Church

[Sax. cyric, ciric, circ; Lat. ecclesia; Fr. esglise.'] An edifice appropriated to Christian worship and the performance of religious services.* A house consecrated to the worship of God among Christians.

Webster.

In English ecclesiastical law, a church is otherwise called a benefice, and includes the glebe, parsonage and tithes.

1 Crabb's Heal Prop. 77, § 90.

To entitle a place of worship to be adjudged a church in law, it must have administration of the sacraments and sepulture annexed to it.

2 Inst 363. 1 Wooddes. Lect. 188.

See Ecclesia. A body or community of Christians, united under one form of government by the profession of the same faith, and the observance of the same ritual and ceremonies.* Webster. In English ecclesiastial law. An institution established by the law of the land in reference to religion.

3 Steph. Com. 54.

For the American law under this head, see U. S. Digest, Church.

U. S. Ann. Dig. 1847, 1848, h. t.