Central square church
Both located in Cambridge, MA, the First Baptist Church, and Cambridge Community Fellowship Church had been working towards merging with each other. At the same time, the church was looking into renovating the building at 5 Magazine Street.
The Church Mission Council needed guidance with the IT and security aspects of the renovation, especially with the location being right in the middle of Central Square. The merger was successfully completed mid-pandemic, creating Central Square Church. Secure Our City, Inc., was referred to the church to help with the renovations and selected Central Square as part of its 2020 community outreach program.
“Geva was like a godsend for us. We didn’t have to hire multiple contractors for different parts of the renovation – his team handled it all. We were extremely grateful and blessed for having someone we could trust, and who we felt was truly looking out for the best interest of the Church.”
PROJECT SCOPE
The building initially had traditional locks with keys, which was cumbersome and inefficient. Access control was a concern for the building as keys were often misplaced and unaccounted for. Given the location of the Church, secure access control and knowing who has access to the building was a top priority. From an IT perspective, the Church also really needed a reliable Wi-fi network to provide a more robust internet connection.
DESIGN DETAILS
Secure Our City’s design created an updated, seamless IT infrastructure for the Church. Upgrading the access control to card readers allowed staff to have real-time awareness of who is in the building at any given time, resulting in a more secure environment for the ministries. Intercoms, along with surveillance cameras,, were also integrated into the new system. Secure Our City, Inc., was also responsible for sourcing multiple manufacturers who were willing to donate materials for this project to be completed within scope and budget.
ACCESS CONTROL TRANSFORMATION
We upgraded the traditional locks to modern card readers to address the access control challenges. This simple yet effective change made the church staff aware of who was inside the building at any moment. Access was granted with a quick swipe of a card, and accountability was achieved. No more worries about misplaced keys.
SURVEILLANCE AND INTERCOM INTEGRATION
Security and transparency were further enhanced by integrating surveillance cameras and intercom systems into the new setup. This addition allowed Central Square Church to monitor and communicate within the premises, creating a safer environment for all ministries and visitors.
LEVERAGING COMMUNITY SUPPORT
One of the highlights of this project was our collaboration with multiple manufacturers who generously donated materials to ensure the project remained within scope and budget. This support from the community exemplified the spirit of togetherness that Central Square Church embodies.
Central Square Church Today
Central Square Church has emerged as a shining example of how the intersection of faith and modern technology can create a secure, connected, and welcoming space for all. Our journey with this church has transformed the physical infrastructure and strengthened the sense of community and inclusivity.
Seamless Connectivity
The installation of a reliable Wi-Fi network has not only improved the church’s internal operations but has also extended a helping hand to the local community. Central Square Church now serves as a connectivity hub, offering visitors a more robust internet connection.
Enhanced Security
The transition from traditional locks to card readers, complemented by surveillance cameras and intercoms, has significantly enhanced security. Central Square Church can now confidently monitor and manage access, ensuring a safe environment for everyone.
Community Outreach
Central Square Church is not just a place of worship; it’s a beacon of hope and support for the community. As part of our 2020 community outreach program, Secure Our City, Inc., is proud to have made this transformation possible. We believe in giving back to the communities we serve, and Central Square Church is a testament to that commitment.