Yesterday, Grady Health System celebrated the rededication of the John N. Goddard Memorial Chapel. This follows an extensive, community-driven revitalization project that helped restore the chapel’s original beauty and unique architectural style – a style which had started to disappear through decades of hospital expansions and renovations.

A community effort, the renovations were made possible through significant donations from the John N. Goddard Foundation, the John H. and Wilhelmina D. Harland Charitable Foundation and the Henry W. Grady Health System Foundation. Additionally Atlanta builder, Mark Palmer and his craftsman and the architectural firms of Harrison Design Associates, D.S. Dixon Architects, and NCG Architects contributed in-kind services and deep discounts that made the full-scale restoration possible.

Originally designed in 1958 by Phillip Trammel Shutze – one of Atlanta’s most renowned architects – the chapel was named after John N. Goddard, a well-known Atlanta businessman and philanthropist and made possible through a gift from his wife Mary. The chapel has since served as a sacred and peaceful space for worship for people of all faiths and has become an architecturally historical landmark for the Atlanta community.

“Representing the Goddard Foundation during this project gave me the opportunity to learn more about my great grandparents and the reasons this chapel exists today,” said John Alston, great grandson of John N. Goddard. “It also gave me an appreciation of the attention to detail that Mr. Shutze was known for. Although he was a friend of the family, I’m sure it was this quality that led to my great grandmother’s selection of an architect. It’s been great watching all of those who have actually done the work and their dedication to the preservation of his work.”

“For more than 50 years, this chapel has functioned as a home away from home for employees, patients, families and community members who have used it for everything from weddings and religious holiday celebrations to a place for daily prayer and comfort in times of need,” said Suzanne Begin, executive director of the Henry W. Grady Health System Foundation. “We are grateful to have received such incredible support from all the local foundations, businesses and community members who helped make this restoration possible and ensure the beauty of the beloved Goddard Memorial Chapel is preserved for future generations to enjoy.”

About Grady Health System
Grady Health System is one of the largest public health systems in the United States. Grady consists of the 953-bed Grady Memorial Hospital, nine neighborhood health centers, Crestview Health & Rehabilitation Center – and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding, which is operated as a Children’s affiliate.

With its nationally acclaimed Emergency Care Center and Burn Unit, Grady Health System has the only level I trauma center in the region and serves as the ambulance provider for the city of Atlanta. The state’s only Poison Center is housed at Grady, as well.

The Diabetes Detection & Control Center, Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence, Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Primary Stroke Center and Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center are also notable components of the health system. Moreover, Grady’s Infectious Disease Program was named one of the top three HIV/AIDS outpatient clinics in the country.

Other exceptional medical services include Grady’s Regional Perinatal Center and its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Primary Care Center, a dedicated 60 Plus service line for older adults, Teen Services, the Rape Crisis Center and a 24-hour Advice Nurse Line.

lindsay.caulfield@cohnwolfe.com