In search of religious freedom and to do God's work, five German nuns arrived in St. Louis on this day 142 years ago.
St. Mary's Health Center, an extension of their ministry that became known as the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, chose Mother Odilia Day, named for foundress Mother Mary Odilia Berger, as its Move Day.
The immigrant-sisters arrived to face the smallpox epidemic with only $5, but carried with them a faith and compassion, which remains the cornerstone of the Jefferson City hospital's mission.
"Through our exceptional health care services; we reveal the healing presence of God."
That mission statement has not wavered in this transition to its new building on Mission Drive.
"It is our identity," said Peggy Van Gundy, director for mission effectiveness.
When the sisters were integrally involved with the care and operations, "they were the carriers of the mission by their presence and the way the led by their faith," she said.
Then, they began putting pieces in place to ensure their mission continued after they were gone.
The first lady leader for the hospital was hired in 1972 and a pastoral care department was added in 1975. The former convent was converted to healthcare needs in 1982.
The retirement of Sister Evelyn Peterman in 2007 meant after 102 years, a Franciscan Sister of Mary would not be on staff.
However, their presence remains through their mission and the purposeful care given by today's hospital employees.
"A large majority of our employees say the mission is why they continue to work here," Van Gundy said.
The founders also are remembered in the new hospital's chapel through a series of stained glass windows telling their story.
Artwork is a major component of the faith assurance at St. Mary's. The two stained glass windows and the Stations of the Cross from the Bolivar Street chapel and several statues from around the building will be relocated to the new site, as well.
"We've learned if you move anything that has meaning to people, they want to know where it is," Van Gundy said.
If the sisters were able to see the newest building for their mission, Van Gundy thinks they would be amazed at the technology and then give thanks for the willing and committed hearts who carry on their legacy.
"The mission moves with us," said Emily Doerhoff, transition operations director. "Our desire to provide exceptional care is what keeps me at St. Mary's."
She and her daughter were both born in the Bolivar Street hospital.
"I've said I grew up at St. Mary's," Doerhoff said. "This is truly my second home; the individuals I work with are second family."
One of the key ingredients to the sisters' success continues today - community involvement.
"The project truly has been embraced well in the community," Doerhoff said.
St. Mary's Health Center History
• Nov. 16, 1872: Mother Mary Odilia Berger and four other German nuns arrived in St. Louis in response to the smallpox epidemic.
• 1874: Formally named the Sisters of St. Mary.
• Fall 1902: Sisters Mary Gertude Scharrenbroich and Ildephonse Sommerhouser arrived in Jefferson City due to the request by the Rev. Otto Hoog, pastor of St. Peter Church.
• April 22, 1904: Sisters Mary and Ildephonse with Sister Mary Isadore Boland opened an "improvised hospital" in a home near the corner of Elm and Bolivar streets.
• May 1, 1904: Sister Mary Henrica Nicholay arrived as the first mother superior of St. Mary's Hospital.
• Oct 1905: Mayor Henry Wallau and then - Archbishop John Glennon of St. Louis spoke at the St. Mary's Hospital dedication on land donated by the Jacob Moerschel family.
• 1907: Smallpox epidemic in Jefferson City - 4 sisters quarantined themselves with 45 patients.
• 1918: Influenza epidemic in Jefferson City - sisters treated more than 145 influenza patients within a few months.
• Feb. 20, 1919: Fire gutted the hospital during a sleet storm - patients housed temporarily at the Moerschel's 14-room, Villa Panorama on Swifts Highway.
• May 1920: St. Mary's Hospital rededicated with a new hospital built inside the original, undamaged exterior. The same year, the first lay doctor was hired as chief of staff, the first radiograph was taken and an emergency room was opened.
• 1925: In its first year, the maternity department cared for 40 mothers and their babies.
• 1929: Daughters of Isabella organized the first Ice Cream Social.
• Feb. 27, 1932: Four-story south wing added, doubling the bed capacity to 100.
• 1948: The next addition provided a new chapel and a convent.
• 1953: The hospital's first class of practical nurses graduated.
• 1955: The hospital hosted 34 sisters on staff at its Golden Jubilee.
• 1956: The St. Mary's Auxiliary was established.
• 1957: Volunteers services program begins.
• 1960: Candy Stripers program starts.
• 1964: The Pink Bell gift shop opened.
• October 1967: $4 million expansion was dedicated, including a new medical and surgical wing.
• 1965: The hospital joined with the Jefferson City Public School of Practical Nursing to provide facilities and training.
• 1972: The first lay leader for the hospital was hired.
• 1975: A pastoral care department was added.
• 1982: The former convent was converted to healthcare needs.
• 1990s: Three major expansion/renovation projects were completed in the 1990s, including the 36,000-square-feet professional building.
• 2004: Hospital buys 110-acre site off Highway 179 from Heimericks family.
• February 2004: SSM goes tobacco-free.
• April 23, 2004: Hospital announces intent to build new in Jefferson City, citing anticipated population growth, increased market share and rising emergency department numbers.
• January 2005: $3 million technology campaign kicks-off.
• 2005: Cole County Historical Society features original hospital on annual Christmas ornament.
• May 2006: Jefferson City Historic Preservation Commission names hospital a Landmark.
• April 4, 2006: Voters approved ballot issue to annex 542 acres along Missouri 179.
• 2007: Sister Evelyn Peterman retired, making the first time in 102 years a Franciscan Sister of Mary would not be on staff.
• July 2007: SSM denies funding request due to poor economy and low profit margin.
• Feb. 19, 2008: $7.1 million project improves equipment, information technology, patient rooms, surgical services and overall aesthetics at the Bolivar Street location.
• February 2008: Slimmed down version of new hospital proposal accepted by SSM.
• June 4, 2008: State issues Certificate of Need for St. Mary's Hospital potential new building.
• February 2009: SSM delays new hospital plan because cuts in operating expenditures were needed.
• December 2009: New hospital project receives final SSM go-ahead.
• July 18, 2012: Groundbreaking for the 375,000-square-feet facility and 90,000-square-feet office building construction project by Alberici Contractors and designed by the Lawrence Group and HGA. Project cost was about $200 million with about 70 percent benefiting local goods and services.