About Us

History of Pastoral Care at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center

The history of the Department of Pastoral Care began in 1972 under the leadership of Reverend Bob Carter. However, there has been a spiritual presence of teaching that has existed since the opening of the hospital. At the persistent urging of Dr. Owen, the first hospital chapel was erected and dedicated in 1957. Dr. Duncan Shaw Owen was also on staff at the hospital during this time. In addition, in 1957 a Sunday morning Interdenominational Sunday School Class began at the hospital, and Dr. Owen faithfully taught this 30 minute bible lesson which was broadcast live over a local radio station until the late 90's.

Chaplain Carter worked by himself for a number of years as the only hospital chaplain. In 1975 the hospital approved the addition of a department secretary and Diana Smith was hired. In 1987 Chaplain Carter began the Volunteer Chaplaincy program that consisted of fourteen local clergy persons. Reverend Johnnie Huggins was one of the volunteer clergy who later was hired as an Evening Chaplain. Later Chaplain Michael Weaver and Chaplain Diana Smith were hired as full time chaplains in the department of pastoral care.

Chaplain Carter shepherded the department for thirty one years. Under his leadership the department went through several changes. The first female chaplain was hired, Chaplain Betsy Wood. Later two additional chaplains were hired, Chaplain Alan Johnson and Chaplain Lewis Lent. Chaplain Lent was instrumental in developing a closed-circuit television station on Channel 9. This gave patients and family members access to viewing the worship services that were held in our hospital chapel.

In 2003 Chaplain Carter announced his plans for retirement. Chaplain Dick Bowen was on board as a chaplain at Highsmith-Rainey Hospital and moved into the position vacated by Chaplain Carter. Chaplain Bowen retired in 2007 and a search was initiated for the Director position. Chaplain Ed Richardson was hired as Director in 2008 and was here a year before health issues lead him to resign. During Chaplain Richardson stay, administrative approval was given to hire another chaplain to replace the outgoing Chaplain Michael Weaver. Chaplain Michelle Smith was added to the staff.

Today, this tradition of excellence in pastoral care continues as we examine our mission and explore the most effective ways to provide and train persons in the art of pastoral care and education. We are now staffed with two full time chaplains and one halftime chaplain, a growing volunteer staff, and a new director, Reverend Charles B. Terrell. Chaplain Terrell has already been instrumental in seeing that this vision of excellence in pastoral care and training continues. Under his leadership the department has hired two Chaplains, Chaplain Melanie Swofford to replace Chaplain Michelle Smith, and Chaplain Keith Reed, who provides spiritual care within Highsmith Rainey Specialty Hospital. In addition, a contracted Association for Clinical Pastoral Education Certified Supervisor, Reverend Cary J. Melvin, has been brought on board to lead the Hospital and Health System in the process of becoming an accredited ACPE-CPE Training Site. This positions us to provide stellar service to our patients, family members, and staff and provide the very best potential ACPE-Clinical Pastoral Education in this district.