Pulpits and Lecterns

Pulpits and Lecterns

Featured product article from Church Furniture Store

“And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam” (Nehemiah 8:3-4).

Walk-In Pulpit

The word “pulpit” comes from the Latin word “pulpitum”, which means a platform or staging. Pulpits are used in the church by members of the clergy for giving sermons and preaching the Word of God. In a typical Protestant church, the pulpit is placed in front of the congregation, usually on a raised platform, and any other pulpit furniture is placed around the centrally located pulpit. A communion table is generally placed in front of the pulpit and sometimes off of the raised platform. Minister’s chairs and associate pastor’s chairs are placed behind, yet away, from the pulpit.

In other types of churches, such as Catholic churches, the pulpit might be set off to one side of the raised platform in front of the congregation. In this type of set up, there might be a lectern set off to the opposite side of the raised platform. Lecterns are similar to podiums, which are speaking stands that are typically smaller and less grand in appearance than the pulpit. When lay people make presentations to the congregation, they often use the lectern instead of the podium.

The official origin of the pulpit is not known, although there is a progression that can be seen through parts of history beginning with a piece of furniture known as the ambo, which might have been a small table from which scripture was read. There is reference to a “pulpitum” by Cyprian, the Bishop of Carthage, within one of his letters. In this case, however, the pulpitum referred to a raised wooden platform on which clergy delivered the message, but surely played into the practice of elevating the pastor above the congregation in what is today known as the pulpit.

Church Furniture Store features many styles of pulpits, from the modest and traditional to

the intricate and grand. For a church seeking a more reserved, smaller pulpit, the Chapel

Lion of Judah Pulpit

pulpit is ideal. Measuring 35 inches wide, 16.5 inches deep and 48 inches tall, this pulpit features an adjustable bible rest, back-side storage and shelving on compact wings in a budget-friendly package.

However, if your church is looking for something with more pizzazz, we have many pulpit styles to choose from. Our Lion of Judah Pulpit features cross pattern carvings for a bolder statement. Or you might prefer the stately elegance of our #830 pulpit, which features an acrylic center which can be adorned with your choice of a customized logo or our signature three-cross emblem.

Elim Pulpit

Just like our wood pulpits, our lecterns are made by hand in our on-site woodshop. Our announcement stands are made of solid oak wood, and are available in more traditional styles or a curved style. The 720 adds a contemporary look to your sanctuary or classroom with two curved down posts that give the piece an open design.

If you don’t see exactly what you are looking for on our website, contact us to see if we can customize a piece specifically to your liking. Give us a call at 540-484-4913 or reach out to us through our website: https://www.churchfurniturestore.com/index.html