St Luke Greek Orthodox Church in Broomall, Pennsylvania, is a striking example of traditional Byzantine architecture. With its ornate iconography, high-domed ceilings, and expansive nave, it offers an impressive visual presence—but one that presents significant challenges when it comes to acoustics.
Over time, speech intelligibility within the sanctuary had become a notable issue. A reverberation peak of 3.38 seconds made it difficult for congregants—particularly older members—to clearly hear spoken elements of the liturgy, prompting growing concern.
To address the problem, systems integrator Spinnaker was brought in to deliver a solution that would enhance intelligibility while preserving the church’s architectural integrity. Led by Fenicia Redman, VP of Project Development, the team undertook a comprehensive acoustic analysis of the space using EASE modelling software.
“Our goal was to find a system that didn’t just sound good—it had to fit the space visually and culturally,” says Redman. “The congregation was vocal about the challenges, and we needed to respond with something that was both technically robust and visually discreet.”
After evaluating solutions from several manufacturers, Spinnaker specified a Renkus-Heinz Iconyx Gen5 Series IC24-RN column array. The self-powered, digitally steerable loudspeaker was selected for its ability to deliver precise sound coverage and its slim, unobtrusive profile—critical in a visually sensitive environment adorned with 24-karat gold leaf and intricate artwork.
Mounted between the front two windows of the sanctuary, the IC24-RN employs Renkus-Heinz’s OmniBeam beam-steering technology to target audio directly to the congregation, avoiding problematic reflections and reverberation. “It’s about working with the space, not against it,” notes Redman. “The Iconyx system let us reinforce speech clarity without compromising the room’s natural acoustic character, which is important for musical elements of the service.”
The system is powered by a Yamaha MTX5D processor and TF Rack, with control provided via iPad for ease of use by church staff. “The interface is intuitive, which was a key consideration,” adds Redman. “We wanted to make sure day-to-day operation wouldn’t be a burden.”
Installation was carefully planned to ensure the church’s interior was protected throughout. “We took extensive precautions to safeguard the artwork and finishes,” Redman explains. “Attention to detail was critical.”
Since commissioning, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Parishioners have reported a marked improvement in their ability to hear and engage with the service, and the sound system has helped foster a more inclusive and immersive worship experience.
“One of the most rewarding moments came when a senior member of the church told her grandson, ‘I can finally hear Fr. Christ,’” says Redman. “That’s what this work is about—connecting people through sound.”
