Thanks to the hard work and dedication of residents, staff and community members, Lake Winona Manor's Tranquility Chapel was dedicated on May 19, 2005.

The ground was broken for the Tranquility Chapel on December 9, 2004. The goal of the Chapel Committee members was to create a space that reflected the spiritual needs of Lake Winona Manor residents today and into the future. "This chapel was a project where residents, local clergy and staff worked together to create an amazing space," said Mary Miller-Hyland, Lake Winona Manor administrator. "The Tranquility Chapel is a space that so many people helped to create and because of them, many people will be able to enjoy the space for years to come."

Douglas and Ruth Robinson and Joseph and Fern Greshik came forward with donations to help support the building of the Tranquility Chapel. Many community members also contributed to the project.

Religious services and Bible studies are held in the Chapel for Lake Winona Manor residents and their family members. Area pastors and priests and Winona Health's chaplain lead the religious services.

Resident ribbon cutting

"It is nice for the residents to have a peaceful place to worship, meditate or reflect," said Holli Wieser, Lake Winona Manor Therapeutic Recreation manager. Wieser said the space is dedicated to these activities and will not serve as an alternate meeting space or activity room.

The Chapel Committee was concerned that services be accessible to all Lake Winona Manor residents. Therefore the chapel was wired for audio and visual transmission of services for residents who are unable to physically attend them. It also features an electronic hymnal, which can program up to ten hymns for a worship service. This means clergy are not dependent upon a live pianist to incorporate music in their services. The hymnal has a library of thousands of hymns.

This summer stained glass windows, designed and built by Reinerts Stained Glass Studios, will be installed in Tranquility Chapel. The windows will display the seasons of the year, reflecting the seasons of life. A stream will also pass through the scene, representing the water of life.
The Tranquility Chapel is open for all area residents who would like to stop in and take a moment to reflect or meditate. To schedule a tour of Lake Winona Manor and the Chapel or for more information, please contact Lake Winona Manor at 507.457.4366.