“The lovely Christ spirit,” says Dr. Conwell, “which inclines men and women to care for their unfortunate fellowmen, is especially beautiful when in addition to the healing of wounds and disease, the afflicted sufferers are welcomed to such a home as the Samaritan Hospital has become.  All such kind deeds become doubly sweet when done in the name of Christ, because they carry with them sympathy for those in pain, love for the loveless, a home for the homeless, friendship for the friendless, and a divine solace, which are often more than surgical skill or medical science.  Such an institution the Samaritan Hospital is ever to be.  It began in weakness and inexperience, but with Christian devotion and affection, its founders and supporters have conquered innumerable difficulties, and can now say unreservedly that they have a hospital with all the conveniences and all the influences of a Christian home.”

The hospital was opened February 1, 1892.  It did not take long to prove the need of the work.  Before the year was out it was so crowded that an addition had to be built, and now magnificent buildings stand adjoining the original “house” as a monument to the untiring work and zeal of Grace Church members and their friends.  It is now an independent corporation.

The hospital is fitted with all modern appliances for caring for the sick.  It has a hundred and seventy beds, and a large and competent staff of physicians numbering many of the best in the city.  There is also a training school for nurses, the original hospital building being now fitted up and furnished as a nurses’ home.  More than five thousand different cases are ministered to during the year in the beds and dispensary.  The annual expense of running the hospital is more than forty thousand dollars, the value of the property more than three hundred thousand dollars.

In addition to the customary weekly visiting days, visitors are allowed on one evening during the week and on Sunday afternoons.  These rather unusual visiting hours are an innovation of Dr. Conwell’s for the benefit of busy workers who cannot visit their sick friends or relatives on week days.

A novel feature of the hospital and one which brings great pleasure to the patients, is the telephone service connecting it with The Temple, whereby those who are able, can hear the preaching of the pastor Sunday morning and evening at the big church farther down Broad Street.

One of the most efficient aids in the hospital’s growth has been the Board of Lady Managers.  When the hospital was opened in 1892, a committee of six ladies was appointed by Mr. Conwell to take charge of the housekeeping affairs, and from this committee has grown this Board which has done so much to aid the hospital, both by raising money and looking after its household affairs.

This committee had entire charge of the house department, visiting it weekly, inspecting the house, and making suggestions to the trustees for improving the work in that department.