History of Saint James': Pew Rental

Originally posted: 07/22/2015

Church pews have an interesting history.  Backless stone benches began to appear along the walls in English churches by the 13th century.  By the 15th century, wooden benches replaced stone benches and were often fixed to the floor in the nave.  It followed that certain areas of the church were considered to be more desirable than others, as they might offer a better view of services, or might make a certain family or person more prominent or visible to their neighbors.  Those pews might command a higher rent.

Until the early/mid twentieth century, such was common practice in the United States.  Churches rented pews to families or individuals as a principal means of raising income.  Unlike Europe, American churches lacked government support through mandatory tithing.  The rental of pews was the practice at Saint James’ Church, presumably from its origin, until 1918 when the rector and vestry decided that pews would not be reserved; there would be open seating and parishioners would be free to sit wherever they pleased.  Henceforth, funds to support the church would be raised through an envelope system that took effect in April 1919.

Church archives contain a small file of original receipts and other material related to pew rentals. Reproduced herewith is a vestry proposal to the rector dated October 14th 1859, in which church wardens Horner and Tompkins recommend a 30% pew rental increase, which would bring the annual income to $1,363.35.  The list includes Gov. William Smith (1797-1897), twice Governor of Virginia (aka “Extra Billy”) and Inman Horner Payne (1821-1905) in whose memory the window “Christ’s Appearance to Mary Magdalene” was given – and which survived the fire of 1910.

Fascinating to tie long-ago people and events together!

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