the language style is old enough that most young readers will likely not touch it. My opinion only.

[✧*̥˚ Jordyn *˚✧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no words to describe the way this book will set your on fire for the Lord. A definite must read!

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old Treffy played his old organ in the attic. Christie, a ragged boy, listened and recognized a familiar hymn that his mother sang when she died, Home, Sweet Home. Treffy grew old and weak and Christie took over and played the organ in the streets. Christie made friends with Charlie and Mable, two children out in the outskirts of town. Christie overheard an announcement of a gospel meeting on Sunday night and went to it. This book goes on to present the two main characters, Christie and Treffy, searching after truth about their sin and salvation through Jesus Christ.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

O.F. Walton writes a compelling book of love, dedication, suffering and hope by a young orphan who must find enough donations from playing an organ to live.

He befriends an old man because he plays "Home Sweet Home"--a song he remembers his mother sang to him. The two search for hope in spite of the struggles of finding food, having no one else and knowing the old man's sickness will lead to his death.

A story giving hope, showing mercy, and portraying the quest we all have with our after death and our God. Truly a heart warming book to encourage and uplift.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed this book and the biblical principles that shown through it. It touches the parts of us that are made for companionship in this life and the part of us that knows there is a future home we are destined for. It provides a balance between how to live in life while never forgetting what our true goal is as Christians and the hope we have for ourselves and to give the world.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

We used this as a read aloud for the children. A nice story of God's providence to save His elect. OK, yeah, it's very Armenian. However, while reading it you can point out to your children that without the Holy Spirit Christie would not have found his friends or the answers to their questions. It will definitely open the door for you to discuss the gospel with your children.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christie's Old Organ also called Home Sweet Home is a really good book for those who want to become a Christian, but it is also a good book for those who are Christians. I reallly enjoyed this book and I think everyone should read it!

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a good moral-but it took me forever to read!

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Precious story for children about how one goes to 'Home, Sweet Home' when they pass on from this life.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book!!!!!!!! You HAVE to read it!!

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about salvation and heaven. Highest recommendations.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one special little book. It was given to me by a dear friend who loves Lamplighter books as much as I do. I started to read this story to my father on hospice. I unfortunately didn't get to finish reading it out loud to him before he passed away but I have finished on my own all the while envisioning myself next to his bed reading these sweet and joyful words:

There is a city bright,
Closed are its gates to sin,
Nought that defileth
Nought that defileth
Can ever enter in.

Savior, I come to Thee
O Lamb of God, I pray,
Cleanse me and save me,
Cleanse me and save me,
Wash all my sins away.

Lord, make me from this hour
Thy loving child to be,
Kept by Thy power,
Kept by Thy power,
From all that grieveth Thee.

Till in the snowy dress
Of Thy redeemed I stand,
Faultless and stainless,
Faultless and stainless,
Safe in that happy land!

[debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy I read this!

This has been one of the best little books I have ever read! The name of Jesus has been honored magnificently in the work He has done in the people's lives in this book. It has challenged me in the living, serving and working for souls who need the Savior! I would highly recommend you read this if you want to know more of the love that Jesus Christ has for you!

[Daisy May Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A straightforward enough endeavour: a religious publication, morals to be made, teaching to be taught, and an orphan within the first few pages (honestly, that's when you know you're reading a Victorian piece of children's literature). It's notable enough for Walton's nice work as a writer. She wears her position well and manages to deliver her intent with some clarity and lightness - something quite unusual for the day.

[Luminous Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a touching story that beautifully centers on Jesus’s gift of salvation.

Christie’s Old Organ follows the poignant journey of orphan Christie and his dear friend, Treffy, an elderly man. Christie earns little by playing his beloved barrel organ in the streets, with "Home, Sweet Home" as his favorite melody— causing him to ponder where true home really is. When Treffy falls gravely ill and nears the end of his life, Christie dedicates himself to uncovering how his dear friend can find his way home to heaven. With scripture and the help of new friends, he searches for the everlasting home he longs for.

This touching, wholesome story explores themes of salvation, redemption, and hope—perfect for sharing with your children and inspiring their hearts!

[Grace Kishlar · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was still on my to read list from when I was growing up and regularly read Victorian children's books. It hit every trope and moral lesson I remembered, but without any truly badly aged passages. It was a little time capsule to remember who I was and how I thought as a young teen versus who I am and how I think now as a young adult.

[Veronika Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little repetitive at times, but a deeply moving and convicting little book that will make even an adult come face to face with the question: will you going home when you die? Or facing an eternity without one? Precious story for children to think deeply about eternity, as well as their parents.

[Andrea Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. My mom gave it to me to read. Some of the language was hard for me to understand but the message was clear. No matter how long it takes you to find God, he will be waiting. God had a plan for Christie and he eventually found it.

[Jenna Scribbles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice spiritual message - sad, sad story.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a read aloud with discussion I'll give it 2.5 stars.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story with a beautiful message and good moral. The story is very old though with a preaching tone in it which was often used in the last century's children's books.

[Destinie Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended! It's a beautiful story of faith and definitely is a tear jerker. ❤️

[Chloe W · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet book about our longing for our heavenly "Home Sweet Home" and out precious Savior who shed his blood that we may enter that home.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely book, religious and happy ending. Good read. I may red more of her books.

[Sven Melling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the gospel was exposed multiple times. Amazing to be reminded how merciful our great God is. People shortly before their death can be saved Our kids enjoyed the story very much.