Within a church you will find specific fixtures, furniture or areas.
The Altar
The Altar in some churches can be quite daunting and some churches do not like the general public to enter the area.
The picture shows a “High Altar” like you would see in a cathedral or high Anglican or Catholic church. The churches in our pastorate are less formal. You will notice the table covered in a cloth. Some Altar tables can be quite grand and ornate, while others are plain or lightly carved wood. The table is primarily used to display the Communion elements of bread and wine, when being served and there may be a special goblet or Chalice for the person administering the communion. There is also , usually a cross and maybe a small lectern to hold the prayer book.
Candles
Candles are lit in churches to represent the light of faith. There can be many different types, including the Advent ring used during the period before Christmas, or just for decoration.
Pulpit
The Pulpit is used to preach from. It is usually raised above even the Altar so that the preacher can be seen and heard, especially if there is a gallery or the church is large. Remember there were no microphones or sound systems when many of the churches were built. It also, traditionally, indicated the authority of the preacher (10ft above contradiction!) but that has now been played down and many pulpits go unused or have even been removed altogether. The one pictured is in Nuneaton. It was taken down from its central position and has been put on castors to allow it to be moved if required
Lectern
There is often a free standing lectern used for readings and announcements. Some can be plain, Nuneaton’s is an eagle as shown. Often the church Bible is placed on the lectern, at least during services. They are large and heavy with large print and often highly decorated
Some lecterns have a cloth “fall” like on the pulpit above with a symbol to represent either the church or its denomination
Font
You will not always see this displayed. Some churches have a portable font that is brought out when needed. Many Parish churches have ornate stone ones, The one shown is from Nuneaton URC church.
The URC encourages child Baptism although there are circumstances when a full immersion is wanted and then we have to an appropriate venue.
For more details on Baptism please see
Organ or Piano
The traditional church organ is a unique instrument but becoming less common. Nuneaton is lucky to have a 3 manual organ and someone who can play it, Bedworth’s is a little smaller but the Pipes look spectacular, Atherstone has an electric organ and Horeston just a piano. Sometimes we have to rely on recorded music.
Cross or Crucifix
The URC uses a bare cross to represent the resurrection of Christ. Catholic churches use the crucifix with Christ on display to remind us of the pain and suffering Christ went through for our sins.
It is a matter of perspective rather than a right or wrong choice
Stained Glass
Stained glass is usually associated with Parish churches and cathedrals but within our Pastorate the Old Meeting House has some really good examples, one of which is pictured here.
The Old Meeting House is celebrating its 300th anniversary in 2026, It is a grade 2 listed building and well worth a visit.
Both Nuneaton and the Old Meeting House still have pews, although some have been removed in Nuneaton and were used to make the screen at the back of the church. Pews are notoriously uncomfortable, even if there is a cushion. Chairs are more flexible, if not necessarily more comfortable. Both Nuneaton and Bedworth have large adjacent halls so open space is less of a problem. The Horeston building was designed as a utilitarian community hall and therefore never had pews. Space is also at a bit of a premium at Atherstone and so chairs are more practical than pews.
You will find other things unique to each church from wall hangings and pictures, to gifts and commemorative items. We hope you find our buildings interesting, not frightening and would hope to see you on Sundays. You will be always welcome.