The church building at Trinity is constructed in a rather common western church fashion and there are traditional names for the differents parts or areas of the church, as described below.
One must remember that when we refer to the "front" of the church, we are referring to the end of the church where the altar is. When referring to the "rear" of the church, we are referring to the area where the main entrance doors are located (nearest Morning Glory Ave.).
Starting from the front of the church and moving to the rear, the areas of the church are as follows:
Sacristy
Starting with the very front of the church and behind the altar is the "Sacristy". The Sacristy is actually divided into two separate sacristies, the Clergy Sacristy and the Guild Sacristy. The Clergy Sacristy is the area where the clergy vest and where vestments are stored. The Guild Sacristy is the area where the altar and flower guilds prepare for services and where items for worship are stored.
Sanctuary
The "Sanctuary" is the area in church where the altar is located and includes the immediate area surrounding the altar. At Trinity, this area lies beyond the altar rail (toward the altar), where communion is distributed.
Chancel
The "Chancel" area at Trinity is the large area just up the steps from the main floor at the end of the main aisle. It is the place where the clergy and choir both currently sit and from where the scripture lessons are read.
Chapel
The "Chapel" (also referred to as the "Day Chapel") is the area just behind the organ and next to the Chancel area of the church. Weekday Eucharists and smaller services are held in the chapel.
Nave
The "Nave" is the main and largest area of the church. It is the area where the congragtion sits. The Nave extends from the Chancel steps to the rear of the church at the doors entering the Narthex.
Narthex
The "Narthex" (also sometimes referred to as the "Vestibule" or "Lobby") is at the rear of the church closest to Morning Glory Ave. and just inside the main entrance doors. Sunday bulletins, welcome materials, the guest registry and other related items are kept here. This is also the area where the Ushers greet attendees on Sundays and where the choir, clergy and ministers gather to begin worship services. The entrance to the Bride's Room and Restroom are also in the narthex.
Bride's Room
The "Bride's Room" is found just off of the Narthex in the rear of church. This room is used by bridal parties prior to weddings and as a general gathering or sitting room at other times. There is a public restroom in the Bride's Room.
Balcony
The "Balcony" is the seating area just above the Narthex. The Balcony is reached by stairs located in the Narthex. The Balcony contains seating afor approximately 30-35 people.
Vesting Room
The "Vesting Room" is located at the top of the stairs to the balcony, just off of the Balcony. This room contains the vesting robes for the Acolytes (servers) and the Lay Eucharistic Ministers. These ministers vest in this room in preparation for worship.
Bell Tower
The "Bell Tower" is the tallest part of the church building extending upwards above the vesting room and next to the balcony. This tower contains the church bells.
*See also more information on Church Buildings here.
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