First Baptist Church, Orlando

Established in 1871 with 18 people, First Baptist Church of Orlando has grown to become a sizable modern day house of worship with a membership of over 12,000.
Located on 140+ acres, the campus’s Worship Center has seating for over 5,500 and features a full automated lighting rig that many of the country’s top theatres would be envious of.

Jeff Atkisson is in charge of lighting design and oversees all the lighting gear. At his disposal is a Martin lighting rig of 8 MAC 600 NT wash lights, 10 MAC 2000 Profiles, a pair of Atomic strobes and close to 200 ETC Source Four luminaires. Lighting control is from a Martin Maxxyz with Wing.

Maxxyz easy transition
Jeff has ample experience with Martin fixtures, having worked for Hollywood Lights, Inc. of Portland, Oregon as staff lighting designer, programmer and field lead, and then with Disney in years past. He says it wasn’t a matter of what fixtures to use – he knew the Martin gear was reliable, “My experience with 2K's has been positive in the past” - but more a question of what console to use. Jeff chose the Martin Maxxyz and First Baptist became one of the first church facilities in the U.S. to use the lighting console.

Jeff likes the Maxxyz because the changeover from other lighting desks was relatively simple. “I liked the Maxxyz because it was an easy transition from the Hog II and because of Martin's commitment to customer service. Those were the two main reasons that I chose this desk.”

Jeff also uses a Maxxyz Wireless Tablet for the ease of untethered programming and control. He was a beta tester for the Wireless Tablet and often programs his lighting looks via the handheld device. It allows him the flexibility to get away from the console, even during a performance.

MAC versatility
The MAC moving lights are used weekly for two different types of services, traditional and contemporary. “I have to interpret the music that is going to be presented and the moving lights allow me the versatility I need,” Jeff states. “Many think of moving lights as rock n’ roll lights but I remind people that they only do what you ask them to do. They are capable of subtle looks as well. It allows me not to have a load of PAR Cans in the rig.”

The MAC 2000 Profiles work alongside conventionals from a V shaped truss high above the stage while floor positioned 2000 Profiles provide decorative gobo patterns onto the ceiling. MAC 600 NT wash lights are located on a back truss, colorwashing back scrims and the stage area. The moving lights perform a number of roles including lighting for televised services, live drama shows, and seasonal specials.  

Spreading the technological word
Advancements in lighting is certainly not a topic that Jeff wishes to keep to himself. In fact, Jeff acknowledges First Baptist’s commitment to help educate other churches and facilities about the benefits of lighting technology. He comments, “I see it personally as an outreach to other facilities in the nation. I go out to Inspiration and C3 with Martin to speak with other churches as an end user because I believe in giving an end user’s standpoint to potential future clients.

“I think in the church market the client would rather hear from an end user who is using the gear than a salesperson all the time. Martin also doesn't constrain me to speak my mind on what I like or don't like on the gear. I think in partnership with the sales directors it helps give the end user a good and balanced perspective before they make their purchasing decision.”

David Sumrall: Technical Director
Jeff Lawrence: Minister of Music
Jim Henry: Senior Pastor