When our brethren came to America in the 1700s, they first met in their homes for collective worship. But as time went on and new converts increased the size of the group, they built simple meeting houses. They wanted the focus to be on the Scriptural message being taught, and not on the grandeur of the building. Although many years have passed and times have changed, if you visit one of our meeting houses today you will still see buildings designed with an emphasis on functionality. You will probably notice that there is no raised platform or pulpit for the speaker, the walls are bare, and much of the interior is finished with hard surfaces. This is not to portray austerity, but rather to keep our meeting houses simple, avoid distractions, and assist the acoustics in our acapella congregational singing.
The two-hour Sunday morning service begins with singing, and then one of the ministers will stand and read a chapter from the Old Testament. This chapter normally has some connection with the main message he will deliver later, and this helps us stay connected to the Old Testament teachings. When he is finished, another minister will stand and give a short devotional. When he has concluded, the congregation will kneel for prayer, which is concluded with the Lord’s Prayer. A brother will then stand and read the New Testament chapter requested by the minister who will be delivering the main message, and then the main sermon will be delivered. This message is usually around one hour in length. Following the sermon, another minister will make a few remarks regarding the message, the congregation sings another hymn, and the service is closed by everyone kneeling again for a final prayer.
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25
