The congregation was founded in Stamford, Connecticut, in 1854 but voted to move to its present location in 1954 and selected Harrison, known mainly for his International Style works, to design the new building. The profile and plan of the church mimics the form of a fish, an early symbol of Christianity, and earned First Presbyterian the nickname “Fish Church.” To realize the unusual building, Harrison collaborated closely with other notable professionals such as glass artist Gabriel Loire, architect and structural engineer Felix James Samuely, and Willis Mills, architect of the attached parish unit. The sanctuary is an early and widely publicized example of thin shell precast concrete construction, inclined folded plates incorporated into a non-industrial American building, and Dalle de verre stained glass.

According to the congregation, First Presbyterian has “long been considered an influential body in Stamford with many members sitting on community boards.” In 2008, First Presbyterian began an after-school program for local youth called Creative Learning @ FPC. Students from six nearby schools are provided with homework help, mentorship opportunities, and, for those who learn English as a second language, translation assistance. First Presbyterian is also involved with a wide range of other outreach programs, including community gardening, refugee resettlement, and monthly volunteering at two different local shelters for individuals facing housing insecurity.

A $250,000 National Fund grant with $1,453,800 in matching funds raised by the congregation supported critical repairs to the church’s unique dalle de verre glass and poured in place concrete ribs. Extensive leakage had caused deterioration of the reinforcing rods used to connect and support the building’s precast concrete panels. This work is Phase 1 of a larger project that will ultimately restore the remainder of the building’s dalle de verre glass and concrete exterior.  

First Presbyterian Church of Stamford courtesy Google Earth 

First Presbyterian Church of Stamford courtesy NTHP