Providence Hidden Statues Begin Their Next Chapter
SPOKANE, Wash. —When construction crews recently opened a wall at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, they uncovered more than bricks and mortar — they found pieces of history. Three religious statues, long forgotten, were hidden within the hospital’s engineering shop walls. Now, these sacred artifacts are being restored and prepared for a new chapter in their journey.
A Glimpse Into the Past
The largest statue, a marble depiction of the Blessed Virgin Mary, once stood outside the north entrance of the Sisters’ of Providence convent — now the Providence Center for Faith and Healing. According to archival records, the statue was shipped from Italy in 1969 through an art dealer in Los Angeles. It was a gift from Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Bushman Jr., philanthropists who donated Marian statues to hospitals, schools, and churches across the country.
The second statue, St. Joseph, dates back even further. A photograph from 1947 shows the bronze figure near the hospital’s former steam plant, close to what is now the Healing Garden. While its exact origin remains a mystery, its presence reflects the Sisters of Providence’s devotion to St. Joseph—the protector and provider who guided their mission of care.
The smallest statue, another image of Mary, carries no documented history, but its rediscovery adds to the sense of wonder surrounding these finds.
Why They Matter
These statues remind us of our legacy.
Mary represents compassion and strength. Emilie Gamelin, who founded the Sisters of Providence in 1843, turned to Mary for comfort after losing her husband and children.
St. Joseph stands for humility and hard work. As the patron saint of workers, his life resonated with the sisters’ mission of practical care—building hospitals, schools, and orphanages.
What’s Next?
The large Mary will return to her original location outside the Center for Faith and Healing, near a quiet seating area.
St. Joseph will find a new home at Providence St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chewelah, where he will continue his legacy of protection and care.
The small Mary will remain with the ground crew who discovered her, displayed in a special place they are preparing.
Each statue will have a blessing ceremony once they are in place.
Restoration and Renewal
The facilities team is repairing the large Mary’s damaged marble fingers and restoring St. Joseph’s bronze finish. A platform is being built for the smaller Mary so she can be displayed with dignity. These efforts reflect our commitment to preserving the spiritual heritage that has shaped our ministry.
Why This Moment Matters
We have many statues in our facilities, which remind us of our Catholic identity and founding by religious sisters.
This rediscovery is more than a historical curiosity — it’s a reminder of our holistic approach to care: body, mind, and spirit. It affirms the sacredness and dignity of every life we serve and fulfills our promise to “Know me, care for me, and ease my way.”
As we approach 140 years of serving Spokane, these statues reconnect us with our founding sisters’ mission to be “expressions of God’s healing love” and to serve all, especially those who are poor and vulnerable.
In the words of Chief Mission Officer Justin Hurtubise:
“Rediscovery is not just about finding lost objects, but about reconnecting with the deeper values, relationships, and memories that sustain us. In revisiting what was previously hidden, we find renewed purpose and joy, both individually and as a community.”
