CHURCH ARCHITECTURE
Church of the Ascension -- designed in Romanesque style and built in 1957 (chapel; now the
north transept, seats 250 people).
Altar -- structure, usually of wood or stone, at which the Eucharist is celebrated.
Aumbry -- a secure chest or receptacle for the reservation of the Blessed Sacrament.
Baptismal font --a ceremonial basin into which water is
poured or flows and is used for the Sacrament of Baptism; traditionally placed at the
entrance to the nave.
Chancel -- that portion of the church building around the altar.
Credence -- a side table in the sanctuary to hold
sacramental vessels and service books.
Epistle side -- the right side of the altar as seen from the nave; that
side of the altar from
which the Epistles (Letters of the Apostles) are read.
Gospel side -- the left side of the altar as seen from the nave; that
side of the altar from
which the Gospels are often proclaimed.
Lectern (or ambo) -- a stand with a bookrest for the public reading of
Scripture.
Nartheu -- a vestibule or porch leading from the main entrance of a church to the nave.
Nave -- the area between the nartheu (entrance) and the
sanctuary, in which the congregation is accommodated.
Pulpit -- a structure consisting of a platform and a reading desk,
enclosed on three sides and often set apart and above the nave, and from which sermons are
preached.
Sacristy -- the room in the church in which vestments, liturgical books,
and sacred vessels
are kept; also where the clerics vest.
Sanctuary -- the area of the church in which the altar is located.
Transept -- the cross arms of a cruciform church building, projecting
from the nave and
chancel.
Vestry -- the small room where the clerics and acolytes vest.