First Baptist

In 2023, First Baptist Church of Magnolia, AR, partnered with Paragon 360 for a comprehensive renovation aimed at enhancing engagement, modernizing worship and congregant spaces, and improving both live and broadcast experiences. The church sought a total transformation of its sanctuary, gathering areas, and children’s environments in a cost-effective manner. Paragon’s turnkey, design-build model, proved to be the ideal solution.

Paragon 360 brought a uniquely extensive range of services to the project, managing every aspect including audio, video, and lighting (AVL) systems, acoustics, interior design, seating, and custom scenic and architectural elements. They also served as general contractor through their very own, Xperience Construction, enabling a seamless integration between design and execution that simplified communication, reduced costs, and accelerated timelines.

The sanctuary, a central element of the church’s identity, underwent a complete transformation. The platform was redesigned from the ground up, including new floor pockets for data and power, a modular choir loft system with integrated monitoring, and entirely new custom scenic and architectural elements. These pieces, constructed in Paragon’s signature modular format, featuring textured wall panels and columns with integrated lighting, front of stage facades and modesty walls, brought a clean, modern aesthetic to the space. Technological upgrades included new ReveLux LED walls, front fill speakers, and LED house lighting, creating an immersive experience for both in person worshipers and online viewers. The sanctuary also received new Sauder seating, fresh paint, new carpet, updated flooring, and extensive drywall work, all paired with carefully calibrated acoustic treatment to ensure clarity and warmth in every sound.

Beyond the sanctuary, the church’s Welcome Center was reimagined to redefine how members and guests experience the facility upon arrival. In addition to new flooring, paint, and concrete work that addressed structural transitions between levels, Paragon created a variety of Magnolia-branded architectural features. These included custom check-in desks, coffee stations, shatter wall accents, a mission statement display, and a full-scale history wall — all designed, fabricated, and installed by Paragon. The team also provided new digital signage systems and hand-selected furniture to tie the space together in a way that feels welcoming, intentional, and mission-focused.

The transformation continued into the children’s ministry area, where the focus shifted to designing an environment that was not only functional but also exciting and engaging for kids. Paragon designed and installed a modular stage tailored for high-energy programming, added new tech booths, and enhanced the space with fresh paint, custom wallpaper, and acrylic standoff signage to bring the walls to life. The AVL upgrades included new speakers, projectors, screens, and LED lighting for the stage and house, all selected to support dynamic, age-appropriate worship experiences. New furniture and thoughtful design choices ensured the space is both practical and playful.

Throughout the entire project, Paragon 360’s integrated design-build approach provided First Baptist Magnolia with a level of efficiency and cost control that is difficult to match. Paragon’s ability to deliver scenic fabrication, AVL, interior design, acoustics, and general contracting as one provider allowed for faster decision-making, fewer change orders, and a unified design vision. The result was a transformational renovation that elevated every aspect of the church’s physical environment — all while staying within budget and on schedule.