- Central pulpit
Traditional
Presbyterian Churches inScotland and elsewhere often had a Central pulpit, that is, thePulpit was located in the centre of the chancel in the position where most churches have the communion table or altar. The table could be situated in front of the pulpit or to the side, and sometimes was not in the chancel area at all. A central pulpit can be seen for example inSt Andrew's Church, Rome .In the Reformed and Puritan traditions of Christianity, the concept of the "Centrality of the Word" is of great importance. This declares the Bible to be the foundation of the faith, something which is true in all Christian traditions, but is particularly highlighted by some more than others. Furthermore, the "Centrality of the Word" implies that the reading and preaching of the Bible is the centrepiece of a service of worship, and thus takes priority over the sacraments. The Central Pulpit is intended to give visual representation of this idea.
Since the late 19th century, the fashion in the
Church of Scotland and most other Presbyterian denominations has been for a return to the pre-reformation layout. See for exampleSkene Parish Church orOld West Church, Boston, Massachusetts .
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