This project had a number of acoustical deficiencies including lack of musical blend, poor projection of choir and organ tone, difficulties in congregational response in hymns and service music, less than desirable speech clarity, and unreliable organ service.
These problems were caused by the presence of excessive sound absorbing materials (acoustical tile ceiling and carpeted flooring), poor placement of organ pipes, a decaying organ mechanism, and an antiquated sound system.
Excellent musical rendition and speech clarity along with full-bodied participation by the congregation in the Service has been achieved by raising reverberation time. This was accomplished through the use of sound reflective ceiling and flooring materials, by seating the choir on the long axis of the room, and through the use of a new sound system specifically designed for the renovated environment.
The new Casavant organ has its primary divisions encased on the long axis of the room with accompanimental divisions placed in acoustically enhanced side chambers.
