<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><mads xmlns="http://www.loc.gov/mads/" xmlns:mods="http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.loc.gov/mads/
mads.xsd"><authority><topic authority="http://AATesaurus.cultura.gencat.cat/aat/getty_en">deacons&apos; benches</topic></authority><related type="other"><topic>deacons</topic></related><related type="broader"><topic>benches by form or function</topic></related><related type="broader"><topic>fixtures for seating or kneeling in Christian religious buildings</topic></related><variant type="other"><topic>benches, deacons&apos;</topic></variant><variant type="other"><topic>deacon&apos;s bench</topic></variant><variant type="other"><topic>deacons&apos; bench</topic></variant><variant type="other"><topic>meeting house benches</topic></variant><variant type="other"><topic>meeting house seats</topic></variant> <note xml:lang="en"><![CDATA[ Benches that were historically seats for the deacons in early protestant church services; the style is now commonly seen in homes. The forms vary, but they are typically long enough for two or three sitters, with a wooden seat, often with a wooden back; the seat may comprise a hinged cover that opens to reveal storage.  ]]></note></mads>