Pilgrim Congregational Church

Pilgrim Congregational Church, located in the historic Victorian Tremont neighborhood, proves that many of the city’s finest houses of worship were no exception. This grand sandstone Richardsonian Romanesque edifice, designed by Cleveland architect Sidney R. Badgley, is reputed to have been the first in the area to have used electricity, the power generated by steam-driven, coal-fired turbines located in the church basement. The interior of Pilgrim Church appears much as it did over 100 years ago, replete with elegant wall paper and stenciling, fine woodwork, a stained glass dome, combination chandelier/ gasoliers, and a fine three-manual, 1894 Farrand & Votey organ (Opus 719). This is perhaps the first electric-action organ in the region and was dedicated by Chicago organist Clarence Eddy. Stephen Schnurr and Micah Raebel will demonstrate the instrument solo, in organ-piano repertoire, and with works by James H. Rogers, a Cleveland composer, organist, and music critic.