Pemberton Chapel of the Royal Jubilee Hospital
For more than a century the Royal Jubilee Hospital has touched the lives of countless Victoria families. Many heritage buildings have not survived the passage of time. The Chapel is a fortunate exception. On June 20, 2003 the Chapel once again opened its doors to reclaim its special place as a retreat for patients, staff and others; a bridge spanning Then and Now. In 2004, the Chapel received “The Heritage Building Restoration” award from the Victoria Real Estate Board, Commercial Builders Division. The award was received by the RJH Alumnae President and is now mounted at the Chapel entrance. The Chapel is open 24 hours a day and the Visitors Book attests to its continuing role in the lives of patients and their families; staff and visitors’ comments reflecting its use as a refuge for solitude and contemplation.
Source: Alumni Association of the Royal Jubilee Hospital School of Nursing
Nursing Sisters Memorial Window
This commemorative window was originated in 1984 by Nursing Sister Wherry, and created by the Nursing Sisters’ Association (Victoria) with support from Padre Peter Isles and Veterans Affairs Canada. Maurice Hartle, an orderly at the D.V.A. Hospital, designed the window. Tom Mercer of Orillia Glass made the window for $5,000 – which the Nursing Sisters raised.
The window was installed in the Memorial Pavilion Chapel, May 12, 1985. In 1995 the window was removed (for redevelopment of the Memorial Pavilion) and it was reinstalled in the new Pemberton Chapel vestibule in the spring of 2002.
The window depicts:
- A World War I Nursing Sister
- A Royal Jubilee Hospital Graduate Nurse
- Florence Nightingale
- Pins and caps from both the Royal Jubilee Hospital School of Nursing and the St. Joseph’s School of Nursing Graduates.
Source: Alumni Association of the Royal Jubilee Hospital School of Nursing
Royal Jubilee Hospital Graduate Nurse
In 2003, The Alumnae Association commissioned Nathan Scott of Victoria to create an image of a Royal Jubilee Hospital Graduate Nurse. The RJH nurse statue was placed in the entrance way to the Chapel in honour of all nurses who graduated from the RJH School of Nursing during its ninety years of educating nurses. The commemorative statue recognizes and celebrates the contribution of the RJH nursing graduates to their nursing profession and history.
The plaque on the base of the statue reads:
In loving recognition of all our Graduates Royal Jubilee Hospital School of Nursing 1891 – 1983
Source: Alumni Association of the Royal Jubilee Hospital School of Nursing
NURSES RESIDENCE "BEGBIE HALL"
Begbie Hall was 'home' to many student nurses during their 3 years in training as well, 'housemothers', cleaning staff, and maintenance men became their family. This plaque has been removed due to the sensitivity of Colonialism
