The value of the two amps sitting on a table in this room is far from lost on Garverick, who has been leading HBC's audio/video team since 2001. Every key stroke on the organ or piano, every voice from the choir, and every word and prayer by Reverend Henry Green moves via electrical impulse from the sanctuary to a mixer in the audio booth, then upstairs through these amps where it's boosted and moved back out again to four main speakers sitting above and behind the pulpit.

     The consistency and self-sufficiency of the amps allows Garverick and his audio-video crew to concentrate on achieving the best sound possible for the congregation. That's done at the audio booth in the back of church. Garverick, a software engineer with a background in electronics during his service with the U.S. Air Force, chairs a team consisting of Donna Pool, Daniel Koolbeck, John Shiplette, Vince Golle and Tim Conners. Each Sunday, and during special events, at least two crewmembers are hard at work trying to achieve the best possible sound for the congregation and operating the video camera. In addition, you'll find the team setting up sound and lighting for the Living Nativity, getting the sound system in place for the July picnic and helping with memorial services.

     Last year was one of renaissance for Garverick and HBC's audio/video team. They were blessed with a new Toshiba brand DVD recorder and a Toshiba CD recorder, effectively moving HBC out of the 1980s and into the 2000s. The church also received four new main speakers to replace what Garverick said were 20-plus year-old dinosaurs. In addition, the chapel was also upgraded with new equipment.

     ``I have a huge appreciation for the people of the church who have supplied the funds to accomplish these upgrades,'' the unassuming Garverick said. ``These upgrades, they made it happen. I didn't do this stuff.'' The speakers, he said, were ``a huge upgrade. Now, everyone says they can hear so much better.''

     With the new, state-of-the-art equipment, the audio/video team now produces a DVD of each service. The disc is ready about 15-20 minutes following the service or special event. Copies can be made for anyone interested, and because each service is recorded on the hard drive of the Toshiba recorder, DVDs can be made days or even months after.

     With the old equipment, the services were recorded on a magnetic mini-tape that was inserted into the video camera. To get someone a VHS copy of a service was more involved and lacking in quality to boot.

     Audio CD recordings can also be made, which comes in handy for musical events. Gone are the days of the cassette. The CD recorder will also be used to record Reverend Green's sermons, which will then be reformatted and available to listen on www.heritagebaptistonline.com

     The detail-oriented Garverick, who frequently jots down reminders on his notepad, is aiming higher. He hopes to improve the choir platform wiring by boosting the number of microphones to 11 from 7, adding another monitor and laying new cable to improve sound. That's put a smile on the face of Minister of Music Ralph Manuel, who says Garverick is ``always there'' to help out with special musical events. ``I certainly appreciate the cooperation he's given and I appreciate his spirit.''

     So do we, Ralph. So do we.

This Heritage Spotlight was written by Vince Golle for publication on the web site of Heritage Baptist Church.  For reproduction or usage of this article or any accompanying photos, please contact 
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