Benches


The Narthex The Priest's Plaque The War Plaque Body of the Church Ceiling Windows Stations of the Cross Benches Font Our Lady Statue St Joseph & St Patrick Statue of St Anne The Lady Chapel Stained Glass Windows Painting Sacred Heart Statue The Baptistry Font Sanctuary The Crucifix The Altar The Nun's Rooms The Choir Gallery St. Joseph's Bell


Last Updated 21 August 2006


The Benches

The wooden benches were restored in 1990 but otherwise have been in use for some time. The benches formed three rows (two against either wall and one central larger row) until 1990 when it was decided to allow for two rows of benches and three aisles as is the case today.

This image,
which dates
from around
1905, shows
the layout of
the benches
at that time.

The above photograph also illustrates the way in which the benches could be hired by the more wealthy members of the congregation. The small white tags visible on the benches are name plates, indicating that the spot had been "hired" by a specific parishioner and nobody else should sit there. The benches at the rear of the church were free of rent and all the poorer parishioners would sit there. This bench rent brought considerable income into the parish.