Before demolition of the original Ellinwood District Hospital begins on July 20, Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic is inviting the community to gather for one final evening of reflection and remembrance.
Lights of Remembrance: Honoring the Legacy of Ellinwood District Hospital will take place Thursday, July 16, at 8 p.m. on the grounds of the original hospital. The event will begin with a community blessing and reflection, followed by an opportunity for residents to walk the sidewalks surrounding the hospital, remember the moments that took place there, and say goodbye to a building that has served generations of families.
For decades, the original Ellinwood District Hospital was more than a healthcare facility. It was where babies were welcomed into the world, surgeries were performed, recoveries were celebrated, difficult diagnoses were delivered, and families gathered during life's most challenging moments. Thousands of patients, employees, volunteers, physicians, nurses, and caregivers passed through its doors, making the hospital an enduring part of Ellinwood's history.
“This building has been part of so many families’ stories,” said Kristy Rupe, director of the Ellinwood Hospital Foundation. “People experienced some of life’s happiest moments here, and some of the hardest. As employees and caregivers, we also recognize that we wouldn’t be where we are today without the generations who came before us and the foundation that was built within these walls. While the building itself is reaching the end of its life, the care, compassion and memories created here will always be part of our community.”
The event is intended to provide the community with an opportunity to pause, reflect and honor the legacy of the original hospital before demolition begins. Community members are encouraged to reconnect with neighbors, share memories and celebrate the generations of healthcare professionals whose dedication shaped the lives of countless families.
While the original hospital will soon make way for the future, its legacy will continue through the people it served, the caregivers who worked within its walls, and the ongoing mission of Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic to provide compassionate, high-quality care for the community.
Event Details
Lights of Remembrance: Honoring the Legacy of Ellinwood District Hospital
Date: Thursday, July 16
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Original Ellinwood District Hospital on Main Street
The event is free and open to the public. Former patients, employees, volunteers, healthcare providers, families and community members are all invited to attend and honor the legacy of a place that has touched generations of Ellinwood residents.