Church buildings and furniture
Church architecture
Church buildings come in many different shapes and sizes. They can be traditional or modern. Differences in The design and structure of buildings., layout and style are important because they say something about the beliefs of the people who worship there.
Some common shapes for churches are:
Cruciform
鈥楥ruciform鈥 means cross-shaped. This design highlights the importance of Jesus鈥 death on the cross. Many older Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland churches are this shape. The building is always constructed so the top of the cross faces east.
Barn style
A barn style church is rectangular in shape, allowing the eye to be drawn to the front of the church where the An elevated, enclosed platform in a church where the minister or priest will stand to give a sermon. is the focal point. This style is used by denominations who focus on the importance of preaching the word of God. Sometimes this shape is adapted to include a balcony at the rear of the church. This is the shape of many Presbyterian churches.
Circular
Some modern designs are built in the shape of a circle or oval. This shape can convey the idea that all people who worship in the building are of equal importance. Some modern designs of Roman Catholic churches have the A table used for Eucharist, Mass, Lord鈥檚 Supper. Some denominations refer to it as Holy Table or Communion Table. in the centre of a circular building to show that the Mass is the central part of worship.
Image caption, Barn style
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Church furnishings
Church furniture (or furnishings) does not just mean the seats. It refers to the items of religious significance inside the church 鈥 such as the An elevated, enclosed platform in a church where the minister or priest will stand to give a sermon., reading desk and A stone basin used to baptise babies using holy (consecrated) water.. Furniture can vary from plain and simple to grand and ornate. Both the style and location of church furnishings reflect the beliefs of the people who worship there.