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In 1915, Millard A. Jenkens (1872-1962), the new pastor of Abilene’s First Baptist Church, saw a need for a hospital that prioritized serving all people, whether or not they were able to pay for treatment. His congregation shared his vision and donated $35,000 to establish a Baptist hospital. A committee formed of First Baptist congregants and officials from Simmons college (now Hardin-Simmons University). Judge Clifton Mott Caldwell and his wife, Cora (Keathley) Caldwell, donated six acres for a Baptist hospital. David S. Castle designed the 52-bed facility, which opened on September 15, 1924, as the West Texas Baptist Sanitarium. The hospital’s modern facilities included three operating rooms, three elevators and an x-ray department. The hospital also hosted a nursing school. Notable early leaders include Earl Matthew Collier (1898-1981), the longest serving superintendent from 1929-1970.
The new hospital experienced strain during the Depression. In 1936, Thomas G. Hendrick (1862-1946) and his wife, Ida (Nations) Hendrick (1866-1946), paid off the hospital’s existing debt and financed a four-story east wing, including two specialty wards for children. The hospital was renamed Hendrick Memorial Hospital in their honor. Regular additions followed, including a four-story west wing (1943), a four-story north wing (1946), a six-story service wing (1957), student nursing housing (1959), the Millie L. Anderson building (1963), Mary Meek School of Nursing building (1966), and more. In 1971, the facility was renamed Hendrick Medical Center to reflect its regional healthcare role. For 100 years, Hendrick has committed to provide high-quality healthcare in west central Texas. (2023) |
