Review of Christie’s Old Organ by Mrs. O. F. Walton
Mrs. O. F. Walton wrote many children’s books that portray biblical truths throughout them. Her most well-known book is called Christie’s Old Organ, which was written in 1882, and is the story of Christie (short for Christopher), an orphan boy who befriends Treffy – “a poor, forlorn old man, without a friend in the world.” Treffy makes his meagre living by playing his old barrel-organ, which plays only four out-dated tunes – one being a song that comes to mean very much to both Christie and Treffy called “Home Sweet Home.”
Both Treffy and Christie are eager to discover where this “Home Sweet Home” is, and when they learn that Treffy doesn’t have much time to live, Christie is given the task of finding out all he can about a possible “Home Sweet Home” called heaven.
One day while out playing the organ, Christie meets two children – Mabel and Charlie – from whom he learns about Jesus. Desperate to know more about Jesus and heaven, Christie then goes to hear a preacher who, through his messages, gives him the answers he and Treffy were looking for.
Though a simple story, Walton writes it in such a way that it is absolutely bursting with important truths for children to learn. In a straightforward and clear manner, she thoroughly explains the gospel message, what faith means, the work of the Holy Spirit, and even clarifies the difference between “feeling” and “knowing” while discussing the topic of personal salvation. These can be complicated things to explain to a child, but she does it in such a way throughout the entire book that it is clear and understandable for anyone who reads it.
Christie’s Old Organ is a great book, full of wonderful truths – and I highly recommend picking it up and enjoying this story for yourself!
