to think that pews should remain in churches?

I think it's odd when they turn up in coffee shops, as in the one local to my son. Just doesn't seem right really. And not too comfy!

One of the churches in my village had the pews removed several years ago - it caused uproar among several elderly members of the congregation but it meant that the space could be used for multiple things - more than once that has been very handy when it has been too wet to hold the summer fete outside and it can just be moved indoors!
Many churches also had a hall either attached or nearby and because of financial reasons (often the building was in a bad state of repair) they are often either rented out for business use or have been sold. Using chairs means multiple uses of the space are more possible.
In our CofE church, I can remember that during renovations, several old box pews were removed due to dry rot, woodworm etc and as they were at the side of the church they were not usually used. One of the church wardens told me after that they had recently found out that those pews were the original ones that were placed in the church in the 1700s - all the ones left were Victorian or Edwardian ! But they are all still in place.

Pews are a relatively new thing. People used to stand. The church space was empty.

Churches have always adjusted to the times they live in. Originally there was no seating in any church, then they began to build stone seating around the edge for the sick and lame.

Pews came in in the 17th century, mainly those old box pews, for those who could afford pew rent. I expect lots of people complained when they were removed.

Nowadays pews are not convenient for most churches that are used for all kinds of purposes, so they are being replaced by stacking chairs, which are usually considerably more comfortable.

I went to a recital in a church with pews last week, boy, were they uncomfortable, I would have given anything for a nice chair!

Yes I know it does free space in the church for other events but I wish they would keep just a few.
I like "has socks" Callistemonquite a surreal image.

I’m feel the same as you trisher.

Auto flippin' correct again!

Has socks

No, autocorrect, not has socks

Hassocks

We have lovely tapestry hammocks in our local church. I haven't seen anyone kneel much lately but DGD found it useful to plonk hers on her chair so that she could see what was going on!

Pews have been sold off for very many years. I know some architects who started using them in the 70s. My local church has nice padded chairs in the front half and pews at the back. The chairs are always seeked out first and the church is used for other things besides religious services

I love pews too but as Callis has said they must be difficult to move and churches need the income from other events.
If we have no pews there's no hassocks either to kneel on and I always admired the needlework on them.
We may have gained comfort but lose our history when we move with the times.

There are still pews at a church we sometimes attend with the DGC and you can shuffle along and get more people in than on chairs!

I think churches are often used for more than just worship and pews are heavy and difficult to move around.
That may not be the reason but could be one.

Unless they got woodworm?

Yep. I agree. I like pews. At my daughter's church they hold the Christmas fair in the church because they can move the chairs out of the way and use the space. Seems very odd to realise you are actually in the church and see the banners around the walls. But needs must I suppose.