More than 200 persons attended the dedication program of a $1.2-million, 80-bed convalescent and nursing center, marking another milestone in the long-range plans of the Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital, Lehighton.

Edward Mitchell, a native of White Haven serving on a consulting firm in Washington, D.C., was the guest speaker, offering his high regard for the people of the community and hospital officials ion working together to make the center a reality.

Hospital board president Fred Manning was master of ceremonies for the event held in the Lehighton Area High School auditorium, which was followed by the ribbon-cutting by Lehighton Mayor Wilbur Bauchspies at the center.