Page:Suggestions on the Arrangement and Characteristics of Parish Churches.djvu/20

Rh 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.