Thorncrown Chapel

Eureka Springs, AR

Project Overview:

TMG Systems designed and installed a new sound system for the iconic Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Project Description:

Originally designed by renowned architect E. Fay Jones, Thorncrown Chapel is nestled on top of more than 100 tons of native stone. The 48-foot-tall wooden structure includes 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass and is listed as #4 among the top 20 buildings of the 20th century by the American Institute of Architects. A chapel built almost entirely from glass created quite the acoustical challenge. Previously, four different sound systems were installed but were unable to produce intelligible speech in the extremely reverberant space. In addition to these obstacles, the owners wanted to make sure none of the technology would be visible in the space. TMG Systems employed digitally steerable column speakers which were housed inside the face of the pulpit and lectern behind special grills. Our solution worked flawlessly, and at last, attendees are finally able to clearly hear the sermon.