Ottr Catlzolic Heritage in Texas
39°
on a prominent elevation that commanded a fine view of the surrounding country. The hospital was formally opened and duly dedicated by Most Reverend J. W. Shaw on November 21, 1910 and named St. John after Bishop John Anthony Forest. A Nursing Training School was organized that same year, taught by the physicians and surgeons of the hospital staff, which included eminent members of their profession. The best equipment available was obtained and, in keeping with the high traditions of the Sisters, no pains were spared to give the sick the best that science and loving care could afford. Before a year passed, St. Anthony's Hospital was acclaimed as the greatest asset of San Angelo and Tom Green County. Since its beginning, it has saved thousands to the city and county by the free service given to patients unable to pay. Before ten years, the Hospital was given provisional approval by the American College of Surgeons, attesting the high standards kept. It was made a regular member a year later. It has grown and developed with the city. In 1935 it celebrated its silver jubilee. Its staff of four had grown to nineteen and the bed capacity, which was originally thirty was now more than tripled. Since then it has kept up with the great developments of our times. St. Joseplt's Hospital, Paris, 1906. Originally established by the Sisters of Mercy who came to Paris, Texas, in 1896, and tried for several years to operate a school and academy. it was first known as St. Patrick's Infirmary. Conditions in Paris were far from favorable. After trying in vain to make a success of the hospital, the Sisters of Mercy decided to withdraw."' Bishop Lynch of Dallas, in whose dioceses it was, felt that the hospital should not pass from under Catholic auspices. Upon the departure of the Sisters of Mercy he purchased the property and offered it to the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio, who accepted the offer and sent six Sisters under the leadership of Sister Helen as Superioress to take charge of the work. Under the new management the hospital. renamed St. Joseph's, began to develop. The old building was found too small in a few years to accommodate the patients. Plans for a modern and handsome building were completed by the Sisters. and on August IO, 1913, Bishop Lynch laid the cornerstone of the new plant. As soon as the quarters were completed, a Nurses Training School was organized and the old hospital building was moved to another part of the grounds and
"See Sisters of Mercy, op. cit.
Powered by FlippingBook