Paragon 360 sets the stage at First Baptist

First Baptist Church Arnold in Missouri has completed a renovation of its 1,100-seat worship centre, with Paragon 360 delivering interior design, scenic architecture, staging, lighting, acoustical improvements and construction services.

The project aimed to create a more flexible worship environment for the congregation, choir, orchestra and worship teams, while improving platform traffic flow and retaining space for ministry activities.

A central feature is Paragon 360’s modular choir loft system, which can be expanded, reduced, reconfigured or removed to accommodate different service formats and future requirements. Custom scenic and architectural elements include an illuminated backdrop separating the choir and orchestra, frosted glass modesty walls, dimensional birch panels and a faux-stone baptistry surround incorporating a halo-lit cross.

Eight illuminated 20ft architectural columns extend the design into the seating area, while band risers feature illuminated frosted acrylic fronts. A custom drum enclosure was also incorporated into the platform design.

Most of the scenic, architectural and modular staging components were fabricated at Paragon 360’s facility in Springfield, Missouri, before being transported to the church for installation. The approach was intended to reduce onsite construction, limit disruption to church activities and manage the project schedule and budget.

Senior pastor Kenny Qualls said: “When it came to timelines, especially when the project was getting close to winding down, Paragon was spot on. And like ants on an anthill, everyone was joyful working.”

The renovation also included a new LED house lighting system using nearly 100 fixtures from Environmental Lights, with additional fixtures integrated into the scenic elements. Acoustical treatments were installed to improve the listening environment, while additional floor pockets provide greater flexibility for production equipment and connections.

Paragon 360’s Xperience Construction acted as general contractor, overseeing demolition, platform reconstruction, flooring, painting, electrical work and other building services.

Qualls concluded: “We all know that people have body language. Well, I believe the church has a building language. Your campus speaks. The ability to bring acoustics, audio, video, sound into one space, to capture the DNA of this church – that's a high gift set that not a lot of people can do. And Paragon did that.”