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{{short description|Building used for Christian religious activities}}
{{Redirect|Church house|other uses|Church House (disambiguation){{!}}Church House}}
{{Redirect|House of Prayer|denomination in the conservative holiness movement|House of Prayer (denomination)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Christianity|expanded=hide}}
[[File:Milan Cathedral from Piazza del Duomo.jpg|thumb|[[Milan Cathedral]] is a [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] church in [[Italy]]]]
[[File:P1050306 semilarge.jpg|thumb|A village church in [[South Sudan]]]]

A '''church''', '''church building''', or '''church house''' is a building used for [[Christian worship]] [[church service|services]] and other Christian religious activities. The earliest identified Christian church is a [[house church]] founded between 233 and 256.

Sometimes, the word ''church'' is used by [[analogy]] and simplicity for the [[place of worship|buildings of other religions]], such as [[mosques]] and [[synagogues]].<ref>Use of the term [https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/362167/Manichaeism "The Manichaean Church"], ''Encyclopædia Britannica''</ref><ref>"The term church is found, but not specifically defined, in the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). The term is not used by all faiths; however, in an attempt to make this publication easy to read, we use it in its generic sense as a place of worship including, for example, mosques and synagogues." [https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1828.pdf], ''US IRS Tax Guide for Churches & Religious Organizations''</ref> ''Church'' is also used to describe a [[Church (congregation)|body or an assembly of Christian believers]], while "the Church" may be used to refer to the worldwide Christian religious community as a whole.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/church-Christianity|title = Church | Definition, History, & Types | Britannica| date=22 June 2023 }}</ref>

In traditional [[Christian architecture]], the [[plan view]] of a church often forms a [[Christian cross]] with the center [[aisle]] and seating representing the vertical beam and the [[Church architecture#Characteristics of the early Christian church building|bema]] and [[altar]] forming the horizontal. Towers or domes may inspire contemplation of the [[heaven]]s. Modern churches have a variety of [[architectural style]]s and layouts. Some buildings designed for other purposes have been converted to churches, while many original church buildings have been put to other uses. From the 11th through the 14th centuries, there was a wave of church construction in [[Western Europe]].

==Etymology==
[[File:Anglo-Saxon Chronicle - cyrican.jpg|thumb|{{lang|ang|Cyrican}} is an [[Old English]] word for churches and church property]]

The word ''church'' is derived from [[Old English]] {{lang|ang|cirice}}, "place of assemblage set aside for Christian worship", from the [[Proto-Germanic language|Proto-Germanic]] ''kirika''. This was probably borrowed via the [[Gothic language|Gothic]] from the [[Ancient Greek|Greek]] {{transliteration|grc|kyriake (oikia)}}, {{transliteration|grc|kyriakon doma}}, "the Lord's (house)", from {{transliteration|grc|[[kyrios]]}}, "ruler, lord". {{transliteration|grc|Kyrios}} in turn comes from the [[Proto-Indo-European language]] root {{PIE|''*keue''}} meaning "to swell".

The Greek {{transliteration|grc|kyriakon}}, "of the Lord", was used of houses of Christian worship since {{c.|300 AD}}, especially in the East, although it was less common in this sense than {{transliteration|grc|[[Ecclesia (ancient Greece)|ekklesia]]}} or {{transliteration|grc|[[Basilica|basilike]]}}.<ref name="OEtymDChurch">{{Cite web |title=Church |url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=church |access-date=8 August 2016 |website=Online Etymology Dictionary}}</ref>

==History==

===Antiquity===
[[File:Church of Saint Simeon Stylites 01.jpg|thumb|South facade of the [[Church of Saint Simeon Stylites]] in Aleppo, Syria, is considered to be one of the oldest surviving church buildings in the world]]
{{See|List of oldest church buildings}}
The earliest archeologically identified Christian church is a [[house church]] (''domus ecclesiae''), the [[Dura-Europos church]], founded between 233 and 256.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Snyder |first=Graydon F. |title=Ante Pacem: Archaeological Evidence of Church Life Before Constantine |publisher=Mercer University Press |year=2003 |pages=128}}</ref>

