In 2017, Spartanburg Medical Center celebrated a new chapel funded through a $60,000 grant from Spartanburg Regional Foundation. 

The new chapel is in a renovated space near the hospital's main entrance with proximity to family waiting areas and high acuity patient rooms. 

“We are trying to create an environment so that visitors can easily access the services they need. Having a larger, more attractive chapel fits that bill perfectly,” said Phil Feisal, Spartanburg Medical Center president.

The chapel includes stained-glass windows, decorative stone, a kneeling bench, and spiritually-themed artwork. It was designed to be welcoming to people of diverse faiths and backgrounds.

Foundation trustee and grants committee member Margaret Burch was part of the team that reviewed the chapel proposal. She was impressed by both the need for a new chapel and by the details in the plan.

“I thought it was an extraordinarily good location, and I love the design,” she said. “When I studied the proposal, it was really a no-brainer. It's such a grand project.”

Director of chaplaincy and pastoral education Carson Rogerson said that in addition to serving as a place for individuals or families to reflect, the chapel will host group events and community gatherings. These include quarterly memorial services to honor those who have passed away during their hospital stay.

“Holistic care is a foundation of our system, and that includes spirituality,” Rogerson said.  

Trustee Lib Orr, who chairs the 2018 grants committee, stressed that grant proposals are thoroughly reviewed and monitored.  She believes all the awardees are deserving of support – and that they are making a difference. “Our committee tries very hard to push the needle forward in terms of health and wellness in our community,” Orr said.

Contributions to Spartanburg Regional Foundation's General Fund support an annual grants program. To donate, please visit https://www.regionalfoundation.com/ways-give/general-donation.