The Parish of St. Michael and All Angels, Croydon was founded in 1871 and a temporary wooden church opened for worship, near the present site, in September 1872. "Father" Henry Willis was commissioned to build a new organ which was used for the first time on Easter Day the following year. On completion of Pearson's magnificent building, the organ was transferred there in 1882 and placed in a purpose designed chamber (it would appear that Willis knew of Pearson's plans when he originally designed the instrument). At about this time Father Willis drew up a scheme for a "Grand Organ" of four manuals, but sadly this was not carried out. Bodley's double-fronted case was added in 1902.
The instrument remained substantially unaltered until 1955 when NP Mander Ltd. were commissioned to undertake a major rebuild and enlargement. Most of the choir organ was transferred to a new enclosed chest and the Willis choir chest became the new "positive" organ. Additions were made to the pedal organ, the manual action converted to electro-pneumatic, the console modernised and the nomenclature of some stops changed. This rebuild was very much in line with the trends in British organ building at the time and was highly acclaimed although its attempt at eclecticism now seems somewhat dated. However the Willis instrument enjoys a fine reputation and continues to give an excellent account of itself.
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