Norwalk, CT - - As one drives into the village of Rowayton, one can't help but notice the United Church of Rowayton's house of worship. It has been called "a billowing sail" or a "seashell" because of the beautiful twisting curve of the cedar roof. The United Church of Rowayton commemorated the 50th anniversary of the opening of its unique sanctuary with a special service on Sunday, September 30.
The Sanctuary was designed by Westport architect Joseph Salerno in 1962. The design won the American Institute of Architects highest award in1963. Salerno outlined his concept of the church building thus, "It is a table, a cross and a pulpit surrounded by people". And when one enters the Sanctuary, one can see that Salerno achieved this vision of unity and community. Both the interior and exterior are wood and glass, creating an environment of warmth and light. The wood pews are angled in three sections around a circular altar where it is easy to see fellow parishioners as well as Pastor John Livingston, United Church's present cleric. But what makes the space truly dramatic are the massive wooden beams that curve up towards an open interior spire where colors from the stain-glass window at the top beam down onto the altar and choir. Salerno succeeded in making the entire church into an upward-aspiring symbol.
The United Church of Rowayton is an open and affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ. The Church is located at 210 Rowayton Avenue in Rowayton, Connecticut. For more information, please visit www.ucrowayton.org [1] or call (203) 866-1415.