The Outerbridge family of Hatfield, Yorkshire sailed from England in 1617 and became one of
the earliest settlers in Bermuda. Thad is descended from many generations of shipbuilders.
Born in Bermuda, his primary education was at Saltus Grammar School. Upon graduation in
1955 from Upper Canada College in Toronto, Thad entered the School of Fine and Applied
Arts of Boston University as a student of music in organ performance. Time permitting in his
academic schedule, Thad apprenticed in organ maintenance with Boston’s foremost organ
technician, Roy E. H. Carlson. In 1964 he joined the Berkshire Organ Company and installed
organs for that company in St. Johnsbury and Morrisville, Vermont as well as Keene New
Hampshire. In 1968 Thad moved to Beverly and established the firm of Outerbridge Pipe
Organs. Since that time he has offered complete organ service throughout New England.
Twice each year he travels to Bermuda where he is the curator of the organ at the Cathedral of
the Most Holy Trinity as well as many of the parish churches. Thad works with his business
partner, Armando Furtado. In addition to his maintenance work, Thad occasionally plays a
Sunday morning service, most often at his parish church, Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church in
Beverly where he serves on several committees as well as being the Parish Historian.
Armando Furtado
Armando was born in St. Miguel in the Azores. In 1986 Armando became a citizen of the
United States. He has been building and restoring organs for over thirty years. Woodworking
is Armando’s specialty. All of the slider chests and other wood components are made in the
workshop at 38 Cabot Street. In addition to organ building, Armando has built his own home,
designed and made furniture, worked on boats and has also handcrafted many chairs for the
children of his friends’ and relatives - each with the name of the recipient inscribed. Armando
also enjoys taking care of his herd of pure-bred Nubian goats.
