[141] So called from the Latin word sedes, a seat. This position, on the south side of the altar, is in all respects the most convenient for the clergy when not officiating. To sit facing the people is a most painful position for the priest, as the eyes of all the congregation naturally rest upon him; it has, too, the appearance of irreverence.
[144] This word is tautological, derived from our common word rere, back, and the French dos, back, from its position at the back of the altar. Many of these altar-screens have in recent years been restored at immense cost, as at Ely Cathedral.
[145] In Braburn Church, Kent, an altar-tomb, with armorial bearings around and above it, occupies the very place of the altar itself. In the church of Prendergast, South Wales, large marble slabs with elaborate epitaphs occupy the entire east end of the chancel. The most prominent of these—immediately over the altar—records that the departed "had learned by heart the whole Book of Psalms, and all the Collects of the Book of Common Prayer, with twenty-four chapters of the Old and New Testaments, before she was thirteen years old, and several more after" However praiseworthy and marvellous these accomplishments, this is surely no fitting place for proclaiming them!
[146] It is probable that the prayers and the sermon were formerly read from the same lectern. The first authoritative document of which we have record in which mention is made of the prayer desk, is the Visitation Articles of the Bishop of Norwich (Parker), in A. D. 1569.
In the parish accounts of St. Mary's, Shrewsbury, is an item in 1577 for "colouring the Curate's desk." But prayer desks were used at a much earlier time.
[147] So called from the Latin word almarium, a closet or locker. The almery had many uses, and is to be found in all parts of the church, but chiefly in the chancel. Sometimes it was used to hold the priest's vestments; and in conventual churches, to hold the gold and silver vessels belonging to the monastery.
[148] Gen. viii. 20; xii 7; xxxv. 1.
[149] Exod. xxvii. 1.