Mourner's bench a minister. In keeping with the doctrine of the mortification of the flesh, penitents do not kneel on kneeler cushions but instead kneel on the floor. Today many, but not all, Methodist churches supplant the mourners' bench with chancel rails, where Methodists (as well as other evangelical Christians) receive Holy Communion, in addition to experiencing the New Birth, repenting of their sins, and praying. Mourner's bench The mourners' bench, also known as the mercy seat, in Methodist and other evangelical Protestant churches is a bench located in front of the chancel. The practice was instituted by John Wesley, the founder
John Prie 1727. John Prie John Prie (died 1727) was a minor pirate in the Caribbean. In 1727 Prie and some associates staged a mutiny aboard the Dutch-flagged ship "Young Lawrence" during a cruise in the West Indies. Prie murdered the Captain and declared himself Master of the ship. The mutineers were caught and tried in London. Prie tried to frame fellow sailor John Ashley for the murder, who responded with a profanity-laced tirade. Prie was convicted for both murder and piracy and sentenced to hang. He was hung at Execution Dock, then gibbeted in chains opposite the town of Woolwich in