The Lectern
In Medieval times the Gospel
was read from a lectern in the
chancel but after the reformation the lectern was
moved into the nave. These
movable lecterns generally fall
into two distinct types, either
a simple desk, supported on a
pillar, or more usually an
eagle (very occasionally even a
pelican) supporting the Bible
on its back.
The popularity of the eagle is
due to the fact that it is one
of the symbols representing
St.John the Evangelist, whose
Gospel and Revelation are
deemed to be the most
spiritually enlightened parts of
the Bible and, like the eagle,
soar to the greatest heights.