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Pews or Chairs. Some scholars suggest that the pew bench actually developed during the Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century mostly to accommodate worshipers during lengthy sermons. Other sources indicate that the pew bench with a tall back and an opening that could be closed was a way of preventing chilly drafts from bothering people. In New England and other parts of the world the pew box was created not to distinguish different classes but because it was a way to keep warm on cold wintry days. People would heat bricks or soapstones in their ovens early in the morning and then bring them in quilted pouches into the pew boxes to keep them warm during long sermons. Whatever the real reason for the development of the pew bench, it is usually a fixed furnishing that, objectively speaking, locks people into place during worship. Although newer benches may be more comfortable, they do not allow the rearrangement of the space. Again, the choice of seat depends on the liturgical style of the members and what they desire to do in that space at a given time. Many older cathedrals and synagogues utilized movable chairs or pew benches to facilitate various seating arrangements. On occasion they could be removed altogether to make room for other liturgical and non-liturgical events. The Catholic Cathedral of St. John in Milwaukee was reordered recently to comply with the spirit of the Second Vatican Council. In the original plan the congregation was quite removed from the altar. The principles of the sociopetal setting were applied during the renovation. The table was placed closer to the middle of the assembly to achieve better sightlines, and the fixed pews were replaced with movable chairs for increased flexibility. Improved lighting and acoustics help to create a worship space that fosters more participation in the rites. In this project an important statement was made about the distinctions between the clergy and laity. Before the renovation the archbishop sat on a rather kingly throne remote from the assembly. Now the cathedra (the bishop's chair) is part of the circular layout where the archbishop sits "first among equals." Such an equitable seating plan does not diminish the importance of the rabbi, the priest, or minister leading the worship, but it creates an environment that expresses solidarity among all worshipers, and states that liturgy is not something performed or delivered to the congregation by clergy. Rather, liturgy is something that the worshipers do with each other. Here the built environment resonates with an important ritual principle: each member in the congregation is called to own and embrace the worship event. 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | Contents |
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