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.
The word nave comes from the Latin word
navis
which means ship, the root of the English word navigation.
Most older churches have pitched roofs with supports in the shape
of an upside down 'V'. This is particularly obvious at St. James where
the roof timbers are like an upturned ship's hull, reminding us that
St. James was a fisherman. Symbolically, 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.
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Stone capitals |
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The nave is divided from the side aisles
by ten columns which support the church roof. Each column is topped
by a carved stone capital representing flowers, leaves and fruits.
They are all different and two are shown on the right. More are shown
on the images page
Stone
Carvings.
The Great West Window in the nave depicts the 'Transfiguration of
Christ'. High above the nave at the entrance to the chancel is a tiny
window depicting the 'Holy Spirit' in the form of a dove. See these
windows on the images page
The
Nave Stained Glass Windows.
Pews
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 including St.
James, 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. Each pew has a shelf for hymn
books, etc. and information cards, including welcome cards and planned
giving envelopes, are put here for the congregation.
Each pew also has several hassocks, or kneelers, for people to kneel
on during services. The creation of a series of new
kneelers
was a millennium project for the church which involved a group of
women who used their talents and artistic energy to give something
lasting to St. James's Church. Some show the emblems for the guides
and scouts, Mothers Union and New Start. The other designs are taken
from the tiles and stained glass windows in the church. There are
four kneelers that depict the four seasons. There is also a long kneeler
which is used for weddings.
To see them all
look at the images page Kneelers.
The Pulpit
The pulpit is the raised, enclosed platform from which the preacher
gives the sermon. The word pulpit comes from the Latin word
pulpitum,
meaning stage or platform. It is the largest piece of church furniture,
to show that the Word of God is the most important part of the weekly
service. It is made of
portland stone with
marble decorative columns and inset panels with marble coping
and is hexagonal (six-sided). The centre panel shows
"IHS".
IHS or IHC are the first three letters of the Greek for Jesus (
IHCOYC)
(see left).
The pulpit was a gift to the church
from Revd. Bligh.
The Lectern
The eagle lectern is the desk on which the Bible rests. The word lectern
comes from the Latin word
lectus,
meaning t o read, because the lectern is actually a reading stand.
It is normally used by members of the congregation to read the scripture
lessons, to lead the congregation in prayer, and to make announcements.
It is made of brass, stands 1830 mm. high and 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
lectern stands on four bird-like feet with an inscription
‘To
the glory of God and in memory of Emily E. Ward 1882’.
The first two St. James's vicars married members of the Ward family.