In the second half of the 3rd century AD, the first purpose-built halls for Christian worship (''aula ecclesiae'') began to be constructed. Although many of these were destroyed early in the next century during the [[Diocletianic Persecution]]. Even larger and more elaborate churches began to appear during the reign of Emperor [[Constantine the Great]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hlqUCgAAQBAJ&q=early+church+buildings&pg=PT70 |title=The Contemporary Church and the Early Church: Case Studies in Ressourcement |date=February 2010 |publisher=Pickwick Publications |isbn=978-1606088999 |editor-last=Hartog |editor-first=Paul}} (Chapter 3)</ref>

===Medieval times===
From the 11th through the 14th centuries, a wave of cathedral building and the construction of smaller [[parish church]]es occurred across [[Western Europe]]. Besides serving as a [[place of worship]], the cathedral or parish church was frequently employed as a general gathering place by the communities in which they were located, hosting such events as [[guild]] meetings, [[banquet]]s, [[mystery plays]], and [[fair]]s. Church grounds and buildings were also used for the threshing and storage of grain.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Levy |title=Cathedrals and the Church |page=12}}</ref>

==== Romanesque architecture ====
Between 1000 and 1200, the [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] style became popular across [[Europe]]. The Romanesque style is defined by large and bulky edifices typically composed of simple, compact, sparsely decorated geometric structures. Frequent features of the Romanesque church include [[Arch|circular arches]], round or [[octagon]]al towers, and [[Capital (architecture)|cushion capitals]] on pillars. In the early Romanesque era, [[coffer]]ing on the ceiling was fashionable, while later in the same era, [[Groin vault|groined vaults]] gained popularity. Interiors widened, and the motifs of sculptures took on more epic traits and themes.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Toman |first=Rolf |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g3HgsgEACAAJ&q=romanesque+architecture |title=Romanesque: Architecture, Sculpture, Painting |date=2015-04-30 |publisher=h.f.ullmann |isbn=9783848008407 |language=en}}</ref>

==== Gothic architecture ====
[[File:Frauenkirche München abends.jpg|thumb|The [[Munich Frauenkirche|Frauenkirche]] in Munich is a largely [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]], medieval church.]]
[[File:Santuario de Las Lajas, Ipiales, Colombia, 2015-07-21, DD 21-23 HDR.jpg|thumb|[[Las Lajas Shrine]] is a basilica church located in Colombia. The present temple, of [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic Revival]] style, was built between 1916 and 1949]]

The [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] style emerged around 1140 in [[Île-de-France]] and subsequently spread throughout Europe. Gothic churches lost the compact qualities of the Romanesque era, and decorations often contained [[symbol]]ic and [[Allegory|allegorical]] features. The first [[pointed arch]]es, [[rib vault]]s, and [[buttress]]es began to appear, all possessing geometric properties that reduced the need for large, rigid walls to ensure structural stability. This also permitted the size of windows to increase, producing brighter and lighter interiors. [[Nave]] ceilings rose, and pillars and steeples heightened. Many architects used these developments to push the limits of structural possibility, an inclination that resulted in the collapse of several towers whose designs that had unwittingly exceeded the boundaries of soundness. In Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain, it became popular to build [[hall church]]es, a style in which every [[Vault (architecture)|vault]] would be built to the same height.

Gothic cathedrals were lavishly designed, as in the Romanesque era, and many share Romanesque traits. However, several also exhibit unprecedented degrees of detail and complexity in decoration. The [[Notre-Dame de Paris]] and [[Reims Cathedral|Notre-Dame de Reims]] in France, as well as the [[San Francesco d'Assisi, Palermo|San Francesco d’Assisi]] in [[Palermo]], the [[Salisbury Cathedral]] and [[Wool church|Wool Church]] in England, and [[Santhome Church]] in [[Chennai]], [[India]], show the elaborate stylings characteristic of Gothic cathedrals.

