Ptwlic Health. and Social Welfare Work
4II
but open to all regardless of race or creed, is largely a monument to the work of Father F. R. Weber, C.S.C., Pastor of Holy Cross Church, and the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, who arrived in Austin on July 3, 1940 to take up their first work among the Negroes. The need for hospital facilities for this long neglected segment of the population was great. The two-story frame building originaIIy built for a school was converted into a hospital. Humble indeed were the begin- nings. Twelve plain beds, six bassinets. a second-hand operating table, and an old desk. Not until August 15 were they ready to receive patients. They had no equipment for major operations. In emergency cases, pressure cookers and boiling pans were commandered for sterilizing instruments and materials used. Slowly and at great sacrifice conditions were improved. The whole community became interested in the noble work that was being accom- plished. By 1947 six additions had been built to cope with the growing demands made upon the institution. The three pioneer Sisters were re- enforced, a portable X-ray, a basal metabolism machine, an infant resus- citator, and other equipment essential to surgery were acquired. The American Medical Association approved the rambling Holy Cross Hos- pital in 1942, and Sister Celine Heitzman, I.C.M.D., Medical Doctor and resident physician. succeeded in breaking dO\vn prejudice and organizing a mixed staff of White and Negro doctors. With the wholehearted support of progressive leaders, the generous contributions of men like James P. Nash, and aid granted by the Federal Government, the present modern stone and brick hospital, with fifty bed capacity and every modern convenience, was built and dedicated in Jan- uary, 195 I by Bishop Louis J. Reicher of Austin. Mother Superior Sister Jemma, was one of the first three who began the work in 1940. The hospital, which was designed to serve the Negro element exclusively, has been thrown open to all patients. regardless of race or creed. 70 Otlier pha.ses of C/1arity and Welfare Work: Homes for Orplums. Hospitalization, as shown. has been one of the fields in which Catholics have contributed most to the general welfare of all the citizens. Through the establishment. maintenance and incomparable dedication to the care of the sick they have helped all alike throughout the State and eased the suffering of rich and poor without distinction. Their contribution in the
I I I
L
70Oioce!:e of Galveston, Cenle1111ial, 1847-19-1i, p. 169; additional data !;llpplit>d tn the Author hy Mother Jemma.
Powered by FlippingBook