Holy Trinity, Coventry: Pulpit

Holy Trinity Church at Coventry church is a gem for a third reason: it has a fine, medieval pulpit. The church of the Middle Ages generally neglected God’s word; preferring sacramental devotion and made-made superstitions. In the fifteenth century, however, there grew in some Englishmen and many more Continentals a desire to hear more of the Bible. This is probably why Dr Luther’s message chimed a greater chord in the 1520s than Dr Wycliffe managed in the 1370s. I suspect that the quality of preaching was poor, but poor preaching is always better than no preaching, for God can and will always confirm His own word in hearers’ hearts no matter how crackling the sound. This pulpit is from about 1470 and its well-word steps are a testimony to the many feet attached to the many mouths which, one hopes, communicated God’s word to many hearts through many many ears below.

The pulpit is peculiarly sited. Not allowed to detract from the popish altar wherefrom the Mass was muttered, it has a sideways position, yet one which can still offer sight of most of the church, which hopefully means that most could hear the preachers’ words.

Curiously, a couple of carved faces appear on the pulpit, a man and a woman. As King henry VI and his powerful but unpopular Queen, Marget of Anjou, were based in Coventry for much of the Roses War and made Holy Trinity their church, it isa thought that the pulpit was erected for their benefit or honour. When the Yorkists won the war, the pulpit’s two erstwhile patrons were defaced, she especially so.

Few in government today heed the words of pulpits, though it is still the preacher’s job to speak truth to power. It may be generally be the humble and poor who respond to Christ’s gracious call, but kings, prime ministers, presidents and plutocrats should pay attention when a Bible preacher speaks: they will be held to account.

And now, ye kings, understand; ye that deem the earth, be ye learned.

Serve ye the Lord with dread; and make ye full out joy to him with trembling.

Take ye lore of chastising; lest the Lord be wroth sometime, and ye perish from the just way. When his wrath shall burn out in short time; blessed be all they, that trust in him.

Palm 1:10-12, Wycliffe’s Bible