Looking back at Christian Hospital history: Northwest & CH Auxiliary

Christian Hospital is marking 115 years of service, so we're celebrating with a retrospective of our history throughout 2018. Read about the start of Northwest and the CH Auxiliary below, and check back soon for more stories on the people, places and events that have shaped Christian Hospital. 

written by Bret Berigan

On November 15, 1962, Christian Hospital announced plans to build Christian Hospital Northwest. After extensive research and careful consideration, the hospital purchased a 17-acre tract of land just north of I-270 on the west side Graham Road in Florissant. This site was in the heart of north St. Louis County and easily accessible to the entire area by major roadways.

Christian Hospital Northwest would consist of a 156-bed acute-care general hospital, a 98-bed extended care unit and a five-story medical office building, all connected by enclosed corridors.

Financing the building of Christian Hospital Northwest became an immediate priority. While half of the funding was obtained through long-term insurance company financing, the other half was raised through individual, business and organization contributions. The community again came forward in support of Christian Hospital and its plans to build in north St. Louis County. 

Christian Hospital’s present Auxiliary can trace its roots to this effort. In 1964, a group of 25 women, representing various church, civic and service organizations in the area, met for coffee at the home of Mrs. Bobby McGibbon. They were North County residents, many of them mothers of active youngsters. All were concerned about the lack of a hospital in the area. 

Working solely on the basis of their desire for a hospital, this group of women formed the Christian Hospital Northwest Auxiliary. These charter members ran a notice in the newspaper and held their first meeting about a month later in the fundraising office at Airport and Chambers roads. 

Under the direction of Mrs. Mary Marks, the group’s first president, they spoke, performed and volunteered at numerous public events to generate interest in their cause. Through various events, activities and sales, the Auxiliary has continued to raise money over the years to assist with funding for medical equipment and programs. 

On July 10, 1966, a crowd of about 2,000 people gathered on the hottest day of the year to witness the groundbreaking ceremony for the long-awaited Christian Hospital Northwest. Undaunted by the blazing temperatures, the crowd cheered loudly when the first mound of dirt was removed. Selina Hulan, president of the Christian Woman’s Benevolent Association and a member of the board of directors, was at the controls of the bulldozer. 

Less than two years later, Christian Hospital Northwest was ready to open. Dedication ceremonies were held April 21, 1968. Everyone in North County was invited to the opening and to tour the 254-bed facility. 

When Christian Hospital Northwest opened, new medical standards were established, and this became an important milestone in improving the quality of medical care. Renowned surgeon Joshua Jensen Sr., MD, is credited with smoothing the transition between the medical staffs of the old and new hospitals. As the first chief of staff, Dr. Jensen helped write the new bylaws that would establish separate and improved medical practices at Christian Hospital Northwest and later at Christian Hospital Northeast. 

Within a short period of time, Christian Hospital Northwest became financially independent and garnered the respect and support of the community for its excellent health care.