tabernacle or a simply a door to a wall Aumbry, its design should reflect its purpose. The housing and light may be the subject of an artistic commission. MORE THINGS TO CONSIDER IN THE REORDERING PROCESS Providing for Music: The organ and choir are an integral part of worship in many parishes and, whilst not discouraging alternative forms of music, the diocese supports this tradition. However, with changed liturgical arrangements, the traditional position of the instrument in the chancel may create a problem with the relationship to singers elsewhere. Generally, the Diocesan Advisory Committee favours the retention of pipe organs where these are of worthwhile quality, although it is recognised that electronic instruments may be appropriate in some situations. Remember however that the working life of an electronic instrument is relatively short when compared with a pipe organ. With new liturgical arrangements it is difficult to find a visually appropriate and acoustically satisfactory position for the choir – depending on its role. The following points may be considered:- Is the function of choir to ‘perform’ parts of the service or to lead and reinforce the congregation? Does the choir form part of an entry procession or have any special liturgical role? If the altar is placed at the head of the nave and there is no screen, the singers can sometimes remain in chancel choirstalls, but in a large building or where the chancel screen is being retained, this may separate them unduly from the rest of the congregation. If types of music-making are used, their requirements may be different again. Remember that any singers or musicians will require robing and storage space for robes in a convenient location, if robing is the parish tradition. Each building may require a different resolution of these requirements and the DAC will assess each proposal on its merits. Circulation generally: Movement in a church occurs in several different ways - people going to and from their places to receive Holy Communion; choirs, ministers and processions entering and leaving, and children moving in and out during services. These movements require space in order to avoid congestion or conflict. It should be possible to access toilets and other facilities without disrupting the service. Entrances and exits:
White, Kenneth in Liturgical. Study Four – Centres for Servants. Parish Plant Update. 1975 White, Kenneth in Grove Liturgical Study Five - Shrines for the Saints - How Parish Churches Evolved. 1975 Edited by. Jones, Cheslyn et al The Study of Liturgy. SPCK (revised edition): 1992 Edited by Lee, B J et al Alternative Futures for Worship. The Liturgical Press: 1987 (particularly Volume 2 - Baptism & Confirmation; Volume 3 - The Eucharist; & Volume 6 - Leadership Ministry in Community) Methodist Property Division No Other Foundation. MPD: 1989 Minchin, Basil Minchin Outward and Visible. 1961 Dartman, Longman & Todd. (a history of church building in its theological and religious context). Morris, R Churches and Archaeology CIO: 1978 Rochester, Diocese of, Refraining the Questions. Rochester DBF: 1990 Royal Fine Art Commission Building in Churchyards. RFAC & HBC Memo:1984 Smith, Peter F. London Third Millenium Churches. Galliard Ltd. 1972 In ‘Churchscape’, 1994 No. 13 (Annual Review of the CCC), Lloyd , Trevor, Womb and Tomb -Celebrating Baptism in church building. Also Perham Michael, A tale of two churches. Perham. History Addleshaw and Etchells The Architectural Setting of Anglican Worship. (out of print but available on request from libraries) Fincham, Kenneth Altars Restored. Oxford University Binney, Marcus & Burman Change & Decay. pub. Studio Vista: 1977 For examples of re-ordering : see back numbers of ‘Church Building’ magazine.