A formal dedication of the structure took place on May 17. The dedication was a special spiritual experience for the many board members, staff and special donors who were on hand to celebrate the near culmination of this 2,500-square-foot structure. Built on the site of the Old Lodge, where so many of Hazelden's first patients began their recoveries, the meditation center serves as a sign of Hazelden's unwavering commitment to spiritual growth.

"This is a real symbol of what we've believed in for so long here at Hazelden," said David Francis, cochair of the Meditation Center Committee. "It's a dream come true."

The center was dedicated in memory of Lavinia Dabney Johnston. Mrs. Johnston's daughter, who provided a major contribution for the meditation center, and her family and friends were on hand to dedicate the site. Marv Koslow, the new Hazelden Board of Trustees chair, and Mike Conley, past chair, paid tribute to the many people involved in making the center a reality.

"We wanted a building that would invite prayer and meditation, not demand it," said John Mac Dougall, D Min, supervisor of Spiritual Care in Center City. "There are no paging systems, no phones. It's the one quiet space on campus to reflect and talk with one's Higher Power."

The exterior features bluestone, the same rock featured in much of the new landscaping on campus. The interior features bamboo flooring, huge glass to maximize available light, sound-absorbent ceiling, and radiant-heated flooring. The space for meditation includes four individual alcoves and group meditation area on the east arm and a semiprivate space on the west arm.

The landscaping around the structure, to feature 60 pine trees northwest of the structure and a row of sugar maples on the southwest side, is expected to be completed by Sept. 1. The structure is located in the space between Shoemaker, Tiebout and Jellinek units.

Published in The Voice, Summer 2001