In 1985, First Baptist Orlando's sanctuary was state of the art: an orchestra lift that rose from beneath the stage, a soaring ceiling that lifted eyes toward the heavens, rows of pews capable of seating 6,000 as befitting one of Central Florida's first megachurches.
Thirty years later, First Baptist is undergoing a $14 million renovation to its sanctuary. Gone are the pews, replaced by 4,350 stadium seats. The back wall has been moved 20 feet closer to the stage. The focus has shifted from the ceiling to the 25-by-16 foot video screen at the back of the stage and a stained-glass window.
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