Our Approach
Every lighting project begins by understanding how a space is experienced.
Rather than focusing solely on replacing controls, Wipliance studied how daylight moved through the sanctuary, how the church used the building throughout the year, and how lighting could better support each moment, from quiet weekday prayer to major liturgical celebrations.
The solution paired Lutron HomeWorks QSX with Ketra lighting, with 48 Ketra S30 track heads. Beam angles were thoughtfully selected to spotlight art and key spaces in the sanctuary. Because dimming and color control happens within the Ketra fixture, dimming ecosystem was able to be drastically simplified to a single Sunnata keypad in the hallway and touchscreen control from multiple locations throughout the space.
Ketra's full-spectrum light works in harmony with the changing daylight entering through the sanctuary's skylights, creating a seamless transition from morning services to evening worship. Its proprietary Vibrancy feature selectively enriches portions of the visible light spectrum, revealing the true richness of wood, stone, artwork, textiles, and architectural finishes without making the space feel artificially lit. The handcrafted teal tile at the pulpit, for example, takes on remarkable depth and character while remaining completely natural.
The system also allows the church to thoughtfully incorporate saturated color for special moments throughout the liturgical calendar. Whether creating a warm, intimate atmosphere for Christmas Eve or introducing symbolic color for celebrations such as Pentecost, lighting becomes another way to support worship with intention and care.
Installation demanded the same level of thoughtfulness. Working high above the sanctuary required meticulous planning to protect historic pews, finishes, and architectural features throughout the process. Every fixture was carefully positioned so the lighting enhances the space while remaining virtually unseen.
Ketra's Vibrancy Shift on Blue Tilework
Lutron Sunnata Keypads Make Control Easy for Staff
Evening worship services are complimented by warm, ambient hues.
The Result
What began as a request for better lighting controls became something far more meaningful.
Church staff now manage the sanctuary through intuitive lighting scenes rather than multiple wall switches, making it easy to prepare the space for worship, concerts, educational programs, and community events. A single, engraved keypad now manages day-to-day functions instead of multiple switch banks in different parts of the building.
More importantly, the lighting has transformed how the sanctuary is experienced. As daylight shifts throughout the day, Ketra responds naturally, preserving the connection between the architecture and the outdoors. Richer color rendering brings new life to architectural details, artwork, and liturgical elements, while carefully crafted scenes create the appropriate atmosphere for every occasion.
Simple changes have had a profound impact. Christmas Eve services no longer feel as though they are taking place beneath bright overhead lighting, but instead are wrapped in a warm, inviting glow that complements candlelight and quiet reflection. Throughout the year, lighting now supports the emotion and meaning of each service without ever becoming the focus itself.
The result is a sanctuary that feels more natural, more flexible, and more connected to the mission it serves.
Comments from St. Paul's:
"The lights hide in plain sight. They are self-effacing, and yet they enhance our experience in the room."
"We now have the flexibility to use lighting tastefully and carefully in ways that enhance our prayer."
