Pulpit

The Pulpit

 

Ever since 1604 Church Law has required 'a comely and decent pulpit to be seemly kept for the preaching of God's word.' 

Jesus was a preacher. He came to Galilee proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.' (St Mark, chapter 1 verse 14)

 His commission to his disciples was to 'Go into all the world and proclaim the good news; whoever believes and is baptised will be saved.' (St Mark, chapter 16 verses 15-16)

 This ‘Good News' might be summed up like this:

God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another.
( St John's First Letter, chapter 4 verses 9-11)

This summary, taken from the New Testament, uses terms like ‘atoning sacrifice' and ‘sins' which many people, even churchgoers, may find difficult. Good preaching helps everyone understand what the 'Good News' is, and to explain any strange language or ideas that may have been used.

The Chancel

The area of the church between the nave and the sanctuary is called the ‘chancel‘. It gets its name from the low wall or balustrade that separates it from the nave ( cancellus , in Latin, means a low wall). Once used by the choir, this area now provides additional space where groups too large for the All Saints Chapel but rather small for the nave can meet for worship.


Picture showing the Organ in the Chancel

 The chancel houses the pipe organ, built for the church by James Jepson Binns of Leeds in 1907. This organ was fully restored in 2005 with generous help from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Council for the Care of Churches.

Musical instruments have for centuries been used to accompany human voices in the worship of God.

Praise God in his sanctuary , praise him in heaven, his mighty fortress. Praise God, his deeds are wonderful, too marvellous to describe. Praise God with trumpets, and with all kinds of harps. Praise him with tambourines and dancing, with stringed instruments and woodwinds. Praise God with cymbals, with clashing cymbals. Let every living creature praise the Lord. Shout praises to the Lord! (Psalm 150)

As well as being used for worship the organ regularly features in recitals and concerts. It is available for teaching, practice and recreational use.

 

 

 

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