The floor plan, or parts of a church building diagram, is the backbone to your building’s design and details. A well-designed floor plan can save you time and money. That is why it is important to understand how to create your own, as well as utilize online resources for help. A church building diagram is a visual representation of the components of a religious building. A diagram acts as a tool for the design, detailing and planning of a building. Through its use, many mistakes can be avoided and expensive modifications can be done smoothly. Church building diagrams provide an organized way for church members of all ages to learn about what goes on in their place of worship. These architectural creations are typically the work of the artistic director [3] and can be very alluring even when not used for religious purposes. If your church does not yet have a diagram, it may be time to start the process to get one constructed. Alternatively, if you need to add something to an existing model, there are plenty of ways to do so. A church model could be adapted as an educational tool to appeal to secular audiences as well. A church building diagram is a visual representation of the parts of a church building. A church building diagram can be used to plan and design church buildings, or it can be used to document existing structures. The most common components of a church building diagram include:
- Nave: The main area of the church, where most congregants sit or stand during services.
- Apse: An area on one end of the nave that contains an altar. Frequently, there are three walls enclosing this space and one open side facing the nave.
- Aisles: Two or more rows of pews that run parallel to each other on either side of the nave and lead to exits at opposite ends of the structure; they may also contain entrances, chapels, and other spaces within them.
A church building diagram is a drawing that shows the different parts of a church building. It can be used for many purposes, including:
-To show how the interior of your church will look after renovations
-To plan for the use of various rooms in your church (classrooms, fellowship hall, sanctuary, etc.)
-To plan out where various activities will take place within the building (worship services, weddings, funerals
Parts Of A Church Building Diagram
Welcome to our guide to the parts of a church building. We’ll walk you through each part of the diagram, outlining what it’s called and how it’s used.
Vestibule
The vestibule is a small area before the main entrance to a building. It may also be called an antechamber, and it often contains seating for visitors who are waiting to enter the main part of the building.
A church vestibule is an area before the main entrance to a church, typically with its own doors that open into both inside and outside of the building.
Nave
The nave is the main part of a church. It is where the congregation sits, and it contains the altar and sits above where most of the clergy are found. The choir is also found in this area, as well as an organ (if present).
Altar
The altar is the focal point of the church, and it is also where the priest celebrates Mass. Specifically, the altar is where he says his prayers and performs all other ceremonies required for Mass.
Apse
The apse is the curved space behind the altar, which is traditionally considered to be the most sacred part of a church. It can also be thought of as the area immediately behind and around where a priest would conduct mass.
In general terms, an apse is an architectural term for any semicircular or polygonal end wall that extends from a larger building or room (like a nave). In this case, it refers specifically to the end wall against which an altar rests and where clergy members stand during services (including priests and deacons).
Ambulatory
The ambulatory is a walkway around the inside of the apse. It may have a row of columns. The ambulatory was formerly called a “pulpitum”. One or more altars may be located in an ambulatory, and there are often other uses for this space as well. For example:
- The clergy may use it as an area to walk before or after services.
- The choir may use it during services.
- An altar table might be placed here (especially if there are multiple altars).
Choir
- Choir. The choir is the area where the singers sit. Usually, a screen or wall separates it from the nave at the east end.
- Narthex (vestibule). The narthex is an entry hall near or attached to church doors, in which people can stand and prepare themselves before entering a church service.
The nave is the part of the church building where the congregation sits. The chancel (or chancel arch) is what separates the nave from the sanctuary. The chancel is where you will find the altar and other religious symbols. It can be called a side chapel or an apse, depending on its design. Rood screens, ornate stone screens that frequently feature crosses or images of saints, separate the chancel from both sides.
What Are Parts of A Church Called?
Church buildings have been a cornerstone of Christian faith since the beginning, however, their size and construction have changed over the years. Early Christians met in homes or large public buildings to encourage each other and to maintain unity. As the church grew, the need for larger buildings that were designed specifically for the purpose of worship became obvious. In some cases, existing homes were remodeled to suit such purposes and in others, new buildings were constructed. The design of the church building itself is purposeful, incorporating symbolic meaning from the Bible.
Vestibule
In the Catholic church, the vestibule is usually the first area encountered upon entering the church. This area separates those who are reconciled to the church from those who are not. A baptismal, or pool of water used to baptize infants, is kept near the entrance on purpose, as baptism is the “door to the church” in Catholicism. Near the baptismal are shelves in the wall that hold oil used in different ceremonies, including baptism, confirmation and ordination. In other churches, there may be a foyer immediately upon entry or the doors may lead directly into the nave or worship center, as it may be called.
Nave
The nave is the area of the church where parishioners, or members of the church, sit or stand. In Catholic and Protestant churches, this area is comprised of pews. In modern churches, it is not uncommon to see rows of chairs or even tables with chairs in this area.
Sanctuary
In most churches, the sanctuary is in front of the nave, and kept separate by railing if possible. This area is home to the altar, tabernacle, pulpit and a chair for the priest or pastor. The pulpit is generally raised and used during the sermon, or instructional time of the service. The altar is the place where the priest prepares communion, which is stored in the tabernacle when not in use. Modern churches may simply have a stage without altar or tabernacle. In these churches, the pastor may sit or stand and the use of a pulpit will depend on the local church.
