2008-2010 GFWC of Montana State President’s Special Project is to Raise $10,000 towards the building of a new Chapel at the Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs.

Montana State Hospital Chapel Brochure

CURRENT SITUATION

Montana State Hospital currently has two chaplains. They provide services, liturgies, counseling, comfort and support to patients and their families.

Services and liturgies are held in classrooms and/or small conference rooms within the Main Hospital and the Therapeutic Learning Center. These rooms serve many functions including court hearings, AA meetings, educational programs, and other therapeutic programs.

The atmosphere and environment is that of a typical business office, which usually consists of folding chairs, a table, and dry eraser boards. If the room has windows, they usually do not have coverings.

This informal setting does not provide the sanctuary or the solitude to keep daily distractions from interfering with the healing of contemplation and prayer.

The limited space can be difficult to accommodate patients, their families, and staff during memorial services.

OUR ENVISIONED PLAN

The Montana State Hospital chapel is envisioned as a “place of refuge” for patients and their families. They will know intuitively that they are in a sacred space apart from their daily commitment rigors and/or daily anxieties.

The chapel will remain on the Montana State Hospital campus but be constructed as freestanding. By having high windows, shrubbery, and trees; surrounding distractions will be minimized.

The interfaith chapel will provide an area that is easily adaptable to accommodate each faith community utilizing it. No specific group should expect to have its preferred symbols on display at all times. The chapel will consist of a large space to be used for services or liturgies, MSH’s chaplains’ offices, a smaller space to remain open for individual times of prayer, and a library/reading room.