The nave is the central open space of the church, the main aisle with rows of pews either side. It is the part of the church where most of the congregation sit during services. It is divided from the side aisles by ten columns which support the church roof.

The word nave comes from the Latin word navis which means ship, the root of the English word navigation. The roof timbers are like an upturned ship's hull, reminding us that St. James was a fisherman. It is as though the church is a ship, the congregation are passengers in the ship, and the priests and congregation are travelling together towards God.

Pews are the fixed benches on which people sit in the nave. Once there were no seats in churches and the congregation stood or knelt.

Later, in some churches, a few seats were attached to the wall for old and sick people, and from this comes the saying, 'The weakest go to the wall'. Fixed seats for all the people were introduced about the 15th century.

The pulpit is the raised, enclosed platform from which the preacher gives the sermon. It is made of stone and is hexagonal (six-sided). It is the largest piece of church furniture to show that the Word of God is an important part of the weekly service. The word pulpit comes from the Latin word pulpitum meaning stage or platform.

The centre panel shows IHS. IHS or IHC are the first three letters of the Greek for Jesus (IHCOYC) (see right).

The lectern is the desk on which the Bible rests. It is made of brass. It is in the shape of an eagle with out-stretched wings. The eagle is standing on a ball, which represents the world, while the Bible on the eagle's back symbolises the Gospel being carried on wings to the corners of the earth.

The word lectern comes from the Latin word, lectus, meaning to read, because the lectern is actually a reading stand. It is normally used by lay people to read the scripture lessons, to lead the congregation in prayer, and to make announcements.