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FUMC Houma was built in 1956. It was
a model church for that time period. It was constructed of Colonial
sand mould brick, trimmed with buff Indiana limestone, at a cost of about
$400,000. The style of the church is a traditional one ... a blend
of Colonial and Georgian. It is longer than it is wide, and has a
tall ceiling (36' high). It was built with a seating capacity of
about 450 people.
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| The way people seek to worship is changing
in some ways. Looking at the demographics for our immediate area,
about half prefer the traditional worship service, while almost half are
seeking contemporary worship services (less ritual, modern music, relaxed
dress, usage of A/V equipment). It may be useful to look at what
features are being used in new churches being built today. They are
being built that way for a reason ... because they appeal to postmoderns
(people born within the last 4 decades).
So, what are the features of new churches? Though they vary (and some are still being built in the traditional style), there are some features that are common in many new churches. > Wider instead of longer > Altar/Chancel area set up as a "stage" > Movable features in the altar/chancel area > Use of A/V equipment > Curved seating |
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Features of a Church SANCTUARY - The sanctuary is the primary gathering room for the congregation. It is designed to be an "instrument for the Worship of God." This room contains two distinguishable areas: 1) the nave, where the pews are, and 2) the chancel area, which focuses worship. Nave The term "nave" comes from the tradition of thinking of the worshiping congregation as "The Lord's Navy"; "chancel" comes from the Latin word for the railings (screens) separating this area from the nave; they were called "cancelli." Chancel The "table-centered" chancel area usually includes three major Christian worship symbols: the Lord's Table, Baptismal font, and Pulpit. The choir and musicians are usually located in the chancel area. They are often put to the side to emphasize their supportive role in assisting in the leadership of worship. |