Choir Loft
In some churches, a raised area above the sanctuary or a set of risers behind the sanctuary may be occupied by the choir. This area is called a “choir loft” and was originally used for the choir to sing responses to the mass with the congregation. Now it is used by a choir to sing hymns or Christian songs.
Non-Traditional
Some non-denominational or modern churches may incorporate other elements into a church building that are more commonly found in community centers or banquet halls. This may include a coffee bar or snack area, nursery and schoolrooms for younger members of the church or prayer closets, where one can pray onsite but separately from the congregation.
Parts Of A Catholic Church Sanctuary
The interior of a Roman Catholic church is designed to make members of the congregation feel like participants in the Mass rather than just observers. Each part of the church has a symbolic meaning for Catholics and most furnishings in a Catholic church serve a specific purpose. Although Roman Catholic churches may have different architectural styles such as Gothic, Victorian, traditional and modern, certain elements are present in all Catholic churches.
The Vestibule
Just inside the entrance to a Catholic church is the vestibule. A large, standing font or pool used to perform the sacrament of Baptism is typically located to one side. The paschal candle stands next to the baptismal pool. It is lit at Easter and immersed in the pool as a sign of Christ coming to life. Holy oil used in Catholic sacraments is also is kept in this area. Smaller, wall-mounted holy water fonts are found near the interior church doors. Catholics bless themselves with holy water when entering and leaving the church to renew their baptismal promises.
The Nave
The interior church doors open up to the nave, or main room, of a Catholic church. Members of the congregation are seated in this area, typically in rows of pews. Each row of pews has a kneeler so congregants may kneel at specific times during the Mass. In most churches, the walls of the nave feature 14 pictures or plaques, known as the Stations of the Cross, illustrating the story of Christ’s crucifixion.
The Sanctuary
The sanctuary is at the front of a Roman Catholic church. An altar rail at which worshippers may receive Holy Communion separates it from the nave. A crucifix is given prominence in the sanctuary so it may be visible to all. On the left side of the sanctuary is the pulpit, from which the Gospel, or teachings of Jesus Christ, are read. On the right side is the lectern, from which the Epistle, or the word of the Apostles, is read. Chairs are also provided in the sanctuary for the members of the clergy celebrating the Mass, lay assistants and altar servers.
The Altar and Tabernacle
The church’s main altar is in the center of the sanctuary. It is typically constructed of natural stone. During Mass, it is covered with an altar cloth and traditionally lit with candles. The bread and wine symbolizing The Last Supper are consecrated on the altar during Mass using a chalice and paten, or bread plate. The Tabernacle where the Blessed Sacrament is housed may be found on or behind the altar. The sanctuary lamp, which symbolizes the presence of Jesus, is suspended above the Tabernacle. It is illuminated at all times except on Good Friday and Holy Saturday, the two days preceding Easter.
Stained Glass and Statues
Stained-glass windows and statues honoring religious figures are frequently distinguishing features of Catholic churches. These elements of a Catholic church reflect a time when the Mass was conducted in Latin and not all followers could understand the readings. Stained glass windows and statues helped illustrate the Bible’s words and drew the faithful into the experience of the Mass. Votive candles are often kept in front of the larger statues. Churchgoers with a special request or petition may light one of the candles and offer prayers for a saint’s intercession.
Different Types of Church Pulpit Displays
Part of the beauty of the church building includes the overall decor and the design of the interior. From rustic to ornate to functional to contemporary, each church has its own style. The church pulpit complements the rest of the furniture and stands as the focal point in each service as the preacher uses it. The pulpit, like a lectern or podium, holds books and papers but is more ornate and larger, adding decor beyond mere functionality. Several church pulpit displays offer different options to congregations.
Wooden
Wooden church pulpit displays, from very plain to ornately carved, grace many Christian churches. Crosses, other Christian symbols and even church names or logos embellish the front of wooden pulpits, which can be custom-made for a congregation. Some incorporate a combination of woods for a unique or contrasting look. Pulpits may be set on wheels for easy movement, bolted in place or freestanding, depending on the needs of the congregation.
Clear
Other churches, especially more contemporary ones, choose glass, acrylic and Plexiglas pulpits, which may allow the congregation to view the pastor more easily and give the illusion of a larger stage. Clear church pulpits can offer greater functionality. At the church’s direction, the manufacturer may etch these with a Bible verse, logo, name or Christian symbol. However, Plexiglas scratches easily, so some congregations opt for a combination of acrylic and wood.
Granite
While not as commonly used, some churches choose granite for a church pulpit display. The underlying meaning signifies that the Bible is like a rock. Granite suggests power and permanence and comes in a variety of colors, even pink.
History
During the first days of the church, when Christians met in homes, pulpits were not needed. In the Middle Ages, pulpits were used to hold the sacraments, not for preaching. During the Reformation, the church’s focus on the pulpit increased as it symbolized the authority of the Bible, church and minister. In modern times, the pulpit may carry historical and symbolic meaning or may just be chosen because of its functionality.
Cost
As of January 2011, the cost of pulpits ranges from $500 to $5,000, depending on the quality and type of material. Acrylic pieces usually cost less than their wooden or granite counterparts. Congregations may look online or check into used furniture sites for less expensive alternatives.