Historical Evolution of Sanctuary Seating and Church Worship Seats
Are you a committee member, architect or designer working on a seating project? Does it involve an expansion, a renovation, or new construction? If so, you have an opportunity to positively impact worshippers for years to come.
The right seating
- Delivers ergonomic comfort
- Is durable and low-maintenance
- Honors long-held traditions
- Blends with architectural elements
- Makes it simple to arrive and depart
Since the Middle Ages, there’s been a progression in the comfort of worshippers. Many who once stood now sat in wooden pews. In recent decades, there’s been a transition from hard pews to padded, upholstered seating. This transition has not been universal. Some of the faithful still stand, as is the case in some Orthodox Christian churches. Many still provide seating for those who are elderly, infirm, or pregnant.
Preserve Tradition or Embrace Change?
Today’s faith communities often face the question of whether to preserve tradition or to embrace change. The debate ensues when it comes to sanctuary worship seating. Is it better to retain traditional pews or to opt for more ergonomic theater-style seats? Some chose a hybrid concept where seating includes wooden pew ends and wood seat backs.
Seating rather than standing was one of many changes ushered in during the Protestant Reformation. There was a downside; the worshiper became less of a participant and more of an observer. Another drawback was the emergence of class-specific seating in the Middle Ages. Pews introduced a more static, linear feeling that served to separate the upper and lower classes. Too often, higher status individuals received preferential treatment. This ran contrary to the egalitarian principles pf the faith. The social hierarchy of the town square was repeated in the confines of the church.
Today, debates still ensue when the time comes to upgrade church seats. Some want to uphold the tradition of sanctuary pews. Others want to emphasize the comfort, versatility, and customizability of theater-style seating. One option is the hybrid pew concept, where church chairs feature wooden backs. Rows are capped with wooden pew ends.
There will always be a debate as to when to sustain sanctuary tradition and when to break from it. When it comes to seating traditions, keep in mind that the debate does not occur in a vacuum. It is still possible to attend to the comfort of the faithful while honoring traditions elsewhere in the sanctuary.
Customized, Affordable Seating
Preferred Seating is a worship seating specialist with more than three decades of experience. We’d welcome the opportunity to help you through your seat selection process. Learn how we’ve found ways to offer customized seating at affordable prices. Please reach out to us today at 317-716-9370!
