A Special Installation at RCCG Olive Tree Parish: A Project of Legacy and Passion

The audiovisual installation at RCCG Olive Tree Parish in Lagos holds a particularly meaningful place in my personal and professional journey. This project began under the leadership of my mentor, George Hattingh Snr., a man whose deep knowledge and kind spirit influenced so many in the AV industry. After his passing, his son Cristo Hattingh stepped in to carry forward the vision his father had set in motion. Cristo brought me into the project, and in an unexpected but trusting move, handed over the full reins to me, entrusting me with the responsibility to see it through.

To work around this, we devised a mounting solution that involved placing all the loudspeakers on the existing architectural pillars. This approach allowed for effective sound dispersion throughout the space while respecting the integrity of the building’s structure and interior aesthetics. Speaker positioning was carefully calculated using modeling software to ensure optimal audio coverage and minimize phase issues or dead zones in the seating area.

The final result was a crisp, evenly balanced sound experience that serves both the spoken word and the dynamic musical elements of worship services without overwhelming the congregation.

Gallery Mix Room Challenges at RCCG Olive Tree Parish

Another interesting aspect of the installation at RCCG Olive Tree Parish was the mix position. Unlike typical worship spaces where the sound engineer is located centrally on the ground floor for a direct listening perspective, the mix room for this venue was located in an enclosed space on the upper gallery.

This setup presented its own challenges. To address them, we installed high-quality reference monitors in the mix room. These monitors provide an accurate listening experience that helps the audio engineer make informed mixing decisions, even without being physically present in the main room. In addition, a large sliding window was integrated into the gallery wall, offering a visual and partially acoustic connection to the main auditorium. This combination allowed the mix engineer to hear and see the room, creating a workable compromise for a less-than-ideal control room location.

Extensive and Complex Cable Routing

Running cables through the RCCG Olive Tree Parish facility required significant planning, physical effort, and a bit of creativity. Due to the layout of the building, cable runs had to be routed in a complex path: beginning on the elevated gallery level, traveling down through the ground floor space, across to the basement parking area, and then back up behind the main platform.

This routing ensured that no unsightly cabling was visible to the congregation, and also maintained safety and structural integrity throughout the building. The process involved drilling through walls and working around existing infrastructure—all done with precision to ensure signal integrity and long-term reliability.

Drum Sound Control and Acoustic Treatment

As part of the stage sound management strategy, we implemented a Clearsonic drum screen to contain and control the live drum sound. This was a vital addition to the space, given the naturally live acoustics of the room. The drum screen reduced sound bleed into vocal mics and helped create a more balanced mix for both live congregation and any streaming outputs.

Though not a full enclosure, the partial isolation achieved by the Clearsonic panels made a significant difference, allowing the drums to be both present and controlled in the overall mix—enhancing the worship experience without overpowering it.

A Project That Sparked New Beginnings

The installation at RCCG Olive Tree Parish was not only a technical achievement but also a deeply personal milestone. It reinforced the importance of mentorship, continuity, and building lasting client relationships. What began as a handover of responsibility turned into the beginning of many more successful projects and a deeper understanding of the real impact thoughtful AV integration can have on a worship space.

Through this project, we were reminded that technology, when implemented with care, enhances community, communication, and worship. It was an honour to be part of such a meaningful journey.