A relatively small re-organization of a few audio and computer cables expanded to a major reconstruction of the balcony railing. The results for the balcony railing are obvious, but most of the rest is hidden from view … except for those whose ministry is mostly located in the balcony!
OUR CHURCH’S BALCONY
Our balcony railing has been, for many years, insufficient, especially in comparison to current building codes. The original design was already 6” shorter than it should be in 2025 (70+ years after its construction) and then other changes brought that height to only 30” … a full 12” shorter than what is appropriate.
Other than a bit of mismatch to the stain color, workers were able to redesign and rebuild the railing to MEET current standards, at least when it comes to the height of the rail. While they were at it, they made other improvements:
- Additional electrical outlets have eliminated extension cords and all but two power strips, removing tripping and fire hazards.
- Speaker and computer cables now come into the balcony through the side aisles, rather than being stapled up and over the balcony railing.
- Audio cable has been re-organized and is now mostly hidden from view, making use of more short patch cables.
- The computer network has received an upgrade with cables hidden in some plastic raceway and more points of connection, thanks to a new POE-enabled network switch.
CHAPEL TRIM AND FINAL TOUCHES
Now that work on the balcony is mostly complete, volunteers will turn their attention to a small amount of trim work that remains in the chapel. Since most of the work was completed in January, some may not even notice a few places that have been left unfinished. Workers also plan to re-incorporate the communion rail that was removed during recent renovations.
There are also plans for a better cabinet in which we can store supplies and equipment (coffee, coffee makers, audio and video cables, etc.)
Finally, the speakers will be re-connected so that the chapel can be used as “overflow” for larger events such as the Children’s Christmas Service and Commencement.
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