United Congregational
The Historic United Congregational Church, Bridgeport, CT
A Majestic Church With Vast Musical Resources Used For Numerous Interfaith and Area Concerts
The United Congregational Church, (United Church) at the corner of Park Avenue and State Street will be used throughout the week for POE recitals and group training sessions. The church was settled in 1695, which makes this congregation older than the city of Bridgeport by 141 years; and older than the Constitution by 81 years. The current building seating 1,000, was built in 1926. United Congregational Church has a rich musical past, and much like the Center Churches in New Haven, continues to host numerous concerts, memorial services, special events, in addition to being an active house of worship.
The Organs of United Church
1953/2000 Austin IV manuals/81 ranks, 1988 Delhumeau II manuals/11 ranks, 1983 Roche II manuals/11 ranks
Dr. John Michniewicz, our POE Co-Director, is the Minister of Music at United and is largely responsible, along with the church trustees, to ensure the 3 pipe organs, multiple Steinway pianos, harpsichord, and even a Hammond B-3, are available for church services and concerts.
Frederick Teardo will start the POE week Sunday performing on the wonderful 1953/2000 Austin IV manuals/81 rank pipe organ. In 2000, a new moveable console, 8 additional unenclosed pipe ranks in a floating Positive Division, along with several 32' pedal electronic stops were added to the current extensive organ stoplist, which includes a 16-rank antiphonal division high above the balcony, almost a block away from the console. This concert will be open to the Public. Free-will offering. Handicapped Accessible. Click here for the Austin stop-list.
Also in the Sanctuary is the 1988 Delhumeau II manuals/11 rank tracker organ, Hammond B-3, Harpsichord and Steinway grand piano. In the Chapel, but within ear-shot of the other organs (we have had several concerts using the 3 pipe organs), is the 1983 Roche II manuals/11 rank tracker organ.
Concerts/Worship at United Church
Special Thank You For POE Sponsorship
With the help of many, United Church continues to host many fine musical concerts, is home to the United Chorale, Norma Pfriem Children's Choir, and supports a Schola program for young choral students. The Greater Bridgeport AGO Chapter and United Congregational Church host an Annual Pipe Screams Concert that features many of our AGO Chapter members, university choirs, that entertains 850+ attendees. The net proceeds from this joint effort goes to support the M. Louise Scholarship Award used to help young organists with college tuition and expenses. We are very appreciative for the staff and congregational support for our POE event using this great venue.
