A steeple is the tower that rises above the roof of a church or synagogue. It may stand alone or form part of a larger bell tower, usually has openings for bells, and is often crowned by a tall pointed spire. Many American congregations ring bells to call people to worship and mark special services.
What does a steeple look like?
Most steeples have a square or round base and a tall, tapering roof called a spire. Together, the tower and its pointed roof are commonly called the steeple, though some people use the word for the whole structure. Spires can also rise directly from the roof without a separate tower, so the two words sometimes overlap in everyday speech.
A cross, finial, weather vane, or flag often tops the highest point. These features are decorative rather than required, and their design reflects the architecture of the congregation. Some synagogues also have steeples or domes, though the form is less common than on Christian church buildings.
Is a steeple the same as a bell tower?
Not quite. A bell tower is the part of the building that holds the bells. A steeple is the tower-and-spire form built above the church roof, and that tower may contain the bells. So a bell tower can exist without a steeple, while a steepple usually includes one.
The wording varies with local tradition. In New England, “steeple” once referred to the entire church, and people still use it that way locally. Some also call the top portion a “steeple” even when it is a separate bell tower. When you look at a building, it helps to see the main parts of a church building.
What are the bells inside for?
Church bells have served several purposes. They can gather the congregation for a service, mark the hour, announce a wedding or funeral, or signal the start of a holiday service such as Christmas Eve or Easter. In many churches, bells are rung before worship, during the service, or afterward.
Some steeples also hold a mechanical clock, and some have carillons, which are sets of bells played by a trained musician. Because many congregations ring bells by hand or with an automated system, the sound of a particular church can become familiar to the people who live near it.
Are steeples common today?
They remain widespread, especially among Episcopal and Anglican churches, Methodist churches, and many Lutheran and other Protestant congregations. Some newer churches use lower roofs, a cupola, or a modest corner tower instead of a full steeple. Because builders vary in design and cost, the term covers a wide range of shapes and sizes.
What should visitors notice about a steeple?
Look up from the street or parking lot and you may see the steeple before the entrance. Inside, its bells often mark the service you are attending. Visitors can also compare different buildings by browsing churches near you and noticing how each one marks its roofline and main entrance.