Evaluation of choice between use of wooden pews and plastic chairs in selected churches in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated the choice between wooden pews and plastic chairs in selected Churches in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State. Five wards were randomly selected from the 17 Political Wards in the study area. Two major towns were purposely selected from the wards and 10 churches consisting of 5 Orthodox Churches and 5 Pentecostal Churches were randomly selected from each town. Data were collected through the administration of well-structured questionnaires, oral interview and market survey. Data collected were analyzed using simple frequencies and percentages. The results showed that, 43% of Orthodox Churches are making use of wooden pews while 46% of Pentecostal churches make use of plastic chairs. Results also revealed that there is significant difference between the cost of production of one pew and its equivalent number of chairs while there is no significant difference between cost of production of one wooden pew and its equivalent number of banquet chairs. Sixty-four percent (64%) of the churches have not had a change of seat type while the remaining 36% have had a change of seat type. The results also revealed that 96% of respondents were comfortable with their various seat types (wooden pews and plastic chairs) and just 2% of both Orthodox and Pentecostal Church members were not comfortable with their seat types. Though there is significant difference in the cost of production of one wooden pew and its equivalent number of chairs, plastic chairs will overshoot the price of pews over time. Subsequently, there would be need for replacement of plastic chairs in Churches. Wooden pews should be used as permanent seat type in Churches. This will prevent regular replacement of seats thereby saving cost.

Keywords: Orthodox Churches, Pentecostal Churches, Wooden pews, Plastic chairs, Ergonomics