Shape of the Sanctuary
The design of our sanctuary is based on the Roman basilica – a large hall used mainly as a court of law. This basic hallway was quickly modified in early Christian churches to create extensions along the sides of the central opening. Known as transepts, these transverse aisles were created to emulate Jesus’ cross, and by extension, the body of Christ. This transept form has been repeated here, enabling the depth of the room from the pulpit to the back pews to remain the same as our former sanctuary.
While certainly not unique among Baptist churches, this design breaks new ground for this congregation in its placement of two primary items related to worship – the Baptistry and the Communion Table. In Baptist tradition, the act of baptizing new believers and the sharing of the Lord’s Supper are the two ordinances we celebrate.