Glossary of Church Architecture

a useful guide to what all those words mean in architecture

clipped from www.britainexpress.com Glossary of Church Architecture Altar – the holiest part of a church. In the medieval period the altar was a table or rectangular slab made of stone or marble, often set upon a raised step. After the Reformation the stone altars were replaced by wooden communion tables. Ambulatory – a covered passage behind the altar, linking it with chapels at the east end of the church. Apse – the domed or vaulted east end of the church. In Britain the apse is generally squared off, while on the continent, rounded apses were common. Baptistery – where the font was stored and baptisms were performed, generally near the west door. Sometimes a screen or grille separates the baptistery from the nave. Bay – a vertical division, usually marked by vertical shafts or supporting columns. Bell Tower – a tower where the church bells were installed. This could be separate from the church, or, more usually, attached. Sometimes called a campanile. Chancel – the eastern end of a church.