Paragon 360 make over Swaggarts’ iconic Family Worship Center

USA: With the help of Paragon 360, Jimmy Swaggart Ministries has renovated the Family Worship Center – home to the Swaggarts’ ministry for over 30 years and the SonLife Broadcast Network programming location for over a decade. The project included scenic design and custom fabrication, interior design, auditorium seating, audio, video, lighting design, acoustic panels and stage design, all while keeping the Swaggarts’ on-air throughout.

The weekly live broadcasts from the Family Worship Center is somewhat of a cornerstone of the SonLife Broadcast Network. With the focus on television, it was paramount that every set element would look great on camera. Paragon was able to extend the platform’s footprint to accommodate the Swaggart team’s organic approach by giving more room to the singers. The new lollipop stage design enables all three generations of Swaggart pastors to deliver their messages. The multi-level riser built with Paragon’s custom-modular staging provides space for musicians and a 70-seat choir. Custom-curved LED panels, integrated into the modesty and choir walls, add depth and texture to the background, while custom roller drops hide or reveal the balcony as needed.

The Paragon team overcame several acoustical issues, caused by the shape of the ceiling, by installing FabriTRAK acoustic treatment on the front face of the balcony and hung custom-built acoustical ceiling clouds throughout the sanctuary. The team relocated the monitor mix location, improved the ergonomics of the patch bays and installed new multi-pair cable for the entire system.

The Paragon team offered a more dynamic approach to the set design for the church’s video system by integrating LED panels into its set elements. Money was saved by designing the video system and stage design around the Swaggart’s existing projectors. The LED displays and confidence monitors eliminate the need for projection on TVs, reducing light spill, reflections, and glares.

Director of SonLife Broadcast Network, Tim Tracey, worked closely with Paragone 360 to ensure that the new lighting system would meet his broadcast needs. The quality of the broadcast lighting took precedent over the experience in the room, which led to the installation of all-new fixed WW colour temperature LED house lights. Also included was a new lighting console networked DMX system that drives every fixture from scenic to LED tape to the house lights.

The transformation was complete in just 12 weeks without an disruption to any production of services. Donnie Swaggart, Evangelist and co-pastor, spoke highly of Paragon 360: “You couldn’t put yourself in better hands.”

Originally featured on Worshipavl.com