Mission Hospital Chapels
2007-2008
When
Asheville's two major hospitals -- Mission Memorial and St. Joseph's --
merged, the chaplains set about rethinking the spiritual needs of
patients, staff, and visitors. Out of this emerged a concept of the
Mission Campus chapel as open to people of all faith backgrounds who
seek a meditative and renewing space in the midst of
stressful circumstances. At the center of the room is the
table you see above, made of cherry and maple, with a simple mosaic
inlay reflecting the natural theme of healing waters.
Accompanying
the table are
a complementary lectern, a journaling table with a box for
prayer
petitions, a bookcase and cupboard for various resources, and two
kneelers. With the kneelers I wanted a welcoming structure befitting
nature's curved forms. A stained glass window reflecting the seasons of
the mountains admits colorful light onto the warm woods, creating a
peaceful atmosphere. A walnut pedestal (not shown) supporting a ceramic
water feature completes the set. Water bubbles in the fountain to
remind people of life-giving waters in the midst of an often
cold environment.
The chapel -- a room for meditation as well as formal services -- is completed by a set of simple chairs that can suit various occasions.
The St. Joseph Chapel
The main room for this chapel has a Romanesque vaulted ceiling with skylights and intersecting concrete beams. I wanted the altar table to reflect this pattern. Its ash arched legs support walnut arms lifting up the curly maple top toward the sky. The table is thus a meeting of heaven and earth, of rainbow and supplication.
A simple lectern made of the same materials flanks the table, its curved supports echoing the uplifted arms and arches of the table.
