Church Chairs

Introduction

The church chair is one category of church furniture. Church chairs and seating are mainly made from wood, often oak for it's long wearing property or pine for a lighter and lower-cost option. Wooden church chairs are individual chairs in contrast to the more well-known or visible church pews and benches. There are several categories or types of church chairs:

Sanctuary chairs

A church sanctuary is the name given to the space in a church which includes the altar and is generally located at the end of the pews and close to the choir stalls if they are at the front of the church. Within the sanctuary there will be wooden seating and often this is in the form of sanctuary chairs. A sanctuary chair is most often made from wood, e.g. oak and is often stack-able so that the sanctuary can be cleared.

Catholic chairs

An example of what might be called a 'catholic chair' is the Chair of Saint Peter. The legend attached to this chair is that it was used by the saint himself. Consequently the chair has it's own celebration day which takes place on February 22nd. The chair or throne upon which the Pope (or a Catholic Bishop) sits is known as a 'cathedra', from which we get the word 'cathedral'.

Chapel chairs

There are several theories of how the word 'chapel' came into being. One theory (see newadvent.org) is that it derives from the word 'cappella' or 'cape', because part of the cape of St Martin was preserved as a relic, and became sheltered in a tent. There are different types of chapel but the word has the sense of a simple church building, often away from the main church with simple furniture therein. Thus a chapel chair would be present in such a building.

Cathedral chair

A Cathedral is the main church of a Diocese, Protestant or Catholic. It is the home church of the Bishop, the authority priest or minister of the diocese. The word 'cathedral' comes from the Latin word 'cathedra' which means 'elevated seat' or 'throne'.

Stacking Church chairs

Many older churches have pews but more modern church often have stacking chairs. Stacking church chairs most often have a metal frame, a wooden back and seat, which usually has a cushion.

Ministers Chairs, Elders Chairs, Presidential Chairs

In the primitive church the chair signified the authority of the one sat upon it. The congregation stood (except the old and weak). Over time it became the practise to provide pews and benches for the congregation. Furthermore, kneelers were provided for prayer and to receive communion. Thus chairs with more ornate designs were developed to signify important people or authority. Chairs in this category have many different names including Elder chair, minister chair etc. For many years Hayes & Finch have been supplying churches with quality church furniture including church seating and chairs. Our craftsmen utilise a combination of time-honoured skills and the latest technology to create the very best wood church furniture and seating. For further information click church seating.