After a devastating ceiling collapse, Immanuel Lutheran Church of St. Charles called on RBLD to help bring their sanctuary back to life. Through a short construction window and the complications of walls and structures existing to remain, the team delivered a complete and cohesive design.

Restoration of fixtures damaged by the collapse was considered, however, a budget study proved that all new pendants and under-balcony luminaires was the economical solution. Ambient and up-light portions of the new fixtures contribute a warm ambiance to the space, while the downlight component boosts visual acuity for aging congregants. Tiny monopoints accentuate the rhythm of the corbels.

The church wanted color-saturated light to augment their celebrations. RGBW tape lights concealed on the back of the chancel archway and behind molding at the base of the balcony create the ability to either saturate the room in color or highlight the architecture with white light. Preexisting track on the back of the altar structure was refitted with new RGB lamps. With the pendants off, the RGB LED light can saturate the entire room from two locations, creating a dramatic nighttime look.

All new lighting is controlled using a single DMX control system, organizing everything into a user-friendly interface. This system also allows for the church lighting to be controlled by an independent theatrical light board for use during the church’s annual Boar’s Head Christmas Festival.

With thoughtful color selections and balanced dimming settings, the depth and breadth of the lighting and controls upgrade is realized as it shows off the new interior.

The church is ready to host another 150 years of sacred and joyful celebrations!