For centuries local churches supported their work by either selling the use of pews in the churches outright or renting the pews for varying periods of time. This practice died out beginning in the nineteenth century and is virtually unknown today. All pews were not rented for the same amount of money. Pews that were in better locations rented for more money and the renter could upholster and furnish his pew according to his taste. During the late medieval period some folks even installed fireplaces in their pews (which was actually a small room) to keep warm because there was no other heat in the churches at that time.
Although it might seem to be absurd to the modern mind, there were certain advantages. One was that the congregations were not harangued for money during sermons. Another was that tithing was essentially eliminated because the tithe was simply collected as a standard tax which provided privileges in sitting during a service rather than standing.
Although it might seem to be absurd to the modern mind, there were certain advantages. One was that the congregations were not harangued for money during sermons. Another was that tithing was essentially eliminated because the tithe was simply collected as a standard tax which provided privileges in sitting during a service rather than standing.