Funds needed to renovate chapel at VCU Medical Center

The idea to renovate the 27-year-old chapel at VCU Medical Center's main hospital began three years ago, but plans to move ahead with the project have since stalled amid a weak economy.

Capital improvements are on hold and charitable giving has slowed, said Ann Charlescraft, manager for bereavement services at the hospital.

But Charlescraft said she remains confident that a fundraising campaign and a rebounding economy will help the Department of Pastoral Care raise the remaining $150,000 to complete the $200,000 project by the end of the year. She said construction could take up to six weeks.

"I firmly believe there are 1,500 people in metropolitan Richmond, who would each give $100 and that would take care of this project. I am confident in that," Charlescraft said.

The renovation project won't enlarge the chapel, but will alter it from a Judeo-Christian model to a space that can better accommodate people of all religions.

"What we wanted to build was a warm space for people to do spiritual reflection, more of a devotional space as opposed to a traditional worship place," said Alexander Tartaglia, associate dean for the VCU School of Allied Health Professions. "We wanted to make it more inviting to people of more faith groups."

To determine which renovations were needed to accommodate more faiths, a multicultural, interfaith committee was formed that included health system employees, university employees and community members.

Throughout the new chapel there will be stained glass panels representing earth, wind, fire and water. Harsh fluorescent bulbs will be replaced with more subdued lighting.

The chapel is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week and in the past has been the site of baptisms, weddings, memorial services, funerals and celebrations. It's also a place where hospital staff come to pray or reflect.

"So we're looking to really put together a space . . . that reaches out to all and is welcoming to all; that all would find in the midst of a crazy place sometime, a place for respite and refuge," said Ken Faulkner, director of pastoral care.

Contact Jeremy Slayton at (804) 649-6861 or .