Church Pews and Benches

Church pews were not present in churches until later in church history. Due to persecution the earliest churches met in the homes of believers. The only furniture required in this setting would be a chair and a table. The chair was for the elder, because sitting indicated someone of authority and the table was required for celebration of communion or the Lord’s supper or mass.

Constantine was the first Christian Roman emperor from AD 272 – 337. He created an environment for Christians to move out of their homes and into the public arena. The Christians of the time built their own specially constructed buildings, with the design based upon the design of the Roman basilica (law court), a common public building at that time. The basilica featured a semi-circular area at the end. This was copied and adapted to become the seating place for the presiding elder. The word ‘basilica’ is still used in Latin based languages to mean church and certain church are called Basilica in English (e.g. St Peter’s Basilica in Rome).

In the early churches only the frail sat, on a stone seat or shelf that ran along the church wall, the remainder of the congregation stood.

At the time of the Reformation (1500 – 1599) preaching became a more central part of the church service. Many churches were renovated, the furnishings simplified and wooden church benches were allowed into the main church standing area to enable the congregation to better listen to the sermon.

The pews were often paid for by individuals and pews were sometimes arranged by social status, higher status nearer the front. Some were decorative, others plain.

Church pews are universally made of wood, often oak. They are arranged in rows facing the front of the church – the altar area. In the early days pews were of different sizes, based on designs of individuals congregants. Later, box pews or uniform pews were developed.

Many pews still exist from the early years and have become antiques. Pew restoration and renovation is a sought after skill.

The adoption of pews is not universal. Worshippers stand in most Orthodox churches, with the exception of the frail.

Pews are sometimes referred to as church benches.

Hayes & Finch have been building church pews, benches and seating for many years. Their craftsman work from the factory in Liverpool, UK, using the finest of woods and the best combination of traditional skills and the latest tools. Take a moment now to view our range of pews and benches, click church benches and pews.