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Names in Holy Places
This week we'll turn our attention to the names of all the places in the Church. No doubt you've heard the names many times . . .but did you know what they refer to in church architecture?
Altar A table, usually of wood or stone, on which the Eucharist is celebrated.
Apse In ornate churches, a rounded or polygonal recess that contains the altar and sanctuary, usually with a domed roof.
Chancel The part of a church that is between the altar and the nave. The clergy and often times the choir sits in this area. It is typically raised above the level of the nave and separated by a rail.
Chapel A house of worship, often small in size and removed from the main church. Also, a room or recess in a church for meditation, prayer, and small religious services.
Close The grounds of a cathedral.
Crossing In large church architecture, the main intersection of aisles at the front of the church. If viewed from above, these aisles form a large cross. Sometimes the altar is located at the crossing.
Narthex A vestibule leading into the nave of a church.
Nave The central part of a church from the narthex to the chancel, flanked by aisles. The congregation sits in the nave during worship services.
Sacristy The room in a church where linens, sacred vessels, and liturgical books are kept until needed for use in worship.
Sanctuary The part of a church around the altar.
Transept In a cross-shaped church, it is either of the two parts forming the arms of the cross shape, projecting at right angles from the nave,
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