Paterson’s First Hospital Celebrates 150 Years

St. Joseph’s Health Kicks-off Anniversary Celebration”

St. Joseph’s Health launched a year-long series of 150th Anniversary celebrations on Thursday, September 8th with the unveiling of a historic marker to commemorate the humble beginnings of St. Joseph’s Hospital. Paterson’s first hospital, now known as St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, a member of the Healthcare System, was established by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth on September 8, 1867, in response to the industrialized City’s dire need for care… body, mind and spirit.

The founding group of sisters cared for 102 patients that first year, establishing and setting in motion an unwavering mission and commitment to community service for which St. Joseph’s is nationally recognized. St. Joseph’s University Medical Center now cares for more than 1.5 million people annually, including more than 163,000 emergency department visits.

“The Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth have proudly sponsored St. Joseph’s since 1867,” said Sister Marilyn Thie, SC, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees, St. Joseph’s Health, of the faith-based healing ministry. “That beginning has mushroomed into a highly regarded healthcare system this many years later.”

“Past generations and future generations should find comfort in knowing that the St. Joseph’s commitment to compassionate and quality health care hasn’t changed since the day it opened and won’t change as we look to the future. We always have, and always will, strive to be true to the Mission and Values of our Sponsors, the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth as we have since 1867,” said Kevin J. Slavin, President and Chief Executive Officer, St. Joseph’s Health.

“St. Joseph’s is one of the greatest jewels in the Diocese of Paterson crown. We are fortunate to have St. Joseph’s here in Paterson. Thank you for the miracles you work here each day. Keep working the miracles of healing for the next 150 years,” said Rev. Msgr. Herbert Tillyer, on behalf of the Diocese of Paterson.”

The Honorable Jose Torres, Mayor of the City of Paterson, saluted the hospital and healthcare system, and presented The Mayor’s Award for outstanding civic contributions to the Paterson community. He added, “St. Joseph’s Health is appropriately named after St. Joseph the Carpenter, a building and driving force of faith. St. Joseph’s Health and the Sisters of Charity represent that for the City.”

A Letter of Special Congressional Recognition commending St. Joseph’s Health on its immense contributions to the healthcare of the State of New Jersey was presented to Mr. Slavin on behalf of Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr.

The historic marker, unveiled by Mr. Slavin and Sr. Marilyn Thie, SC, was blessed by Msgr. Tillyer, Sr. Marilyn Thie and Sr. Patricia Mennor, SC, Vice President, Mission at St. Joseph’s Health. The marker, which will be placed on the original location of St. Joseph’s Hospital on Church Street, between Ellison and Market Streets, reads:

St. Joseph’s Hospital was founded at this Church Street location on September 8, 1867. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth,they tirelessly tended to the city’s ill, injured and poor in the 12-bed wooden structure.

This marker recognizes the 150 years that St. Joseph’s, now St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, a member of St. Joseph’s Health, and located at 703 Main Street, Paterson, has served the healthcare needs of its community.

Celebrating 150 Years

Commitment to a Healthier Community

1867-2017

An Inspired Tradition of Service Excellence

St. Joseph’s Health is a nationally recognized major academic comprehensive health care organization sponsored by its founders, the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth since 1867. To learn more about the spectrum of leading edge services and compassionate care available at St. Joseph’s, visit www.StJosephsHealth.org