Paragon 360 officially completed the renovation of First Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama. The company partnered with Ethridge builders as a general contractor to complete the upgrades.

The project aimed to restore the space and create a multi-generational, modern environment after a flood devastated the sanctuary in 2023. Paragon 360 said that the project started as a recovery effort, but the church decided to move forward with a full-scale renovation of the sanctuary and lobby spaces.

Paragon 360 said that the goal was to modernize the worship space while honoring the legacy and history of the church. Key aspects of the transformation include interior design, seating, acoustics and fully integrated audio, video and lighting systems from AVL.

After completion of general construction, Paragon installed custom-fabricated, modular scenic and architectural elements quicker than the estimated 10-12 weeks.

Lighting upgrades include a fully integrated LED platform and house lighting system with over 60 fixtures from PROLIGHTS and CHAUVET, as well as over 70 Elation fixtures for house lighting controlled by a High End Systems HedgeHog 4X console. Architectural LED lighting from Environmental Lights was implemented for scenic elements, and other lighting was engineered using truss systems, motors, and Skjonberg Controls for a dynamic lighting environment.

The video system utilizes a ReveLux LED wall that was installed across the back of the platform with two image magnification LED walls on either side. The company said that all LED displays employ NovaStar processing. Blackmagic Design and Panasonic PTZ cameras aim to elevate capture and broadcast capabilities, supported by a fully equipped control room featuring Blackmagic Design systems, ReveLux monitoring, Yamaha audio components, Artisan furniture, Middle Atlantic racks, Clear-Com communications and PreSonus studio monitors.

The audio system was also upgraded with a new L-Acoustics A10 Series line array system with mixing solutions from Allen & Heath. Paragon’s choir monitoring system was also deployed, utilizing over 25 JBL speakers. Shure’s wireless solutions, Earthworks’ choir microphones and Audio-Technica’s audience microphones were also incorporated.

All AVL systems were networked using NETGEAR infrastructure, and Paragon’s acoustical treatment included over 3,000 feet of FabriTRAK and custom-built acoustical ceiling clouds for overall sonic experience. Paragon 360 led all interior design efforts, including the custom-fabricated, illuminated column, faux stone elements, a custom podium built to the pastor’s specifications and a 9-foot halo-lit cross.

The upgraded lobbies feature a custom metal banding wall grid, matching columns and eight acoustical ceiling panels, along with new pews and modular choir seating built by Sauder.

“There’s a great deal of pride that comes in being a part of these opening services,” said Ryan Cowen, co-owner and president of Paragon 360. “Seeing the transformation that you’re able to bring to the space, that really brings a lot to it.”