What is CHURCH? Definition of CHURCH in Black's Law Dictionary - Legal dictionary - Glossary of legal terms.
In its most general sense, the religious society founded and established by Jesus Christ, to receive, preserve, and propagate his doctrines and ordinances.
It may also mean a body of communicants gathered into church order, Stebbins v. Jennings, 10 Pick. (Mass.) 193; 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, McNeilly v. First Presbyterian Church in Brookline, 243 Mass. 331, 137 N.E. 691, 694; building, Combined Congregations of District of Columbia v. Dent, 140 F.2d 9, 10, 78 U.S.App. D.C. 254; congregation, Trustees of Pencader Presbyterian Church in Pencader Hundred v. Gibson, Del., 22 A.2d 782, 787, 788; organization for religious purposes, Williams v. Williams, 215 N.C. 739, 3 S.E.2d 334, 338; place where persons regularly assemble for worship, Stubbs v. Texas Liquor Control Board, Tex.Civ.App., 166 S.W.2d 178, 180; religious society or body, In re . Werner's Will, Sur., 181 N. Y.S. 433, 434; society of persons who profess the Christian religion, Church of the Holy Faith v. State Tax Commission, 39 N.M. 403, 48 P.2d 777, 784.
In English ecclesiastical law. An institution established by the law of the land in reference to religion. 3 Steph. Comm. 54. The word "church" is said to mean, in strictness, not the material fabric, but the cure of souls and the right of tithes. 1 Mod. 201.
A congregational church is a voluntary association of Christians united for discipline and worship, connected with, and forming a part of, some religious society, having a legal existence. Anderson v. Brock, 3 Me. 248.
Church Building Acts
Statutes passed in England in and since the year 1818, to extend the accommodation afforded by the national church. 3 Steph.Comm. 152-164.
Church Discipline Act
The statute 3 & 4 Viet. c. 86, containing regulations for trying clerks in holy orders charged with offenses against ecclesiastical law, and for enforcing sentences pronounced in such cases. Phillim. Ecc.Law, 1314.
Church of England
A distinct branch of Christ's church, it is also an institution of the state of which the sovereign is the supreme head. Wharton. Pawlet v. Clark, 9 Cranch 292, 3 L.Ed. 735.
Church Property
Within constitutional exemption from taxation, it means property used for religious worship and instruction. Church of the Holy Faith v. State Tax Commission, 39 N.M. 403, 48 P.2d 777, 784.
Church Rate
In English law. A sum assessed for the repair of parochial churches by the representatives of the parishioners in vestry assembled. Wharton.
Church Reeve
A church warden; an overseer of a church. Now obsolete. Cowell.
Church Scot
In old English law. Customary obligations paid to the parish priest; from which duties the religious sometimes purchased an exemption for themselves and their tenants.
Church Wardens
A species of ecclesiastical officers who are intrusted with the care and guardianship of the church building and property. See 3 Steph.Comm. 90; 1 BIa.Comm. 394; Cowell; Terrett v. Taylor, 9 Cranch, 43, 3 L.Ed. 650.
Church Yard
See Cemetery.
Community Church
A name signifying a federation of churches retaining their separate identity and distinctive doctrines. Christian Church of Vacaville v. Crystal, 78 Cal.App. 1, 247 P. 605, 608.
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That's the definition of CHURCH in Black's Law Dictionary - Legal dictionary - Glossary of legal terms. Courtesy of Cekhukum.com.
