Being raised in the Anglican or Episcopal Church, I'm quite familiar
with the term "narthex." Anglicans and Catholics use a lot of terms that
others don't use, so I believe it could be interchangeable with other
faiths. As I Googled, there are many entries that explain this, and
they seem to be Catholic and Anglican entries, which makes sense --
they're the ones with the funny terms. Here's a good explanation:
Narthex
The narthex of a church is the entrance or lobby area, located at the
western end of the nave Nave
Links to full descriptions of the elements of a Gothic floorplan are
also found at the entry Cathedral diagram [i] ...
, at the far end from the church's main altar Altar
An altar is any structure upon which sacrifice [i]s or other offerings
are offered for religious purpose ...
. Traditionally the narthex was a part of the church building, but was
not considered part of the church proper. It was either an indoor area
separated from the nave Nave
Links to full descriptions of the elements of a Gothic floorplan are
also found at the entry Cathedral diagram [i] ...
by a screen or rail, or an external structure such as a porch. The
purpose of the narthex was to allow those not eligible for admittance
into the general congregation to hear and partake in the service. The
narthex would often include a baptismal font Baptismal font
A baptismal font is an article of church furniture used for the baptism
[i] of children and adults. ...
so that infants could be baptized there before entering the nave, and
to remind other believers of their baptisms as they gathered to worship.
Camille Agricola Bowman
Easement Technical Advisor
Tidewater Region Preservation Office
Department of Historic Resources
14415 Old Courthouse Way
Newport News, Virginia 23608
Tel: 757-886-2807 (NOTE: New Number)
Fax: 757-886-2808
-----Original Message-----
From: The listserv where the buildings do the talking
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ruth Barton
Sent: Friday, October 24, 2008 12:28 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [BP] narthex
Well, it's all settled now!!!!! Webster's doesn't even mention NARTHEX,
but they do give a definition of VESTIBULE. If Webster doesn't mention
it it ain't worth usin' the word, now is it?
Thanks to all who helped to enlighten me on this word. I shall use it
for my amunition. Ruth
--
Ruth Barton
[log in to unmask]
Dummerston, VT
--
To terminate puerile preservation prattling among pals and the
uncoffee-ed, or to change your settings, go to:
<http://listserv.icors.org/archives/bullamanka-pinheads.html>
--
To terminate puerile preservation prattling among pals and the
uncoffee-ed, or to change your settings, go to:
<http://listserv.icors.org/archives/bullamanka-pinheads.html>
|
