Multifaith Retirement Community Dedicates Chapel On-Site

January 28, 2009

A long-time dream for Live Oak Multifaith Retirement Community in Shreveport, Louisiana, came true on Thursday, Jan. 22, when a variety of religious leaders and musicians joined together to dedicate The Chapel at The Oaks. Live Oak, founded in 1982, joined Willis-Knighton Health System in 2007. A variety of building and renovation projects began with the chapel as the first of many anticipated construction projects in Willis-Knighton’s new master-planned senior residential community, The Oaks of Louisiana.

The chapel’s pristine white and beige interior is highlighted with ribbed white beams across the 28-foot tall vaulted ceiling. Seven Gothic windows of clear and frosted beveled glass enhance the bright interior. Stained glass with both Christian and Jewish motifs, transferred from the Alta and John Franks Community Centre’s worship corner, grace the chapel’s entrance. Hand crafted pews offer seating for just over 100 people. The chapel complex includes not only the sanctuary but a lobby, board room, sunroom, offices and restrooms. The chapel is connected by a sunroom to the Alta and John Franks Community Centre. Enhancing the worship are a digital organ and a piano, both donated by families with ties to Live Oak.

“This beautiful new worship facility is designed to enhance the worship experience for residents,” said Margaret Elrod, executive director of The Oaks of Louisiana. “We appreciate the outpouring of support for this sacred place, which has included residents, families and others in the community who have donated items in memory or honor of loved ones. We are currently accepting donations for worship furnishings for both Christian and Jewish services and welcome inquiries from those who wish to make a donation.”

The dedication services, under the leadership of Chaplain Mickie Cowan, attracted overflow audiences. The morning service focused on rejoicing and included blessings and readings by Cowan, Monsignor Murray Clayton of the Catholic Diocese, Very Reverend Jacob Owensby of St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Reverend Bryan McDowell of First Presbyterian Church and Rabbi Jana De Benedetti of Temple B’nai Zion. Dr. Larry Williams of Broadmoor Baptist Church delivered the sermon. Music was provided by the Live Oak Chorus under the direction of Dick Day with Marlin Dickerson accompanying on the piano. Service music was provided by Marilyn Joiner on the organ.

The evening celebration service was presented by the Gilbert & Sullivan Society under the leadership of Dr. John Goddard. The program included readings and prayers by Reverend Guido Verbeck of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Reverend Pike Thomas of St. Jude Catholic Church, Reverend Conrad Edwards of Broadmoor Methodist Church, Rabbi DeBenedetti , Dr. Goddard and Cowan. A highlight of the evening was a musical program under the direction of Marc-Andre Bougie and featuring soloists Candace Taylor, soprano; Erin Roth; mezzo; Steven McDonald, tenor, and Ryan McDonald, baritone. Music included two powerful operatic duets, “Flower Duet” from Lakme and “Au Fond du Temple Saint” from Bizet’s Les Pecheurs de Perles, with the program concluding with the inspiring “Ode to Joy” from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Organist Larry Meier performed Widor’s “Toccata” from his Symphony No. 5.

Many worship services at Live Oak and The Chapel at The Oaks are open to the public. Service schedules are published in Willis-Knighton’s monthly calendar page in the local newspaper and inquires can be directed to Live Oak at (318) 212-2000.