Church Layout

sacristy: storage of
communion vessels
and vestments

altar: consecration
of Holy Eucharist

apse: room or niche
for chapel

communion rail

choir stalls

reredos: screen






chancel: for clergy, acolytes, and lay ministers

nave: pews for congregation, pulpit for sermons and lessons

transepts: wings to nave for seating of congregation

narthex: gathering room for processional

The names of various rooms in a church were discussed at
our last new member meeting. BBC has a narthex, which is
really a central gathering room, a sanctuary, a chapel
(the old church), and a fellowship hall; plus offices,
meeting rooms, and classrooms. Medieval cathedrals had
names which have survived in sacerdotal churches much
like the sketch above. Informally, these labels are
used at BBC for the applicable areas. Most important is
the baptismal tank. A wood screen on the back wall
opens to reveal the baptism of the convert in the tank.
Total immersion is the rule. In the Spring, you may be
baptized in Cape Cod Bay, if you wish. The water in the
bay is cold until midsummer.