Facilities

The Glory of the Crystal Cathedral Comes Shining Through
Spectra, System 9760 Round Out Video Security
by Denise S. Dieser, Free-lance Writer, ddieser@attitude.com
Information in this article is printed with permission from the Crystal Cathedral.

Some might suggest entrusting its security to divine providence, but for the internationally known Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, a little earthly help along the way in the form of upgrading its video security system hasn’t hurt either.

"The previous system wasn’t providing the necessary coverage and had become completely nonfunctional," said director of security Dale Walters. He also said the cathedral’s previous vendor was proposing significant increases to get their system upgraded, so they decided to send out invitations for bid. Ted Willie, Vice President Operations of Post Alarm (Arcadia, California), said he was very pleased to learn they were the ones to win the job.

Pelco Chosen for Quality

After determining the cathedral’s objectives, Willie said one of his first steps was to meet with Jimi Rubio of Richardson Electronics, their CCTV supplier. "And based on Jimi’s recommendation, we selected Pelco as the primary vendor for the project." This was June of last year.

"I chose Pelco for the quality of the product and ease of use," said Rubio. "Also for the ability of the domes to use Coaxitron® or the 485 protocol because they couldn’t run coax to all areas."

As with any project of this magnitude, it was not without its challenges and some initial glitches. "But fears and difficulties and equipment failures all went away within the first week,"Walters said.

Willie agreed. "There were obstacles but no barriers. Everyone was very helpful and worked as though it was their own personal project. That’s just the attitude of the staff there."

Walters said that some of their main criteria were that the system be technically sound and user friendly. The quality of the product and quality of the actual on-screen images was a top priority.

Aesthetics was also very important in maintaining the beauty and integrity of the interior as well as exterior of each building, especially the sanctuary.

"They wanted something that looked good, which is another reason I recommended Pelco," Rubio said. "Once they saw the Spectra Domes, they agreed. They were so happy with the product."

There are two units within the cathedral itself, which blend in very well. "If you were to see the inside of the building, it’s all metal tubing and pipe painted white. The Spectra gets lost in all that.

Others would stand out, "Willey said. "Unless someone points out the Spectra, it’s hard to find, and it’s not hidden. It’s conspicuous."

Goal Accomplished

The contract was signed the last part of August and the goal was to be completed by early November. "That’s the beginning of their Glory of Christmas program and where they start focusing their resources through the end of the year, "Willie said. "We accomplished our goal."

A delicate balance had to be maintained so that everything could be completed on time. "Move-in takes three weeks, the program (Glory of Christmas) is six weeks," said Walters. "And we couldn’t work through weddings or funerals. It went remarkably fast."

Walters said that they actually have two stage presentations a year, the Glory of Christmas and the Glory of Easter, which are both always full with 1,800 people per show. "We got the system for security reasons, but an added benefit is that we can also view traffic movement."

Willie said that a substantial number of cameras needed replacing and upgrading, with most to be installed in the four-story building housing the security console. "We were able to use the existing wiring in the main facility, which is the Robert Schuller Center and where security is located." Some of the other buildings on the 40-acre campus include the Tower of Hope, Arboretum, an art museum, and a restaurant. A new hospitality center is planned for the near future.

Internationally Known Destination

The cathedral itself, which has more than 10,000 windows of tempered silver colored glass held in place by a lace-like frame of white steel trusses, is home base for the International Crystal Cathedral Ministries, including a congregation of over 10,000 members and the internationally televised "Hour of Power."

"It’s a destination people plan on as a part of their vacations," said security director Dale Walters. "And every Sunday we have a pulpit guest." Just recently that included Mikhail Gorbachov.

Not only visitors and guests, but also original works of art and statuary were among the ministry’s concerns needing a protective eye. The complex also includes a school with 400 children in grades K-10, which added another level of security. And with its approximately one million visitors a year from around the world, including presidents, vice presidents, heads of state, and celebrities, security issues are not taken lightly.

"It has been a very professional and pleasant experience going through the entire process," Walters said. "The installation went very well, and the equipment has done exactly as we anticipated."