Mechanicsville Bethlehem Presbyterian Church Acoustics

Mark BrockMark joined the team in 2011. With over 25 years of inside sales experience, he excels in acoustic expertise and customer service. Raised in a musical family, Mark spent considerable time in live music venues and recording studios from a young age. He specializes in doctor's offices, hospitals, sports venues, and worship centers. 1-800-782-5742 Ext. 0136

Fabric wrapped acoustic panels reduce echo in a church sanctuary.

The Issue

Robert Blackburn, from Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, contacted Acoustical Solutions to help with an echo issue in the sanctuary where they conduct worship services. The space had multiple reflective surfaces that were causing longer reverberation times when the members were speaking and singing.

At the Mechanicsville Presbyterian Church, echo and reverberation are reduced by the installation of acoustic fabric wrapped panels.

About the Client

Nestled in the heart of Mechanicsville, VA, Bethlehem Presbyterian Church stands as a beacon of community and faith. Its historic stone facade and welcoming doors invite all who seek solace and spiritual connection. Stepping inside Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, visitors are greeted by the soft glow of stained glass windows casting colorful patterns across the pews. With a rich history dating back decades, this church serves as a cornerstone of the local community, offering a place where individuals can come together to find comfort, support, and a sense of belonging.

Acoustical Solutions' fabric wrapped panels treat an echo problem in a church sanctuary.

The Challenge

We needed to treat the echo/reverberation within the space to enhance the member/guest experience and use something that looked like it belonged in the room or added to the overall look. At first, we considered trying to do the job ourselves, but we are very glad we chose to use the professionals at Acoustical Solutions. The experience working with the AS team was excellent.

A chart showing sound levels in the church.

The Solution

Robert consulted with Acoustical Solutions Noise Control Experts, Mark Brock, Chad Glenn, and Steven Snider. The decision was made that the best option would be to add Alphasorb fabric wrapped panels to the walls. We went with that option because of their effectiveness and appearance.

The Result

With the installation of the Alphasorb panels, the echo/noise level has been significantly reduced. According to the testing conducted before and after, at 500 Hz they are at a 1.121 (s) time. This is a dramatic improvement from the 2.5+ they were at prior. Speech and music is much clearer and conversation is easier to have with multiple people or sound sources in the space.

In the Customer's Own Words

Everyone we worked with at Acoustical Solutions was very professional. The sound quality from the installation of acoustical panels in the sanctuary is very much improved. We were concerned about the aesthetics of whatever acoustical treatment was chosen. We had an experienced interior designer help select the colors from the fabric swatches provided. The acoustic panels blend in with the existing colors in the sanctuary, and are hardly noticeable.

To learn more about how Acoustical Solutions can solve your noise control problems, use our contact form, call one of our Acoustical Sales Consultants at (800) 782-5742, or visit us on the web at acousticalsolutions.com.

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Sanctuaries