Some of the most well-known gothic churches remained unfinished for centuries after the style fell out of popularity. One such example is the construction of the [[Cologne Cathedral]], which began in 1248, was halted in 1473, and was not resumed until 1842.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Frankl |first1=Paul |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LBZ6781vvOwC&q=gothic+architecture |title=Gothic Architecture |last2=Crossley |first2=Paul |date=2000 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=0300087993 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Renaissance ===
[[File:Hallstatt evangelische Kirche 20180206.jpg|thumb|Lutheran Parish Church of Hallstatt, Upper Austria]]
In the 15th and 16th centuries, the changes in ethics and society due to the [[Renaissance]] and the [[Reformation]] also influenced the building of churches. The common style was much like the Gothic style but simplified. The [[basilica]] was not the most popular type of church anymore, but instead, [[hall church]]es were built. Typical features are columns and classical [[Capital (architecture)|capitals]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Anderson |first=Christy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=70m1KbuD5YoC&q=renaissance+architecture |title=Renaissance Architecture |date=2013-02-28 |publisher=OUP Oxford |isbn=9780192842275 |language=en}}</ref>

In [[Protestantism|Protestant churches]], where the proclamation of God's Word is of particular importance, the visitor's line of sight is directed towards the [[pulpit]].

=== Baroque architecture ===
[[File:St. Peter and St. Paul's Church 1, Vilnius, Lithuania - Diliff.jpg|thumb|Central [[nave]] of the [[Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, Vilnius]], Lithuania, an example of a [[Baroque architecture|Baroque]] church interior]]
The [[Baroque architecture|Baroque]] style was first used in Italy around 1575. From there, it spread to the rest of Europe and the European colonies. The building industry increased heavily during the [[Baroque]] era. Buildings, even churches, were used to indicate wealth, authority, and influence. The use of forms known from the [[Renaissance]] was extremely exaggerated. [[Dome]]s and [[Capital (architecture)|capitals]] were decorated with moulding, and the former [[stucco]] sculptures were replaced by [[fresco]] paintings on the ceilings. For the first time, churches were seen as one connected work of art, and consistent artistic concepts were developed. Instead of long buildings, more central-plan buildings were created. The sprawling decoration with floral ornamentation and mythological motives lasted until about 1720 in the [[Rococo]] era.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Merz |first=Jörg Martin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eaC7yKbxj8UC&q=baroque+architecture |title=Pietro Da Cortona and Roman Baroque Architecture |date=2008 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=978-0300111231 |language=en}}</ref>

The [[Protestantism|Protestant]] [[parish]]es preferred lateral{{clarify|date=July 2023}} churches, in which all the visitors could be as close as possible to the [[pulpit]] and the [[altar]].{{cn|date=January 2022}}

==Architecture==
{{main article|Church architecture}}
[[File:Norwich Cathedral from Cloisters, Norfolk, UK - Diliff.jpg|thumb|upright|left|The view of the spire of [[Norwich Cathedral]] from the [[cloister]]s, in Norfolk, England]]
[[File:Interior of the Helsinki Cathedral.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Great church hall of the [[Neoclassical architecture|Neoclassical]]-styled [[Helsinki Cathedral]]]]

A common architecture for churches is the shape of a [[Christian cross|cross]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Petit |first=John Louis |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dqIZAAAAYAAJ |title=Remarks on Church Architecture ... |date=1841 |publisher=J. Burns |language=en}}</ref> (a long central rectangle, with side rectangles and a rectangle in front for the [[altar]] space or sanctuary). These churches also often have a [[dome]] or other large [[vault (architecture)|vaulted]] space in the interior to represent or draw attention to the heavens. Other common shapes for churches include a circle, to represent eternity, or an [[octagon]] or similar star shape, to represent the church's bringing light to the world. Another common feature is the [[spire]], a tall tower at the "west" end of the church or over the [[crossing (architecture)|crossing]].{{cn|date=January 2022}}

