Spiritual Center

The Thirteenth Century Poet and Theologian, Jalal al din Rumi stated, “There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the ground.” 

With this in mind, in October of 1998 the Miller-Dwan Foundation provided Essentia Health Duluth (formerly known as the Miller-Dwan Medical Center) with a “Sacred Space” for patients, families, and staff to spend time in quiet meditation, prayer or ritual.  Their vision of a space that was non-denominational and open to all became a reality through the commitment and generous gifts of over 500 individuals and groups representing a cross section of our region. 

The Spiritual Center is a warm and peaceful space that is welcoming to those of all religious, cultural, and ethnic traditions during difficult times.  There are no crosses, candles, menorahs, prayer rugs, or other appointments visible upon entering the space.  However, those appointments are available to anyone who wishes to use them and then put away after use.  The only theme one may recognize in the space, through the colors, textures, shapes and patterns in the stained glass windows, is nature. 

In the years since its opening, the Spiritual Center has provided space for many support groups, including grief, pain management, guided meditations, yoga and more.  It has also hosted many memorial services for patients, families and staff.  When a medical crisis occurs just before a sacred event in the life of a family, we have a space where that family has the option to go forward as planned by celebrating that event in the Spiritual Center.  The Spiritual Center has hosted baptisms and weddings under these circumstances as well. 

The Miller-Dwan Spiritual Center has been a place of solitude and peace to our patients, families and staff over the years. It’s a beautiful and sacred space for use by all.