Fish Church
Encyclopedia
The First Presbyterian Church of Stamford, is a church in Stamford, Connecticut
designed by architect Wallace K. Harrison. Nicknamed Fish Church, for its unusual shape, it is a unique example of modernist architecture, and an architectural landmark. Its 260 feet (79.2 m) Maguire Memorial Tower holds a 56-bell carillon.
Designed by Wallace K. Harrison, the new sanctuary was dedicated in March 1958. Its shape has been likened to that of a fish- a symbol used in early Christianity. The fish shape is apparent both in the profile and in the floor plan of the structure. Enhancing the unique shape of the church are the enormous stained glass windows in the sanctuary, which contain more than 20,000 pieces of faceted glass. These windows depict the story of the Crucifixion (on the left side), and the resurrection (on the right). A 32 feet (9.8 m) cross faced with wood from the Canterbury Cathedral
in England
, dominates the Chancel. The church originally had an electronic organ, now replaced with a large Visser-Rowland pipe organ.
The stone wall along Bedford Street contains a series of tablets which recognize significant events, institutions, and individuals in the history of Stamford, particularly those with a religious impact, from 1641 to 1975. The Memorial Walk leading from Fellowship Hall (a multi-purpose space which includes a kitchen and stage) to the main entrance of the Sanctuary, has more than 100 stones, each representing an important figure in the Judeo/Christian tradition from the days of Abraham to the present. The corridor outside the chapel contains a collection of over 100 stones from sites of historical Christian significance, gathered during the world travels of former pastor Dr. George Stewart. The stone wall bears the inscription: "from far places where other believers turned not their back."
The church is home to a 56-bell carillon, now housed in the Maguire Memorial Tower. It was originally of 36 bells and called the Nestle Carillon, as the Nestle Corporation was housed in Stamford during WW II.
Stamford, Connecticut
Stamford is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. According to the 2010 census, the population of the city is 122,643, making it the fourth largest city in the state and the eighth largest city in New England...
designed by architect Wallace K. Harrison. Nicknamed Fish Church, for its unusual shape, it is a unique example of modernist architecture, and an architectural landmark. Its 260 feet (79.2 m) Maguire Memorial Tower holds a 56-bell carillon.
History and Architecture
The original First Presbyterian Church of Stamford was a wooden structure located at 90 Broad Street from 1854-1872 when it burned down. It was replaced with a stone edifice, enlarged in 1920, which was used until 1958. In 1954, the congregation voted to relocate to its present location at 1101 Bedford Street.Designed by Wallace K. Harrison, the new sanctuary was dedicated in March 1958. Its shape has been likened to that of a fish- a symbol used in early Christianity. The fish shape is apparent both in the profile and in the floor plan of the structure. Enhancing the unique shape of the church are the enormous stained glass windows in the sanctuary, which contain more than 20,000 pieces of faceted glass. These windows depict the story of the Crucifixion (on the left side), and the resurrection (on the right). A 32 feet (9.8 m) cross faced with wood from the Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, Kent, is one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England and forms part of a World Heritage Site....
in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, dominates the Chancel. The church originally had an electronic organ, now replaced with a large Visser-Rowland pipe organ.
The stone wall along Bedford Street contains a series of tablets which recognize significant events, institutions, and individuals in the history of Stamford, particularly those with a religious impact, from 1641 to 1975. The Memorial Walk leading from Fellowship Hall (a multi-purpose space which includes a kitchen and stage) to the main entrance of the Sanctuary, has more than 100 stones, each representing an important figure in the Judeo/Christian tradition from the days of Abraham to the present. The corridor outside the chapel contains a collection of over 100 stones from sites of historical Christian significance, gathered during the world travels of former pastor Dr. George Stewart. The stone wall bears the inscription: "from far places where other believers turned not their back."
The church is home to a 56-bell carillon, now housed in the Maguire Memorial Tower. It was originally of 36 bells and called the Nestle Carillon, as the Nestle Corporation was housed in Stamford during WW II.