Gifts at Work

New altar at Brookridge Heights
made possible through philanthropic gift

The Chapel at the Brookridge Heights Assisted Living Facility is a popular worship destination for residents of all denominations. Through a family’s gift, it recently experienced a very welcome addition.

MGHS Chaplain Rev. Leon Jarvis, far left, and Brookridge Heights Assisted Living Facility Director Martha Smith-Process share a story in front of the new altar at Brookridge Heights while several of its residents look on.

In December, a new altar was delivered to the Chapel. The altar was made possible through a $5,000 gift made by the family of Virginia Kelly Gibson. Virginia, a resident at Brookridge Heights, died in July following an illness.

When she passed away, her family requested the service be held in the chapel. The following week, Virginia’s sons, Dr. Pete Kelly of Marquette and Bob Kelly of Negaunee, presented Marquette General Health System chaplain and ordained Episcopal priest Leon Jarvis with the unexpected gift.

“He told me his mother wanted us to have this,” explained Rev. Jarvis, admitting he was surprised by the gift’s size.

Utilizing a portion of the gift, Brookridge purchased a build-to-order altar. In a special ceremony held a few weeks before Christmas, Rev. Jarvis dedicated the altar.

The altar is used weekly for an Ecumenical Holy Eucharist and monthly for a Roman Catholic Mass. Rev. Jarvis volunteers his spiritual care to Brookridge Heights.

“I love these people. Spiritually, they’re very at home,” Rev. Jarvis said. “It’s a very unique environment. They’re all Christians … to them, it’s about faith and God.”

Gifts to Marquette General help fund a wide array of projects and equipment. The hospital has a number of opportunities that would benefit from philanthropic support.

Those interested in making a gift to support Marquette General’s care are encouraged to call the Marquette General Foundation at 225-6914 or toll-free at 1-866-906-6914. The Foundation can also be reached via email at mgfoundation@mgh.org.