Another common feature of many Christian churches is the [[Orientation of churches|eastwards orientation]] of the front altar.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Institute for Sacred Architecture {{!}} Articles {{!}} Sacred Places: The Significance of the Church Building |url=http://www.sacredarchitecture.org/articles/sacred_places_the_significance_of_the_church_building/ |access-date=2017-08-16 |website=www.sacredarchitecture.org}}</ref>
Often, the altar will not be oriented due east but toward the sunrise.{{clarify|date=July 2023}} This tradition originated in [[Byzantium]] in the 4th century and became prevalent in the West in the 8th and 9th centuries. The old Roman custom of having the altar at the west end and the entrance at the east was sometimes followed as late as the 11th century, even in areas of northern Europe under Frankish rule, as seen in [[Petershausen (Constance)]], [[Bamberg Cathedral]], [[Augsburg Cathedral]], [[Regensburg Cathedral]], and [[Hildesheim Cathedral]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=sX8w667tblMC&dq=%22XI+Jahrh+fortgedauert%22&pg=PA12 Heinrich Otte, ''Handbuch der kirchlichen Kunst-Archäologie des deutschen Mittelalters'' (Leipzig 1868), p. 12]</ref>

==Types==
===Basilica===
{{main article|Basilica}}
{{see|Minster (church)}}
The [[Latin]] word ''basilica'' was initially used to describe a [[ancient Rome|Roman]] public building usually located in the [[Forum (Roman)|forum]] of a Roman town.<ref name="OXFORD1">[https://books.google.com/books?id=Te2dAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA117 ''The Oxford Dictionary of Christian Art and Architecture''] (2013 {{ISBN|978-0-19968027-6}}), p. 117</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Institute for Sacred Architecture - Articles- The Eschatological Dimension of Church Architecture |url=http://www.sacredarchitecture.org/articles/the_eschatological_dimension_of_church_architecture}}</ref> After the [[Roman Empire]] became [[Edict of Thessalonica|officially Christian]], the term came by extension to refer to a large and influential church that has been given special ceremonial rights by the [[Pope]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=basilica {{!}} Etymology, origin and meaning of basilica by etymonline |url=https://www.etymonline.com/word/basilica |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=www.etymonline.com |language=en}}</ref> The word thus retains two senses today, one architectural and the other ecclesiastical.

===Cathedral===
{{main article|Cathedral|Architecture of cathedrals and great churches}}
{{see|Duomo}}
[[File:Sant Vasily cathedral in Moscow.JPG|thumb|upright=0.8|[[Saint Basil's Cathedral]] in Moscow, Russia (today a museum) is a famous and characteristic example of a [[Russian Orthodox Church]] building.]]
A cathedral is a church, usually [[Catholic Church|Catholic]], [[Anglican]], [[Oriental Orthodox]] or [[Eastern Orthodox]], housing the seat of a bishop. The word cathedral takes its name from ''[[cathedra]]'', or Bishop's Throne (In {{lang-la|ecclesia cathedralis}}). The term is sometimes (improperly) used to refer to any church of great size.

A church with a cathedral function is not necessarily a large building. It might be as small as [[Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford|Christ Church Cathedral]] in [[Oxford]], England, [[Porvoo Cathedral]] in [[Porvoo]], Finland, [[Sacred Heart Cathedral (Raleigh, North Carolina)|Sacred Heart Cathedral]] in [[Raleigh, North Carolina|Raleigh, United States]], or [[Chur]] Cathedral in Switzerland. However, frequently, the cathedral, along with some of the abbey churches, was the [[List of largest buildings in the world|largest building]] in any region.
[[File:DomTorenUtrechtNederland.jpg|thumb|right|[[St. Martin's Cathedral, Utrecht|St. Martin's Cathedral]], Utrecht, Netherlands]]

===Pilgrimage church===
{{main|Pilgrimage church}}
A pilgrimage church is a church to which [[pilgrimage]]s are regularly made, or a church along a pilgrimage route, often located at the tomb of a [[saint]]s, or holding icons or [[relic]]s to which miraculous properties are ascribed, the site of [[Marian apparition]]s, etc.

