ELLSWORTH — Merrill Furniture generously donated new furniture and a fresh design for the Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital Merrill Chapel. Used by patients, families and staff, the chapel is a calm and spiritual space to heal and reflect.

Earlier this year when Bob Merrill came to Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital for a tour of the renovated inpatient rooms and the Dixon Family Birthing Center, made possible by the Building on a Promise Campaign, he made sure to stop by the Chapel which had been donated by his parents, Delmont and Betty Merrill, in 2005. 

When Director of Philanthropy Sarah Joy shared with Bob that the pandemic cleaning procedures and increased use of the chapel had damaged the original furniture, he didn’t hesitate to offer to replace it. Merrill Furniture designer Leslie Gray got right to work incorporating calming colors and comfortable cushions that will withstand the use and rigorous cleaning standards.

“Maine Coast Hospital has been very important to the Merrill Family over the years,” said Bob Merrill, in a Northern Lights news release. “We have always helped to make sure quality healthcare is available to Hancock and Washington county, that includes a comfortable place for spiritual healing and connection during a patient stay.” 

With the new furniture now installed, the chapel at Maine Coast is back in service for the spiritual needs of patients, their loved ones, and staff.

“We are thankful to Bob and Merrill Furniture for their unwavering support of the mission of Maine Coast Hospital,” said hospital president John Ronan, FACHE. “We are so pleased that this generous gift has allowed us to provide extra comfort to our patients and their loved ones.” 

To learn more about the Building on Promise Campaign and how you can still support this important project contact Sarah E.D. Joy, Director of Philanthropy at sejoy@northernlight.org or 207-664-5365.