A Church is a building where Christians meet together to worship God. Some churches are very old, stone buildings. Some Churches are very modern. Older Churches often have a tower, or a spire, and have a floor plan which is cross-shaped or rectangular. Some modern Churches have a round floor plan. A Church doesn’t have to be built specially: in some places ordinary houses are used for Churches.

The Font is the place where babies and older people are baptised (christened). When someone is baptised they become a member of the Church. For this reason the font is often found at the back of the Church, near the door.

The Sanctuary is the most holy (special) part of a Church. It is the area around the altar. Often there is a rail around the sanctuary and visitors are not allowed to enter it.

The Nave is the main part of the Church, where all the people sit. The people (congregation) may sit on chairs, or special benches, which are called pews.

The Altar is a wooden or stone table. A Church may have more than one altar, but the main one is always at a central point in the Church. The altar is used for the service called the Eucharist or Holy Communion.

The Choir Stalls are the seats where the choir sits. They are usually in the chancel. In most churches the members of the choir wear special robes.

The Vestry is the place where the choir and the minister put on their special robes. Often there are two vestries in a church, one for the choir and one for the minister.

Most Churches have an organ, and sometimes other musical instruments. You will often find that the organ console (where the keyboard is) is a long way from the organ pipes (which make all the noise).

The Chancel is the part of the Church between the Sanctuary and the Nave. Often the choir stalls and the organ console are found here.

The Pulpit is the place where the minister preaches a sermon. Often it is a sort of box, raised up by a few steps. In some churches there is no pulpit, and the minister preaches from the lectern.

The Lectern is the place where the Bible is read out from during a service. Sometimes it is very simple. In some Churches it is made from brass and the book stand is in the shape of an eagle.

Some Churches have aisles at the side which are called transepts. This means that the floor plan of a church like this is in the shape of a cross.

Most churches have candles, which Christians believe are a symbol of Jesus, who is called ‘The Light of the World’. You will usually see candles on the altar. Often there are also candles or oil lamps in the sanctuary. You sometimes see candles which people can light to say a prayer.