The term 'chair' in a church can refer to several types of seating, most commonly the long benches known as pews for the congregation, or specific, individual chairs for clergy.
Seating for the Congregation: Pews
For the general congregation, the primary form of seating consists of pews. These are long, wooden seats or benches designed to accommodate multiple individuals, allowing many worshippers to sit together during services. Pews became a common feature in churches towards the end of the medieval period, significantly changing how congregations were seated. They are typically arranged in rows facing the altar or pulpit, often featuring kneelers for prayer.
Specific Chairs for Clergy and Officials
Beyond the general congregational seating, churches also contain various specialized chairs, particularly for clergy, officials, and choir members. These chairs often hold symbolic or functional significance.
- Cathedra: This is the bishop's official chair, usually located in the cathedral (which derives its name from the word cathedra). It symbolizes the bishop's teaching authority and leadership within the diocese.
- Stalls: Often found in the choir area of larger churches or cathedrals, these are individual, often elaborately carved, wooden seats reserved for the clergy, canons, or choir members. They can sometimes be hinged to allow for standing or kneeling.
- Altar Chairs/Presider's Chair: These are individual chairs located in the sanctuary near the altar, used by the officiating priest or minister during various parts of the service. The presider's chair, specifically, is where the minister leads the congregation.
- Throne: While less common in modern churches, historically, a more elaborate seat resembling a throne might be used by a high-ranking cleric or even a monarch during church ceremonies.
Types of Church Seating
To provide a clearer understanding, here's a breakdown of different types of seating found in churches:
| Type of Seating | Description | Primary User(s) | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pew | Long, fixed wooden benches | Congregation | Provides group seating, often with kneelers, prevalent since the late medieval period. |
| Cathedra | Ornate, individual chair for a bishop | Bishop | Symbol of episcopal authority, found in cathedrals. |
| Stall | Individual, often elaborate, wooden seat | Clergy, Choir members, Canons | Typically found in the choir area, may have hinged seats. |
| Altar Chair | Individual chair(s) near the altar | Officiating clergy | Used for leading parts of the service, sometimes referred to as the "presider's chair." |
| Chair | General term for a single, movable seat, less common than fixed seating in nave | Various, typically guests | Can be used for overflow seating or in multi-purpose church spaces. |
