The Dedication of St. Joseph's Hospital
Bishop Junger officiates the opening of a state-of-the-art infirmary meant to serve the sick regardless of creed.
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On last Sunday, the new St. Joseph's hospital of the Dominican Sisters was dedicated by the Right Reverend Bishop Junger of Washington state. The bishop, arrayed in his robes, blessed the building before delivering an eloquent address on the virtue of charity and the duty to attend to the needs of the suffering. St. Joseph's is built on a significant elevation at the head of G Street, overlooking the city and the bay. The structure is 100x40 feet with wings, three stories high, and is described as a model of architectural skill. It is equipped with the Bolton hot water heating system, electricity, and a dedicated four-story service building in the rear for laundry, a morgue, and specialized care for contagious diseases. The hospital aims to serve all, irrespective of nationality or religious creed.
“The sisters of charity are to be found at the bedside of the sick or dying when your own friends and nearest relatives forsake you.”
St. Joseph's Hospital was a vital piece of early Aberdeen infrastructure, highlighting how private religious organizations often filled the gap for social safety nets before state-run health systems were fully established. Today, the site remains a reminder of how the geography of the 'hill' defined the town's early urban development.
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