Parish Churches are found throughout England Wales and Scotland

Despite their different ages, shapes and sizes the contents of one church are

remarkably similar to those of another

The items you see described here could probably be found in most Church of England

buildings

Just inside the main door it is likely that you will find

THE FONT

Water is placed in the bowl

The font is used for baptisms

The act of baptism signifies entry into the church

Moving into the church

The congregation is going to need somewhere to sit. These wooden seats are called

PEWS

So what can the congregation see from where they sit on the pews?

THE ALTAR

This church has two altars.

The altar is the focal point of the worship. It is where the Eucharist or Holy Communion is celebrated

LECTERN

Really it’s just a book rest on a pedestal

Made out of wood or metal - often in the shape of a bird

It is from here that lessons from the Bible are read.

Guess what comes next !

Try the pulpit

PULPIT

This raised enclosed platform is a feature of just about every parish church

It is from here that a member of the clergy or another person will deliver the

SERMON

Moving further east into the church one eventually comes to the area known as

THE SANCTUARY

Here one would find the main altar and other distinctive features of a church

ALTAR

EAST WINDOW

CANDLE STICKSSEDILIA

ALTAR RAIL

Tabernacle for the reserved sacrament

Here we have a closer look at the Tabernacle

It is here that the consecrated bread and wine are kept

A worshipper may wish to light a votive candle in front of this statue of

The Virgin Mary

Or before a statue of one of Jesus’ Apostles

In this part of the church a penitent may make his confession to a priest

MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION

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Pictures by Colin