Docomomo US will begin its 7th annual national Tour Day program at the First Presbyterian Church on Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Stamford, Connecticut. The Docomomo Tour brings together architects, designers, historians, enthusiasts, and organizations for exclusive tours and related events devoted to the appreciation of US modern architecture and mid-20th century design. Tomorrow's event at the First Presbyterian Church is the first of more than 50 Tour Days in 23 states throughout October.
Built by architect Wallace K. Harrison, the First Presbyterian Church of Stamford is also known as The Fish Church because of its fish-like shape. The Fish Church is -- excuse the pun -- quite a gem with its interior that is bathed in a sapphire light and made of 20,000 pieces of dalle de verre glass in 86 hues.
At the altar stands a Visser-Rowland (Opus 87) organ. The instrument is a 4-manual, 51-stop, 74-rank organ with 4,026 pipes, 244 keys on 4 keyboards and 32 pedals. The church's Minister of Music will demonstrate the church's acoustics during tomorrow's Tour Day. A 1979 painting of the Crucifix by Harrison can also be found inside.
Outside, the obelisk-like carillon tower next to the church adds to the overall unique grandeur of Harrison's structure. Not to mention the tower is also installed with 56 bells.
Visitors for the Docomomo tour at The Fish Church are sure in for a treat. The event will also include a 1 p.m. panel of experts moderated by Kyle May, principal at Abrahams-May Architects and Editor in Chief of CLOG. The panel will discuss the architectural, structural, and religious significance of The Fish Church. Afterward, the audience will get to participate in a Q-and-A session about the structure.
For more info on The Fish Church, click here.
And click here for complete details on the Docomomo US tour.
All photos by Robert Gregson
Browse the thumbnails for more photos.
6 Comments
kinda looks like a carwreck ...
my two cents...
I love this building.
Born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut! Walked by this church a million times! A very beautiful unusual sight! Attended a few Sunday morning sermons! One of the best most beautiful sounding pipe organs in the World! My two cents! @ boy in a well!
Beautiful building however the crucifixion of Jesus on the wall is extremely out of place imho. In fact it just looks like its been penned on (almost graffiti-like). Makes the whole of that part of the church look cheep. Also an astronomical amount of money spent especially when Connecticut is full of homeless people. The money could have been better spent elsewhere. And the Fish Church even though Jesus was an still is The Fisher of Men makes it sound as if the fish symbol is being worshiped. (ie worshiping in the Age of Aquarius).
correct. Why spend any money on housing for dumb-ass superstitions when people are hungry and sleeping in gutters. I'll pass on your message to the vatican immediately and get funds transferred.
Bizarre 1950's scifi with a rocket tower poised to take one to heaven?
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