===Conventual church===
{{see|Priory|Katholikon}}
[[File:Church of Naantali inside 2.jpg|thumb|An interior of the [[Bridgettine]]'s [[Nådendal Abbey]], a medieval [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] monastery in [[Naantali]], Finland]]
A conventual church (or monastery church, [[Minster (church)|minster]], ''[[katholikon]]'') is the main church in a Christian [[monastery]] or [[abbey]].

===Chapel===
{{main|Chapel}}
{{see|Chapel of ease|Sistine Chapel}}

===Proprietary church===
{{main|Proprietary church}}
During the Middle Ages, a proprietary church was a church, abbey, or cloister built on the private grounds of a feudal lord, over which he retained proprietary interests.

===Collegiate church===
{{main|Collegiate church}}
A collegiate church is a church where the [[daily office]] of worship is maintained by a [[college (canon law)|college]] of [[canon (priest)|canons]], which may be presided over by a [[Dean (religion)|dean]] or [[Provost (religion)|provost]].
Collegiate churches were often supported by extensive lands held by the church, or by [[tithe]] income from [[impropriation|appropriated]] [[benefices]]. They commonly provide distinct spaces for congregational worship and for the choir offices of their clerical community.

===Evangelical church structures===
The architecture of [[Evangelicalism|evangelical]] places of worship is mainly characterized by its sobriety.<ref>Peter W. Williams, ''Houses of God: Region, Religion, and Architecture in the United States'', University of Illinois Press, USA, 2000, p. 125</ref><ref>Murray Dempster, Byron D. Klaus, Douglas Petersen, ''The Globalization of Pentecostalism: A Religion Made to Travel'', Wipf and Stock Publishers, USA, 2011, p. 210</ref> The [[Latin cross]] is a well known [[Christian symbol]] that can usually be seen on the building of an evangelical church and that identifies the place's belonging.<ref>Mark A. Lamport, ''Encyclopedia of Christianity in the Global South, Volume 2'', Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2018, p. 32</ref><ref>Anne C. Loveland, Otis B. Wheeler, '' From Meetinghouse to Megachurch: A Material and Cultural History'', University of Missouri Press, USA, 2003, p. 149</ref> Some services take place in theaters, schools or multipurpose rooms, rented for Sunday only.<ref name="Caillou">Annabelle Caillou, [https://www.ledevoir.com/societe/541071/vivre-grace-aux-dons-et-au-benevolat Vivre grâce aux dons et au bénévolat], ledevoir.com, Canada, 10 November 2018</ref><ref>Helmuth Berking, Silke Steets, Jochen Schwenk, ''Religious Pluralism and the City: Inquiries into Postsecular Urbanism'', Bloomsbury Publishing, UK, 2018, p. 78</ref><ref>George Thomas Kurian, Mark A. Lamport, ''Encyclopedia of Christianity in the United States, Volume 5'', Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2016, p. 1359</ref> There is usually a [[baptistery]] at the front of the church (in what is known as the [[chancel]] in historic traditions) or in a separate room for [[Immersion baptism|baptisms by immersion]].<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 61</ref><ref>Wade Clark Roof, ''Contemporary American Religion, Volume 1'', Macmillan, UK, 2000, p. 49</ref>

[[File:CCFPasigjf1305 07.JPG|thumb|right| Worship service at [[Christ's Commission Fellowship]] Pasig affiliated to the [[Christ's Commission Fellowship]] in 2014, in [[Pasig]], [[Philippines]]]]
Worship services take on impressive proportions in the [[megachurches]] (churches where more than 2,000 people gather every Sunday). In some of these megachurches, more than 10,000 people gather every Sunday. The term gigachurch is sometimes used.<ref>Sam Hey, ''Megachurches: Origins, Ministry, and Prospects'', Wipf and Stock Publishers, USA, 2013, p. 265</ref><ref>Ed Stetzer,
[http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2008/october/megachurch-research--terminology.html Megachurch Research - Terminology], christianitytoday.com, USA, October 9, 2008</ref> For example, [[Lakewood Church]] (United States) or [[Yoido Full Gospel Church]] (South Korea).<ref>Alicia Budich,
[http://www.cbsnews.com/news/from-megachurch-to-gigachurch/ From Megachurch to "Gigachurch"], cbsnews.com, USA, April 6, 2012</ref>

