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CHURCH ETIQUET

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Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 17, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 11.

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CHURCH ETIQUET.

THERE is such a thing as church etiquet, and the fact of it is quite as noticeable as a breach of good manners in any other relation of life. Right behavior in church should be as religiously observed as are any of the rules and regulations of polite society elsewhere. It is quite certain that our conduct at church has not a little to do in deciding the measure of blessing which we may hope to receive, and has a very direct influence upon the minds of those about us.
The following suggestions are not altogether new, but they deserve frequent repetition, in view of the fact that they are so often and so flagrantly violated, even by those who would be quite offended if directly informed that they were guilty of such violations of good breeding. We should always be reverent and attentive; and in all things we should try to be “an example of the believers.”
1. If possible be in time. You need five minutes after coming to get warm or cool; to compose your body and mind, and to whisper a prayer before the service begins.
2. Never pass up the aisle during prayer or Scripture reading. If you do, your presence will distract the minds of many in the audience.
3. Be devout in every attitude; all whispering should be studiously avoided. Find the psalm and sing it if you can. Share the book with your neighbor. If in a strange church, conform to its customs of worship.
4. If the sermon has begun, take a seat near the door—no matter if you are “at home.”
5. Be thoughtful of the comfort of others. Take the inside of the pew, if you are the first to enter, and leave all vacant space at the end next to the aisle.
6. Speak a bright, cheery word to as many as possible at the close of the service. If you are a stranger, ask one of the ushers to introduce you to the pastor, or to some of the church officers. This will always insure you a hearty welcome.
7. Never put on your coat, overshoes, or wraps during the closing psalm, and do not make a rush for the door immediately after the benediction is pronounced.
8. There should be no loud talking or jesting after the service is concluded. They are as much out of place in the house of God as in the house of mourning.—Presbyterian Review.