antechurch
/ˈæntiːtʃɜːrtʃ/Definitions
1. noun
A building or area located in front of a church, often used as a gathering place for people before a service.
“The antechurch was filled with people chatting and socializing before the wedding ceremony.”
2. noun
A structure in front of a church, typically serving as an entrance or vestibule.
“The beautiful stone antechurch of the cathedral was a marvel of medieval architecture.”