In early May, the Catholic Archdiocese of Hartford, Connecticut, announced its reorganization plan following two years of study. The Archdiocese reduced its 212 parishes to 127 by June 29, a process that involved the closure of 26 parishes and the merger of 59 parishes, with unions involving anywhere from two to six parishes. The largest reorganization in one city occurred in Waterbury, with six parishes merging and four closing.
While many of the merged parishes house pipe organs, arguably the most significant involved in the reorganization was the pipe organ in Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Waterbury, which closed. Johnson & Son Opus 778, a three-manual, 36-rank organ installed in 1892, featured mechanical key action with pneumatic assists. The instrument has been featured at Organ Historical Society conventions, in journal articles, and on recordings, and was awarded an OHS Historic Organ Citation.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Waterbury, Connecticut, 1892 Johnson & Son organ (photo credit: William T. Van Pelt)
