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
Brennilis Parish close with seven bas-relief panels depicting the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, an angel announcing the news of Jesus' birth to the shepherds, the Adoration of the Magi, the circumcision and the Assumption. In the annunciation scene the Virgin Mary is kneeling at a prie-Dieu and the Angel Gabriel carries a sceptre and a banner inscribed with the words "Ave Maria Dominus tecum". In the visitation Elizabeth kneels before her cousin the Virgin Mary and Zechariah (priest) is advancing towards them. In the Nativity the Virgin Mary and Joseph kneel before the baby Jesus with an angel placed between them. To