We have yet to consider two other essential features of a well-arranged Church.
Whether a Church be large or small, designed for a city or for a country parish, a sacristy, or vestry, is indispensable for the preservation of order and cleanliness. Indeed, few of even our poorest Churches is without one; but it is very rarely properly situated. The most usual position for a modern sacristy is behind the altar. This arrangement has passed almost into a conventionalism; and few can be worse. During the celebration of grand ceremonies it is necessary to observe them occasionally from the sacristy. This cannot be done conveniently, and without some danger of distraction to those officiating or assisting, unless the sacristy is placed at the side of the chancel. When in that position, a small window will permit the sacristan to see the different parts of the ceremonies in the chancel, and to make the necessary arrangements, without leaving the sacristy. Another objection to the sacristy's being behind the altar is, that (when in that position) it inevitably destroys, or renders impossible, an eastern window, which is the most beautiful of altarpieces.[1]
- ↑ Next to the holy place itself the sacristy should be treated with the most reverential respect. Its use is to preserve the sacred vessels and vestments, and to enable the ministers of the altar to prepare for the celebration of the solemn rites of religion with becoming gravity and recollection. Hence, strict silence should be observed in the sacristy, or, when speaking is indispensable, it should be in an under tone. Unhappily, however, this is not always the case. The loud voices of irreverent boys sometimes reach the Church from the sacristy. It is often the rendezvous of ladies, who busy themselves in decorating the sanctuary and the altar. It is surely a high privilege, and one to be desired by all pious women, that of contributing the best works of their skill and knowledge to the service of the Church; but their good works do not necessitate frequent visits, and conversations in the chancel or sacristy. I know Churches in England decorated in the most exquisite manner by ladies who have never dared to intrude themselves within the chancel or sacristy.
In figures 1, 2, and 5, the sacristies are placed in an irregular and inconvenient position. In figure 7 D, figures 8 and 9 I, show the correct position.
