Rebuilding Project

White Memorial Opens New Chapter in Its 90-Year History at Groundbreaking for New State-of-the-Art Facility

	Robert G. Carmen drops a mound of dirt on the construction site of the new acute-care building, which is scheduled for completion in 2007.

White Memorial Medical Center celebrated its 90th anniversary and groundbreaking of its new acute-care hospital building on July 24, 2003. More than 500 people gathered in a beautiful art deco tent with wild-colored flowers in an area that was formerly parking lots.

In his suit and hard hat, Robert G. Carmen, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Adventist Health, climbed into a backhoe, blasted an air horn and dropped a mound of dirt onto the site of the future hospital to kick off the construction.

“Adventist Health is extremely proud of the 90-year history of serving the community,” said Donald R. Ammon, president and CEO of Adventist Health. “We’ll continue to be committed to serving the community for years to come.”

Since Boyle Heights is home to many working families who are underinsured or uninsured,WMMC’s commitment to providing quality healthcare in this community is important.

Laurence Spencer-Smith, MD, a third generation doctor, is a personification of this commitment. He started as a resident at WMMC 21 years ago, and now serves as President of the Medical Staff. “I look forward with great anticipation for the ‘New’ White Memorial as we continue to fulfill our mission in this community,” said Dr. Spencer-Smith.

Los Angeles City Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa who was in attendance, expressed his gratitude. “Hands of healing, spirit of hope, city of angels. This has been the safety net hospital for many in the community,” he said. “This is more than a building we’re putting up; it is a heartbeat of the community. It’s going to be a place second to none in the community.”

Everyone who attended the 90th Anniversary & Ground Blessing ceremony received a commemorative stone.

As part of the celebration, clerics from the Jewish, Roman Catholic and Adventist faiths blessed a stone that will be on display in the chapel of the new hospital. Like in the biblical account of Joshua and the 12 stones, the stone will be a memorial to remind future generations that the Lord sanctified the land.

The interfaith blessing emphasized the religious history of the community. Father Avelino Lorenzo of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Boyle Heights delivered a moving prayer in Spanish. Following his blessing, Rabbi Leib Schames prayed in Hebrew while his son, Joseph Schames, MD, translated the prayer into English. Schames’ hands trembled under the weight of the stone, and his voice quavered from emotion as he also sang his blessing in Hebrew. Lastly, Elder Larry L. Caviness, President of the Southern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, completed the blessing with an inspirational prayer.

“We are cooperating with the community to build bonds,” said Caviness. “The blessing represents this brotherhood of service.”

Special music throughout the event enhanced the spiritual atmosphere of the ceremony. Epiphany, WMMC’s trio, performed the hospital’s mission song. Veruschka Valenzuela, a native of Los Angeles, captivated the audience with her awe-inspiring interpretation of “The Prayer.”

During the event, many of the speakers reflected on the hospital’s history. In particular, Roger Hadley, MD, dean of the Loma Linda University (LLU) School of Medicine, spoke about the intricate ties between the medical school and the hospital. “The education of competent and compassionate medical providers is one of the most important things we do as a society,” said Dr. Hadley. “[White Memorial] is a key component to our mission of medical education.”

	Chaplain Paul Crampton interviews James White, as portrayed by Wayne Judd.

As part of the joint celebration, the White Memorial Church held a special Sabbath service on July 26. Approximately 425 people attended the Sabbath celebration that featured special speakers, music, prayer and poetry. A particular highlight of the service was an “interview” with Adventist pioneer, James White, as portrayed by Wayne Judd, Assistant Vice President for Mission and Planning of Adventist Health.

Richard Schaefer, Historian from the Ellen G. White Estate Branch Office at LLU Health Sciences Center, gave the homily. He spoke about the rich history of how WMMC began, developed and matured into the institution it is today. Also, he elaborated on the symbiotic and historical relationship between WMMC and LLU.

The groundbreaking event opened a new chapter in the hospital’s 90-year history. “As we look to our future, we need only remember our past,” said Beth D. Zachary, President and CEO. “If our founder, Ellen White, visited our hospital today, it would look very different from the little clinic she started back in 1913. But she would find her dream for White Memorial alive.”

Posted 8/8/03