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Aisle: An aisle is a pathway. In the Episcopal Church, the
central aisle serves a very important function as the main pathway for the
procession of the clergy into the church and out of the church at the
beginning and end of the service. |
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Altar: The altar in Christian churches is a table on which bread
and wine used in communion are consecrated (made holy). Altars were used in
primitive times to sacrifice animals, so altars symbolize Christ’s sacrifice
for us. They are in the front of the church. Epiphany has two altars, one in
the sanctuary of the main church and one in the chapel. At one
time, the altar was placed against the rear wall of the sanctuary and
the priest faced the altar with his back to the congregation. Today, the
altar is pulled out from the wall so the priest can stand behind it and face
the congregation. |
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Chancel: The chancel is the area at the front of the church
adjacent to the sanctuary that includes the pews where the choir
sits. |
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Chapel: Chapels are small churches that may be independent
buildings or parts of larger churches. At Epiphany, the chapel is located at
the right (north) side of the church. It is used during services for laying
on of hands and at other times for meetings and informal services. It also
may be used as a place of quiet reflection. |
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Communion (Altar) Rail: This rail separates the sanctuary
from the chancel. During communion, the gate in the center of the
communion rail is closed so that the opening becomes part of the rail.
People stand or kneel at the rail to receive Communion. |
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Credence Table: The credence table, located against the wall on
the right (north) side of the sanctuary, is where extra
unconsecrated bread and wine are kept for Communion. At Epiphany, the ushers
usually bring the wine and bread up through the center aisle to the
sanctuary, where it is blessed. If more is needed, it is obtained from the
credence table. |
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Font: The font is a place for storing holy water used to baptize
people. At Epiphany, it usually stands in the back of the church next to the
south wall. It is brought up to the center of the chancel for
baptisms. |
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Lamp: The lamp is a constantly burning oil lamp hanging in the
sanctuary to the left of the altar. It is a symbol of Christ’s presence in
church. |
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Lectern: The lectern is the raised platform from which the Bible
is read. It comes from the Latin verb legere (to read). At Epiphany,
the lectern is at the right side of the church if you are facing the altar. |
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Narthex: The narthex is a vestibule or entrance (foyer) leading
to the nave of a church. |
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Nave: The nave is the main long central part of the church where
the congregation sits. It comes from the word navis, or ship, because
the roof looks a bit like the bottom of a ship. |
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Organ loft: The organ loft is a mezzanine above the rear of the
church where many of the organ pipes are located. In some churches, this is
where the organist sits. This loft also may be called a choir loft
when it is where the choir sits. |
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Priest’s Chair: This is usually a specially carved chair in the
sanctuary that is used by the priest during services. When a bishop
is present, it is reserved for the bishop.
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Pulpit: The pulpit is a raised platform from which the sermon
(also called a homily) is preached. The word comes from the Latin
word pulpitum, which means stage. At Epiphany, it is at the left side
of the church if you are facing the altar. |
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Pews: These are the benches or rows of chairs where the
congregation sits in the nave or main part of the church. |
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Sacristy: The sacristy – also called the vestry in some churches
-- is where the supplies for the altar, including the cup (chalice),
plate (paten), linens and other items are kept in preparation for the
service. The special clothes called vestments that the priest wears during
Communion also are kept here. The sacristy is located next to the sanctuary
on the right (north) side of the church. |
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Sanctuary: This is the part of the church behind the altar
(communion) rail where only the servers go. They stand at the altar,
the priest asks God to bless the wine and bread for communion and it is
served to the people kneeling or standing at the communion rail. The
sanctuary also is considered the most holy part of the church. |
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Tabernacle: The tabernacle is a box at the base of the crucifix
above the altar that is where bread and wine that have already been
consecrated (blessed) are kept. In some churches, this is a special niche. |