===House church===
In some countries of the world which apply [[sharia]] or [[communism]], government authorizations for worship are complex for Christians.<ref>Erwin Fahlbusch, Geoffrey William Bromiley, ''The Encyclopedia of Christianity, Volume 4'', Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, USA, 2005, p. 163</ref><ref>Yves Mamou, [https://www.lefigaro.fr/vox/religion/2019/03/20/31004-20190320ARTFIG00076-yves-mamou-les-persecutions-de-chretiens-ont-lieu-en-majorite-dans-des-pays-musulmans.php Yves Mamou: «Les persécutions de chrétiens ont lieu en majorité dans des pays musulmans»], lefigaro.fr, France, March 20, 2019</ref><ref>Wesley Rahn, [https://www.dw.com/en/in-xi-we-trust-is-china-cracking-down-on-christianity/a-42224752 In Xi we trust - Is China cracking down on Christianity?], dw.com, Germany, January 19, 2018</ref> Because of [[persecution of Christians]], Evangelical [[house churches]] have thus developed.<ref>Allan Heaton Anderson, ''An Introduction to Pentecostalism: Global Charismatic Christianity'', Cambridge University Press, UK, 2013, p. 104</ref> For example, there is the [[House church (China)|Evangelical house churches in China]] movement.<ref>Brian Stiller, ''Evangelicals Around the World: A Global Handbook for the 21st Century'', Thomas Nelson, USA, 2015, p. 328</ref> The meetings thus take place in private houses, in secret and in "illegality".<ref>Mark A. Lamport, ''Encyclopedia of Christianity in the Global South, Volume 2'', Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2018, p. 364</ref>

===Alternative buildings===
[[File:Ruhnu Püha Magdaleena kirik, Ruhnu puukirik 16.jpg|thumb|upright|A wooden St. Magdalena Church in the [[Ruhnu Island]], Estonia]]
{{see|Road church|Simultaneum}}

Old and disused church buildings can be seen as an interesting proposition for developers as the architecture and location often provide for attractive homes<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alexander |first=Lucy |date=14 December 2007 |title=Church conversions |work=The Times |location=London |url=http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/new_homes/article3047285.ece |access-date=30 April 2010}}</ref> or city centre entertainment venues.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Site design and technology by Lightmaker.com |title=quality food and drink |url=http://www.pitcherandpiano.com/locations/bar.cfm?area=Nottingham |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031113829/http://www.pitcherandpiano.com/locations/bar.cfm?area=nottingham |archive-date=31 October 2011 |access-date=18 October 2011 |publisher=Pitcher and Piano}}</ref> On the other hand, many newer churches have decided to host meetings in public buildings such as schools,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome to the Family Church Christchurch Dorset |url=http://www.familychurchchristchurch.org.uk |access-date=18 October 2011 |publisher=The Family Church Christchurch}}</ref> universities,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome to The Hope Church, Manchester... A Newfrontiers Church based in Salford, Greater Manchester UK |url=http://www.the-hope.org.uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100202171948/http://www.the-hope.org.uk/ |archive-date=2 February 2010 |access-date=18 October 2011 |publisher=The-hope.org.uk}}</ref> cinemas<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jubilee Church London |url=http://www.jubileechurchlondon.org |website=jubileechurchlondon.org}}</ref> or theatres.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome to Hillsong Church |url=http://hillsong.com/uk/ |access-date=25 November 2016 |website=Hillsong Church UK}}</ref>

