ambo, ambon 1.

In early Christian churches, a intended primarily for circulation but

pulpit for reading or chanting the Gospels or sometimes containing seats.
the Epistles. 2. In contemporary Balkan or
Greek churches, a large pulpit or reading desk. pew In a house of worship, one of a number of
fixed benches with backs
pulpit An elevated enclosed stand in a church in
which the preacher stands.

sacristy A room in a
church, near the
chancel, where the
robes and altar vessels
are stored, where the
clergy vest themselves
for services, and where
some business of the
tabernacle 1. A decorative niche often topped
church may be done;
with a canopy and housing a statue. 2. A church
usually a single room,
for a large Protestant congregation.
but sometimes a very
large one.

nave 1. The middle aisle of a church.

2. By extension, both
middle and side aisles of a
church from the entrance to
the crossing or
chancel. 3. That part
of the church
intended primarily for
the laity.

belfry 1.A bell tower,

either attached to a
church or standing alone. 2. A timber
framework in a steeple that supports a bell.
lectern In a church or lecture hall, a stand with
a slanting top to hold a book, speech, or music
baptistery A building or part of
at the proper height for reading.
one wherein the sacrament of
baptism is administered.
triforium In medieval church architecture, a
shallow passage above the arches of the nave
and choir and below the clerestory;
characteristically opened into the nave.

aisle 1. A longitudinal passage between

sections of seats in an auditorium or church. 2.
In a church, the space flanking and parallel to
the nave; usually separated from it by columns,
 vestibule An anteroom or small foyer leading
into a larger space.

anteroom A room adjacent to a larger, more

important one; frequently used as a waiting
area.

mihrab A niche in the mosque or any religious

Muslim building indicating direction of prayer
toward Mecca. Focal point of decoration with
dome in front.

communion rail In a church, a low railing

enclosing that part of an altar within which the
communicants are provided with a place to
kneel and receive Communion.

altar 1. An elevated table, slab, or structure,

often of stone, rectangular or round, for
religious rites, sacrifices, or offerings. 2. The
Communion table in certain churches.
minaret A tall tower in, or contiguous to, a ablution room 1. A washing of the body, esp.
mosque with stairs leading up to one or more as a religious ceremony. 2. The liquid used for
balconies from which the faithful are called to such washing.
prayer.

baptismal font A basin or vase, serving as a

receptacle for baptismal water in which the
candidate for baptism is immersed, or over
which he is washed, in the ceremony if
Christian initiation. In the Church's present
practice it is ordinarily a decorative stone basin,
though metal or wood are used; supported on a
pedestal or columns at a convenient height for
receiving the water which is poured over the
head of the person baptized, a form which
marks the term of a development graphically
illustrating the history of the mode of
conferring baptism.

mosque A Muslim house of worship.

narthex An enclosed porch or vestibule at the

entrance to some early Christian churches.