Dozens gathered Thursday afternoon for a church service at St. Mary's Hospital Superior, where Bishop Peter Christensen presided and blessed the new chapel.
The George and Agnes Stariha Chapel is the first project completed in St. Mary's three-part Hope and Healing Campaign. It raised funds for the chapel and renovations to the hospital's cardiac rehabilitation center and rehabilitation gym.
St. Mary's Superior Hospital Foundation raised $100,000 for the chapel, which was relocated from a back corner in the hospital to a spot near the front lobby.
The chapel features an icon of the Madonna and Child by Sr. Mary Charles, a woodcarving of the crucified Jesus by George Hoelzeman, furnishings by Jerry Eckstrom and a donated piano. Construction was by Ray Riihluoma, Inc. following a design by Anne Porter of LHB.
The chapel is named for George and Agnes Stariha -- whose grandson, Andy Lisak, spearheaded a family fundraising effort. He inspired his extended family to donate about $25,000 from 40 branches of the Stariha tree.
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Many of the Stariha's grandchildren grew up within two or three blocks of St. Mary's, and faith was strong in the family, Lisak said.
"It was a way to recognize the impact two people had on 250 direct descendants," he said.
At a program following the blessing, Lisak, a foundation board member, and his family were recognized for their contributions on behalf of the chapel.
Donations for the chapel and the entire Hope and Healing Campaign has come from board members, area residents, patients and businesses, said Larry Lehner, St. Mary's Duluth Clinic development director.
"For me personally, it is really rewarding to be part of making something like this happen," he said. "It just keeps coming. The community is still responding strongly."
More than $225,000 of the $250,000 Hope and Healing Campaign goal has been raised. The foundation continues to seek about $20,000 for the rehabilitation center renovation.
Construction in the cardiac rehabilitation center and rehabilitation gym was to begin over weekend, said Barb Wessberg, St. Mary's Hospital of Superior interim administrator.
Both the cardiac center and gym are being redesigned.
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The renovation includes private rooms for evaluation and staff offices. The renovated space also includes a pediatric gym for child therapy.
Construction on the rehabilitation units will run simultaneously during the next two to three months, Wessberg said.