There is another trend to convert old buildings for [[worship]] rather than face the construction costs and planning difficulties of a new build. Unusual venues in the UK include a former tram power station,<ref>{{Cite web |title=CITY CHURCH NEWCASTLE & GATESHEAD – enjoying God...making friends...changing lives – Welcome |url=http://www.city-church.co.uk |access-date=18 October 2011 |publisher=City-church.co.uk}}</ref> a former [[bus garage]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aylsham Community Church |url=http://www.aylshamcommunitychurch.org |access-date=18 October 2011 |publisher=Aylsham Community Church}}</ref> a former cinema and [[Bingo (UK)|bingo]] hall,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hall |first=Reg |title=Things are different now: A short history of Winchester Family Church |publisher=Winchester Family Church |year=2004 |location=Winchester |page=11}}</ref> a former [[Territorial Army (United Kingdom)|Territorial Army]] drill hall,<ref>{{Cite web |title=ABOUT |url=http://www.barnabascommunitychurch.com/about.html |access-date=5 December 2016 |website=www.barnabascommunitychurch.com}}</ref> and a former [[synagogue]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Where We Meet |url=http://www.citychurchsheffield.org.uk/where-we-meet |access-date=5 December 2016 |website=City Church Sheffield}}</ref> {{HMS|Tees|1817|6}} served as a floating church for mariners at [[Liverpool]] from 1827 until she sank in 1872.<ref name="LM100672">{{Cite news |date=10 June 1872 |title=Local and General |work=Leeds Mercury |issue=10660 |location=Leeds}}</ref> A windmill has also been converted into a church at [[Reigate Heath Windmill|Reigate Heath]].

There have been increased partnerships between church management and private real estate companies to redevelop church properties into mixed uses. While it has garnered criticism, the partnership allows congregations to increase revenue while preserving the property.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Friedman |first=Robyn A. |title=Churches Redeveloping Properties to Give Them New Life |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/churches-redeveloping-properties-to-give-them-new-life-1443519001 |access-date=2015-10-23 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Architecture|Christianity}}
* [[Dedication (ritual)|Dedication]]
* [[List of largest church buildings]]
* [[Pub church]]
* [[Shrine]]
* [[Tabernacle (Methodist)]]
* [[Temple]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
*{{Cite book |last=Levy |first=Patricia |url=https://archive.org/details/cathedralschurch0000unse |title=Cathedrals and the Church |publisher=Smart Apple Media |year=2004 |isbn=1-58340-572-0 |series=Medieval World |location=North Mankato, MN |url-access=registration}}
*{{Cite book |last=Krieger |first=Herman |url=https://archive.org/details/churchesadhoc00herm |title=Churches ad hoc |publisher=PhotoZone Press |year=1998 |isbn=9780966580969 |url-access=registration}}
* [[Erlande-Brandenburg, Alain]], Qu'est-ce qu'une église ?, Gallimard, Paris, 333 p., 2010.
* Gendry Mickael, L'église, un héritage de Rome, Essai sur les principes et méthodes de l'architecture chrétienne, Religions et Spiritualité, collection Beaux-Arts architecture religion, édition Harmattan 2009, 267 p.

==External links==
{{commons|Church}}
{{wikiquote|Church}}
{{wiktionary|church}}

* [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03041a.htm New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia – Ecclesiastical Buildings]
* [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03744a.htm New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia – The Church]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcfLSpJXo0w Prairie Churches] Documentary produced by [[Prairie Public Television]]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20121116155347/http://www.iptv.org/iowastories/story.cfm/worship/9640/iowa_places_of_worship_2007/video Iowa Places of Worship] Documentary produced by [[Iowa Public Television]]
* {{CathEncy|wstitle=Ecclesiastical Buildings}}

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[[Category:Church buildings| ]]
[[Category:Building types]]
[[Category:Christian architecture]]
[[Category:Christian terminology]]

Church (building) - Revision history

DEVANSH: updated page per sources also and cleaned formatting

Ajay Kumar: Created a new article