Architectural Alliance, Inc., was commissioned by West Gate Baptist Church, Beaumont, Texas, to develop an updated master plan for the existing church facility with emphasis to consider positioning for a new enlarged sanctuary. Not following the early Baptist model of “principal portal at road”, the congregation wished for a new central court where families and guests could interact between Sunday school and the worship service and the same gathering following each worship experience. A three quarter thrust seating pattern was intentionally incorporated for the congregational experience of praise, prayer and bible study with views into a side covered courtyard where the choir can be seen transitioning into the sanctuary signaling the start of the service. The roof of the new sanctuary climbs on two sides to the upper portion of the bell tower with scattered windows to permit adequate control of sanctuary and chancel lighting during each service. A covered drive, offset from the main sanctuary, provides rain day protected access to the sanctuary and support for weddings and funeral liturgies.
