Plaque Donated to Holzer Chapel

Shown pictured is, left to right: Jamie Sisson, Director, Holzer Chaplaincy Department, Deb Rhodes, Rotary Member, Bonnie McFarland, Rotary Member, Angie Stowers, Rotary Member, and Fred Williams, retired Director, Holzer Chaplaincy Department.

Gallipolis Rotary Club recently donated a plaque to commemorate the stained glass located in the Holzer Chapel. The plaque inscription reads:

"The hand-sculptured window was designed by Gabriel Loire, who is recognized as a world leader in stained-glass art. Loire designed the window after reading about the history of Gallia County. Each of the sixteen individual panels is a unique work of art composed of pieces of sculptured glass imbedded in a specialized concrete. The window is an example of freeform art to convey the characteristics of inspiration and aspiration the artist recognized in the people of the area.

While the lack of a clear focal point encourages the viewer to appreciate the entire window, Loire did utilize specific pieces of glass with the hope of conveying the ideas of various elements. The browns and greens at the base reflect earth, while the straw cement shafts represent prayers ascending to the heavens, represented by blues and lighter colors. The yellow rays depict answers to prayers returning to earth. Loire's welcomes the viewer into a peaceful, quiet atmosphere that is defined by beauty and evokes feelings of creativity and hope. 

The stained-glass window was installed on March 30, 1972. Students from the Holzer School of Nursing raised funds for construction of the chapel and window to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the school's first graduating class. Both were dedicated on June 10, 1972, in a special anniversary ceremony.

This plaque was donated in August 2020 by the Gallipolis Rotary Club in recognition of Holzer's community support and to commemorate the relationship between the two organizations."

We would like to extend our appreciation to the Gallipolis Rotary Club for the donation and their continued support of Holzer Health System.