Maximising church spaces: the importance of AV technology beyond the main worship area
In the heart of many communities, houses of worship provide hope, support and friendship to all walks of life. While the main worship area often takes centre stage, the potential of extended areas within the church should not be overlooked. These spaces can be transformed into vibrant hubs of activity with the help of modern audio visual (AV) technology, bringing in more members of the community and making full use of the venue’s facilities.
St George’s Church on Vigo Lane in Harraton, a suburb of Washington, Tyne and Wear, recently decided to enhance its community engagement by building a new annex and fitting it out with food and drink facilities and, recognising the potential of this space, the design committee also decided to install a high-quality AV system. The installation included a projector, screen, screen controller and loudspeakers. The task was entrusted to Blaydon Communications Ltd, whose engineers were praised for their professionalism and meticulous work. They completed the installation in just one day, ensuring everything was set up perfectly and leaving the space spotless.
As the new AV system came to life, the benefits quickly became apparent. The annex, once just an unused piece of land, was now equipped to host a variety of events. The high-quality projector and screen provided clear and bright images, making it easier for everyone to see and participate in presentations, movie nights and special services.
The loudspeakers ensured that everyone could hear clearly, no matter where they were seated. This was crucial for services, events and community meetings, helping everyone feel more included and connected. The annex wasn’t just an overflow space; it was a thoughtful addition to increase the versatility of the venue for social gatherings, community nights, educational workshops and even corporate or community rentals.
One of the most exciting aspects of the new AV system was its potential to attract younger generations. By offering modern technology, the church could appeal to people of a wide age range, who are more likely to attend events and get involved when they see that the church is keeping up with the times. That was essential for building a strong future, as younger generations are the key to the church’s continued growth and relevance.
The successful installation at St George’s Church was a testament to the benefits of investing in modern technology for community engagement. The community was thrilled with the new system, which has worked seamlessly for all their events so far. A satisfied member of the community even left a glowing Google review, praising the efficiency and effectiveness of the installation process.
Blaydon’s managing director Paul Dougherty said: “Maximising the use of all house of worship facilities, including extended areas, is crucial for engaging the community and ensuring the church remains a vibrant and relevant part of people's lives. Modern AV technology plays a key role in this transformation, offering better presentations, clear sound and versatile event options. By focusing on these extended areas, churches can attract more people, build stronger relationships and create a brighter future for everyone.”
For further information visit blaydoncomms.co.uk