Anyone who spent time in South Florida Baptist Hospital’s (SFBH) chapel knows that an original stained-glass art piece depicting Jesus extending a hand toward a man in need while cradling a baby in His other arm was displayed in side-by-side windows, casting a warm glow in a room where visitors sought comfort and respite from the difficult challenges of mortality.
Originally installed in 1988, the artwork was donated to the hospital by twin sisters Carolyn McMullen and Linda McReynolds, who, after their parents passed away in 1980, were looking for a way to honor their memory. Their father, Loyall Hardy L.H. “Coach” Duyck, had been one of the many community leaders who, through sacrificial giving and a lot of grit and determination, had championed the construction of a hospital to be built in Plant City. As a member of the original Board of Directors, Duyck was instrumental in raising capital to support the construction of SFBH, which opened Dec. 29, 1953.
It was only fitting that the family sought to commemorate that legacy with a gift to SFBH in their parents’ honor.
They commissioned a stained-glass artist in Orlando to create an original work of art to be displayed in the hospital’s chapel. “Our parents believed in the power of God to heal the whole person,” said McMullen. “We also wanted the piece to depict the entire circle of life, from birth to death, that the hospital ministers to.”
With neutral tones as well as shades of blue and red, the iconic piece hung in the hospital’s chapel windows, offering a reminder of love, hope and faith to all those who entered the calming space. After four decades of providing a setting of quiet reflection in a sacred space, what would happen to the artwork when the hospital moved to its new location? That question has been answered.
“The stained glass has been an important symbol for many of us over the years,” commented SFBH President Karen Kerr. “As we transition to the new hospital, we’re committed to honoring the legacy of the old wherever possible. I am so glad we were able to find a way to display them in our new location.”
Although there is no room for the windows inside the chapel of the new SFBH, the artwork will receive new life near the chapel across from the elevators in the main lobby. Two cutouts were made in the wall that have been backlit to showcase the colors in the glass.
The panels safely made the journey, thanks to SFBH Facilities Manager Jim LeHeup, who was responsible for overseeing the removal, transport and installation of the stained glass.
“It transported perfectly and it’s even more perfect in the new setting, it seems more brilliant and it’s in a great location,” said McMullen. “People who come off the elevators, who may be stressed or wrought up with anxiety, will remember where their next miracle is going to come from.”
She said her parents would be touched that the artwork has made its way to the new hospital building. “They knew that our community could not grow into the community it is today if it did not have good schools, good churches and good healthcare,” she said. “Daddy knew the importance of healthcare and this honors their memory.”