It may seem strange, but what may have been new in the past has now become 'traditional' or 'old style'.
So it is with the plexiglass podium. These were particularly popular 15-20 years ago. They were generally produced by manufacturers of acrylic products. These firms made things like brochure holders, clear cases for models, and signage. It fitted well within their expertise and abilities. The plexiglass podium was ideal for the established church that didn't need to move it often and kept it permanently towards the side of the stage (out of the way of praise and worship). Over time however the weight and impractical nature of all-plexiglass podiums meant that they became less popular.
Pastors have also moved with the time. They have been transitioning from wooden pulpits which they could effectively hide behind, to the transparent plexiglass podium, allowing a more transparent feel to the preaching. The single stem minimalist (no hiding possible) lectern like the Arc2 has been a natural progression of the lessening barrier between preacher and congregation.
So the style of modern sanctuaries at the leading edge has moved on. There is still however some demand for lecterns like the plexiglass podium, much like there will always be demand for wooden pulpits. Pastors however realised the shortcomings of them (the weight, brittle joints and for some churches the tendency to reflect light in all directions like a prism.)
Increasingly injury aware society, a lightweight lectern instead of a heavy plexiglass podium can be a better choice.
Click here to check out how we have resolved the problems of weight, strength and stability with our great looking, user-friendly range of lecterns.
