Light Chimes

Javier Negron/Rich Henrie from Bethel Assembly of God in Jessup, MD brings us these PVC pipe pieces.

From the team: We were looking for a stage design that was simple, could be updated easily, and could be removed from the stage for special services such as weddings and funerals. This was no easy task. Worship Director Javier Negron came up with the idea to make portable stage frames that could be used for various designs, which also had the lights attached directly to them so we could simply unplug the lights and wheel the frames off stage. This is how we came up with the design for our movable stage frames.

For the frames, we already had 2×4 frames that were used for scenery for an Easter program. We removed the canvas from them that had the painted scene, put “feet” on them with casters and painted them black. They were slightly taller than the 8′ curtain that we currently have as a backdrop on our stage, so we had to cut them down about 4-5″ so they were the same height as the curtain.

Next, we created a small shelf on the bottom to attach the LED light bars. We are using an ADJ Mega Bar RGBA (42″) and an ADJ Mega Bar 50 RGB (22″) on each frame, which covers the width of the frame. To prevent the light from going past the top of the frame to the ceiling (and onto our screen), we stapled pieces of black poster board to the top of the frame (not shown in the pictures).

For our first design with the new frames, we purchased 2 different sizes of PVC pipe, 1.25″ and 1.5″. We cut these into 1′, 2′ and 3′ pieces. We screwed cup hooks into the frames on the under side of the top cross bar and started hanging the PVC from them using plant wire. We drilled holes on either side of the PVC at each end so we could connect them to each other using the plant wire. This allowed us to place them in a line, but have spacing between them. We were planning to clean all of the writing off of all of the PVC, but could not find anything that would work. Since we only have them facing one way, we were able to turn the PVC so all of the writing was facing the back of the stage.

Since we had most of the materials, we only had to buy the casters and the PVC pipe. We ordered the casters online. We bought the PVC at a local home improvement store in 10′ sections. We bought 8 of each size and spent around $100 on the pipe. The only other cost was paint and some screws.

We are already planning our next design with the frames and only need to remove the PVC and attach our next design.

The visual impact of this design comes from the way the LED light bars illuminate the translucent PVC pipes from below, creating a glowing chime-like effect that draws the eye upward. The varying lengths of pipe (1′, 2′, and 3′) create visual rhythm and depth, while the spacing between pieces allows light to filter through in interesting patterns. When viewed from the congregation, the hanging pipes appear to float in mid-air, creating an ethereal atmosphere perfect for worship.

The modular nature of this design makes it incredibly versatile for churches with multipurpose spaces. Because the frames are on casters, they can be positioned in various configurations—flanking the stage, creating a backdrop, or even forming an entrance archway. The black paint on the frames helps them blend into the background, ensuring the illuminated PVC pieces remain the focal point. This approach also means you can store the frames against a wall when not in use, maximizing your stage space for other events.

From a technical standpoint, the ADJ Mega Bar fixtures provide excellent color mixing capabilities, allowing you to match your church’s branding or create mood-appropriate lighting for different service elements. The RGBA version includes amber LEDs, which produce warmer tones that work particularly well for intimate worship moments. The fixtures’ built-in programs can create slow fades or color shifts that add subtle movement to the design without becoming distracting.

One of the unexpected benefits of this design is the gentle sound the PVC pipes make when they touch—creating a soft chime-like effect during worship. This acoustic element adds another sensory dimension to the visual experience. The team at Bethel Assembly found that even slight air movement from HVAC systems would cause subtle movement in the hanging pipes, creating a living, breathing element on stage that feels organic and engaging.

For churches considering this design, consider the weight capacity of your ceiling or rigging points if you plan to suspend elements overhead. While Bethel’s ground-based frame approach eliminates this concern, suspended variations could create even more dramatic effects. Always consult with a qualified rigger if modifying the design for overhead installation.

Related Designs

• Light Boxes – A stunning LED-lit design using wooden frames and fabric panels that creates a warm, glowing backdrop effect similar to the illuminated PVC approach.
• Tip: Lighting and Texture – Learn how different materials interact with light to create depth and visual interest on your stage.
• LED Lighting + Haze – Discover how combining LED fixtures with atmospheric haze can dramatically enhance your lighting effects.
• Tumbled – A creative PVC pipe design featuring angled cuts and strategic lighting for a completely different aesthetic.
• Coro Wall – Explore how corrugated plastic panels can create similar translucent lighting effects with a different texture and pattern.

Pro Tips for PVC Stage Designs

Plan Your Pipe Layout: Before cutting any PVC, lay out your design on the floor using painter’s tape to mark positions. This allows you to visualize spacing and adjust proportions before making permanent cuts. Consider taking a photo from the stage perspective to ensure the arrangement will look balanced from the congregation’s viewpoint.

Deburr for Safety: After cutting PVC pipes, always deburr the edges with a utility knife or sandpaper. Sharp edges can snag fabric, damage lighting cables, or cause minor injuries during installation. This small step prevents headaches during setup and teardown.

Test Your Lighting Angles: LED bars create different effects depending on their distance from the PVC. Experiment with placement before permanently mounting fixtures—closer proximity creates brighter, more saturated colors while increased distance produces softer, more diffused illumination. Mark your optimal positions with tape for consistent setup.

Secure Moving Parts: If your design includes hanging elements that might swing (like these light chimes), consider adding small rubber bumpers where pipes contact each other or the frame. This reduces unwanted noise during quiet service moments while still allowing gentle movement that adds life to the design.

Related: Versatile Brilliance – Discover how Seven Marks Church built custom LED fixtures using 1×2 lumber and LED tape lighting for versatile stage illumination.

Related: LED Sunburst – An illuminated cross design featuring seven radiating LED beams that create a dramatic sunburst effect perfect for worship services.