Drexel, NC - A local congregation in Drexel, NC desired to expand their mission outreach and impact on their community by utilizing their unused space to form new ministries on their campus. With the provision of a technology grant from their denomination, Christ United Methodist Church desired to implement livestreaming, networking, and security systems in a massive technology and systems overhaul project.
In October 2020, CUMC contacted and started working with James to incorporate new worship technologies into their existing systems and protocols. In the first phase of this overhaul project, a volunteer-friendly livestreaming and PTZ camera system was installed in the Sanctuary. In February 2021, CUMC worked with James to plan the second phase of their technology overhaul project after securing a project grant from the WNC Methodist Conference. They wanted to modernize the technology used for their worship services, daily office workflow, and security systems, as well as provide solutions that would enhance the digital experience for both guests and members alike. James suggested Ubiquiti's UniFi IT platform for both their networking and video surveillance needs across their 16,000 sq. ft interior space.
“James's network proposal included Ubiquiti's UniFi 6 Lite Access Points for campus-wide, high density WiFi coverage, UniFi AP AC Mesh Exterior Access Points for outdoor, property-wide WiFi, and the UniFi Dream Machine Pro as a base for their state-of-the-art network. For security, UniFi G3 Flex and Instant cameras were provisioned for cost effective, yet powerful campus wide surveillance. As all these units are powered via a single Ethernet cable, 2 UniFi 24 250W POE switches were included to ensure that everything in the network has the power and bandwidth needed to ensure smooth operation.”
After a few months of planning, budgeting, and purchasing, James started the initial install in April and May to start CUMC's transition away from a single household-grade router to a commercial/enterprise solution. In June, James set to work to install the remaining 80% of equipment. Over half a mile of CAT6 Ethernet cables were ran and terminated to support all the access points, devices, and cameras in the network. 10 U6-Lite Access Points were installed throughout both the Main Building and the Pavilion Building. For outdoor coverage throughout the parking lot, track, and church lawn, 3 UniFi AC AP Mesh Outdoor Access Points were installed, providing similar or identical speeds both indoors and outdoors.
As Christ United Methodist Church is located next to homes, apartments, and wooded areas, security and safety is CUMC's highest priority. To assist the staff and ushers with this task, 11 total cameras were installed around the perimeter of the property, ensuring blind-spots and common areas, such as the parking lot, can be monitored for suspicious activities, crimes, and emergencies. 10 Unifi G3 Flex Cameras bathe the campus in coverage, both day and night. A single UniFi G3 Instant camera, located in the Foyer, enhances the coverage of the aforementioned cameras, as well as assists the administrative staff during daily operations, helping them ensure who can and can't have access to the church building.
The whole UniFi system can be managed both locally and remotely, ensuring minimal downtime and easy support options. Multiple Wi-Fi networks were configured for use by church staff, tech team volunteers, and guests, who use a custom branded login page to access the internet. CUMC's new system has built in threat and virus protection, as well as a smart firewall system that helps preserve the integrity of its users, by blocking explicit and illegal content at the Layer 1 network level. This smart, future-proof, and expandable system allows for 10 Gigabit internet, AX Wi-Fi, and expandable storage to ensure the longevity and reliability of the system for years to come.
“As CUMC is located in the foothills of North Carolina, we decided to add an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) system to combat the sometimes-unreliable electricity at the church, especially during winter and summer storms. This allows the whole network to run for 30 minutes without power, and gives the system time to shut down automatically and safely when the power is disconnected.”
Having a powerful and reliable network sets the foundation for the upgrade of other technologies at CUMC, such as the FOH A/V system. James worked with CUMC's tech team members to form a retrofit to replace the aging presentation and video equipment. A powerful new laptop replaced an extremely sluggish desktop PC, and is connected to the A/V elements via a single Thunderbolt 4 cable. This laptop was equipped with Worship Extreme Presenter presentation software, to enhance the visual experience during church services.
The final phase of this project included building and implementing a new church website, YouTube, and Facebook page to enhance the church's dated and unmanaged online presence.
Now, Christ United Methodist Church Drexel has been equipped with modern technologies to help further serve their congregation, visitors, and the local community, both online, and on campus.
Interested in a technology or network project? Contact James Greer today to get started.