United Congregational Islamic Center, in Bridgeport, CT - Then & Now

The United Congregational Church is one of the oldest religious congregations in Connecticut, organized in 1693 by English settlers. Their landmark 1926 church building was sold in 2017 to the Islamic Center for $1M . At the announcement of the sale, Amhed Ebrahim, Director of the Bridgeport Islamic Community Center said. “It’s really a historic day when peoples of all religions can come together and say, ‘It doesn’t really matter who owns the property — what really matters is that this building continues to be a center for interfaith dialogue — and also one that feeds the hungry and shelters the homeless.’” Echoing this sentiment, is a quote inscribed above an entry to the sanctuary, “A House of Prayer for all people. Isaiah 56-7”.

The building was designed by Allen & Collens of New York in a Georgian Revival style, which was gaining popularity in the North, 60 years after the Civil War. The building was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

The Tichnor Brothers hand painted post card image dates from the 1930’s. You can view the entire collection here: www.digitalcommonwealth.org/collections/commonwealth:0p096w19r