hall church

A form of church with nave and aisles of approximately equal height, and without transepts or a distinct chancel. It first developed in 11th-c Germany.

A hall church is a church with nave and side aisles of approximately equal height, often united under a single immense roof.

In contrast to a traditional basilica, which lets in light through a clerestory in the upper part of the nave, a hall church is lit through windowed side walls typically spanning the full height of the interior.

A completely separate 20th-century usage employs the term "hall church" to mean a multi-purpose building with moveable seats rather than pews and a chancel area which can be screened off, to allow use as a community centre during the week.