Stop, breathe and reflect, were the words of wisdom conveyed by Rev. Jim DeVries, Chaplain at Hunterdon Medical Center at the rededication ceremony of the Rev. Konrad Kaltenbach Memorial Chapel at Hunterdon Medical Center. Through the support of the Chaplaincy Fund, the chapel was recently renovated in collaboration with the Healing Spaces Committee, which is part of the Hunterdon Medical Center Auxiliary. According to Meredith Betz, Executive Vice President of the Hunterdon Medical Center Foundation, "The Healing Spaces Program recognizes that the physical environment is vital to the healing process of the patient and their family. The aesthetics and warm home-like designs that are non-institutional are an important component in creating a healing environment."
Fred Root of Houndstooth Design donated his design and decorating services to create the redesigned chapel. "We wanted to do something that was nondenominational, but also spiritual. We also wanted to convey ever lasting life," explained Mr. Root. Maglio Electric, LLC of Hampton donated all electrical supplies and work. The focal point of the chapel is the stain glass window which is entitled "Everlasting Spring" and was designed by Sunflower Glass Studio located in Stockton.
Rev. DeVries explained, "The chapel is a place where patients, families and employees can take a moment to stop and reflect upon their religious and spiritual resources and go forth with a new sense of renewal."
The Healing Spaces Committee at Hunterdon Medical Center is led by Laura McDevitt. If you would like to donate to the Healing Spaces fund call the Hunterdon Medical Center Foundation at 908-788-6141.
The Reverend Konrad Kaltenbach Chapel is located on the first floor of Hunterdon Medical Center and is open to the public. Reverend Konrad Kaltenbach was a Presbyterian minister and at the time of his retirement, the Director of Pastoral Care and Hospice Chaplain at Hunterdon Medical Center. He passed away in 2003. Rev. Kaltenbach was an avid photographer who invited his audience to see how light, form and color can give us respite from so many activities. Reverend Konrad Kaltenbach's photography will be on sale December 11th and 12th in the lobby on the 1st floor at Hunterdon Medical Center. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Chaplaincy Fund and the Chaplain's lecture series.
For more information, contact:
Hunterdon Medical Center
2100 Wescott Drive
Flemington, NJ 08822