Pulpits and podiums can be found in a variety of styles and materials, but wood and acrylic seem to be the most popular options today. Both materials can make very stylish pieces, but they both also have their own unique set of benefits and disadvantages. Keep reading to see which type of podium might best suit the needs of your church.

Acrylic podiums give a more contemporary feel to the sanctuary with its glass-like look. Acrylic is a great alternative to glass products, which aren’t nearly as durable and tough. But don’t let its strength fool you – acrylics can be easy to scratch. Fortunately, more shallow scratches can be easily removed with many common products on the market. Just make sure not to use ammonia or acetone on acrylic, which can damage the surface.

As opposed to many other materials that are similar in looks, acrylics will not yellow in sunlight. Some plastics and even glass will change color when overly exposed to UV radiation. Acrylic is a thermoplastic made from natural gas.

Wood furniture also has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Wood has an unmistakable beauty and individuality that other furniture materials just don’t possess. Different species of wood vary in wood grain, color, and texture.

The type of wood used for creating furniture can also vary in its ability to hold stain. Certain species of porous woods, such as oak, tend to hold stain better while woods that aren’t as porous typically do not hold stain as well. If you would like to have a painted product, the type of wood you use can affect that as well. Maple is a favorite when it comes to painted wood furniture.

Because wood is a living thing, it can react to its environment, and precautions should be taken. Any drop or rise in temperature can cause wood to expand or contract. Additionally, moisture or humidity can take a toll on wood furniture. Wood can take on moisture and swell if not produced properly. Although wood stain can enhance the beauty of your product, it’s unlikely that it will offer long-term protection. Choosing a piece of wood furniture that has been sealed with a protective layer of lacquer or polyurethane is your best bet to keep your furniture protected against moisture.

However, it’s also wise to take measures to prevent damage to your wood furniture. Try to keep the piece in a room that maintains a consistent, comfortable temperature in a low-humidity environment. Also try to keep your wood furniture away from direct sunlight to help prevent fading.

Just like acrylic pieces, wood furniture can scratch. Scratches in wood can lead to water damage if moisture is allowed to settle in.                                                                                                                                                                              

Both acrylic and wood pulpits can be a beautiful addition to a church sanctuary, as long as the owner takes proper care of the piece. If both of these materials interest you, perhaps a combination of wood and acrylic would better suit your style. Wood pulpits are available with acrylic centers that can sometimes feature a church logo, crosses, or anything else you would like to display on your pulpit.

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