The poem “The Dignity of Ushers” by Al Maginnes discusses the effects of modernity on the eponymous profession. In this context, the term means people who stand at a church’s doors and open them for people who attend sermons. They also direct visitors to seats to minimize confusion and ensure that the event proceeds smoothly. The practice started early enough to be mentioned in the Bible, both in the old and in the New Testament. However, in Maginnes’s opinion, the profession is no longer needed and now exists more as an occasional novelty, similar to many others that have been replaced with technology. As such, the main idea of the poem is that humanity has left its spiritual roots, represented by ushers and the ceremonies they facilitate, behind in favor of secular turbulence.
The poem begins by directly asserting that ushers used to have authority in Maginnes’s eyes, treating that fact as unquestionable. The poet describes their formal clothing and the seriousness with which they took their duties, which inspired awe in the onlookers and made them appear suitable for their role as representatives of the Christian faith. As a result, the author, as well as all the other parishioners, followed their lead unquestioningly, even if they did not understand the seating arrangement. With their seeming closeness to God and authority, the position of the usher inspires respect and awe, and Maginnes admits to having wanted to be one as a child.
Next, the poet describes how his fascination with ushers intensified after his visits to churches in bigger cities. The churches there, especially ones people would visit for their children’s birthdays, would naturally be richer and more opulent than the ones the author would be used to. Maginnes confirms this idea, discussing their gaudy and expensive outfits that they wore to maintain their appearance and inspire the respect mentioned above. Overall, the position of the usher is depicted as one that has considerable authority and prestige and a natural career choice to someone who is dedicated to Christianity but not inclined to join the priesthood.
However, the first half of the poem is narrated from the viewpoint of a young child, who grows up and has to face reality in the second part. With an adult’s perspective, Maginnes can now see that, like many other professions that required dedication and skill, ushers are no longer necessary. The modern world is secular and uninterested in divine mysteries, instead indulging in momentary trivialities. Nobody is interested in retaining church procedures, which ushers facilitate. With that said, some of their prestige and dedication remains in people who serve similar roles, such as salesmen and restaurant hostesses. With only these hints and without God, Maginnes is left alone in a dark and confusing world.
The usher is the symbol of religion and spirituality; immaculately dressed, thoroughly dedicated to their duties, and inspiring obedience to their commands. At the same time, the usher is not feared but rather admired, as everyone can see that their only desire is to help.
However, as people grew less interested in religion, Christianity retreated from people’s lives, and many abandoned it altogether. Even the people who choose to be Christians do not necessarily appreciate ushers, who slow down the proceedings for the sake of form. While Maginnes acknowledges that this change is a natural consequence of the march of time, he does not appreciate the loss of spirituality and clear direction in life.