Airport Opens, Lindberg Arrives in Brownsville
Works Sanitarium: In 1909 the three Works brothers, all physicians, (Founded by B.M. Works and R.L. Works, later joined by B.M. Works) staffed this private hospital on Levee Street, featuring x-ray technology, surgery and a variety of other services. The building still stands in its original location. (Brownsville Historical Association)
Divine Providence Hospital: When it became clear to Nora Kelly and community members that a hospital was needed to take care of the wounded, victims of epidemics as well as to meet the needs of a growing Brownsville, funds were raised for a hospital which opened its doors in 1917. The Mexican Revolution drew national attention to the border leading to increased national awareness, and aided fundraising efforts to support this growth in healthcare resources. One Sister of Mercy, Sister Mary Stanislaus, who was also a nurse, came to work at the new hospital.
Refugees and orphans from the Mexican Revolution
Mercy Hospital: After delays due to WWI, and a donation of land by Charles Stillman, the leadership of Nora Kelly, Mrs. Agnes Brown, the Sisters of Mercy and community support raised the needed funds and the hospital opened its doors on July 2, 1923 for a cost of $96,000. A third floor was added in 1928. (Sisters of Mercy Archive)
Nora Kelly 1871-1964
Sister of Mercy in front of convent, 1936. (Sisters of Mercy Archive)
Grand Opening Celebration: The Port of Brownsville opens in 1936. Since that time, the Port has been a leader in creating economic opportunities for South Texas.
Mercy Hospital Charro Days Float: While parades were held early in the century, the Mexican Revolution and WWI interrupted this practice. Charro Days was formally launched in 1938, commemorating Mexican culture on both sides of the border, and bringing this new celebration to improve community morale and attract tourism dollars. (circa late 1930s, Brownsville Historical Association)
Chapel opens in new convent in 1935. (Sisters of Mercy Archive)
Convent opens in 1935: Despite the economic hardships of the Great Depression, Mercy Hospital continued to grow and increase services. The newly added third floor became operational and delivery rooms were added in 1931, followed by the convent in 1935. The medical staff organization was formalized in 1935. (Sisters of Mercy Archive)
Fort Brown: The Fort Brown military hospital remained in operation until the 124th Calvary Regiment, the last unit stationed at Fort Brown, was transferred to service in the Chine Burma India Theater in 1944. The City of Brownsville and Texas Southmost College acquired the Fort in 1948. (Photo: 124th Calvary marching in Asia.)
Mercy Hospital in the 1940s: One can clearly see the Convent at the back of the hospital. The convent still stands, and houses the chapel and administrative offices. WWII meant wartime rationing with many resources allocated for the war effort. Patient load increased during this time by 40-50%, and all available spaces were used for patient beds. Planning was started for the post-war hospital additions.
Dr. James Rentfro, a physician with Mercy Hospital at its inception, and the first president of its medical staff, was also a beloved community leader. Thousands turned out to pay their respects at his funeral in 1945.
The Sisters of Mercy posed in front of the Convent in 1945. Sr. Mary Stanisulaus, the first, and longtime administrator of the hospital, is pictured in the back row, second from the right. (Sisters of Mercy Archive)
The Mercy Hospital Auxiliary began in 1959.
Sister Mary George Strohmeyer with infant in new incubator. (Sisters of Mercy Archive)
Mercy Hospital 1952: A new wing was added to the hospital, along with major renovations, which included the emergency room, pediatric unit, an operating room and a new laboratory. In 1953, the hospital treated 4,631.
Canales School of Nursing: The Sisters of Mercy began their nursing program in 1955, and in 1957 the J.T. Canales School of Vocational Nursing opened its doors on the campus of Mercy Hospital, operating by the Sisters. The school building was funded by Judge J.T. Canales and the Sisters of Mercy. In 1966, the program was transferred to Texas Southmost College, which became the first college in the Valley to offer a nursing program. (Sisters of Mercy Archive)
Leularm Manor Opens (Sisters of Mercy Archive)
Modern surgical suite. (Sisters of Mercy Archive)
Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Ray Simmons attends a patient as students and volunteers look on. (Sisters of Mercy Archive)
Office Staff 1964
Aerial view of the hospital in 1963. (Sisters of Mercy Archive)
Nursing class of 1966 (Sisters of Mercy Archive)
The 1963 renovation featured a new front entrance of the hospital, an addition of 52 beds, labor and delivery areas, surgical suites and a radiology department. (Sisters of Mercy Archive)
Auxilians attend the Texas Hospital Association Convention in 1969. Front Row: Jesse Rusteberg, Julia Hardee, Lillian Works, Virginia McChesnay. Back Row: Eloise Sweeney Nellie Mendiola, Jackie Lockett.
Ralph Vela, 7, presents a contribution for the scholarship fund to Sister Maria Luisa Vera.
Brownsville Medical Center: In 1973, Mercy Hospital sold to Medenco, later called Lifemark, and the Hospital name changed to Brownsville Medical Center. Former Sister of Mercy administrators gather to say goodbye.
Doctors and staff celebrate Doctor’s Day 1979
Dr. Dudley Smith and Horacio Mendiola, as well as other physicians, devoted many hours over decades in clinics caring for children.
Hospital debuts new 112-bed patient tower in 1984.
Major renovation in 1983: Construction on Brownsville Medical Center expansion starts in 1983.
The kitchen and cafeteria underwent a major renovation during the hospital expansion. Pictured here are some of the staff. Seated: Rebeca Rodriguez, Josefina Gasca, Rosa Salinas. Second row: Trinidad Vargas, Laura Rios, Alicia Ybarra, Silvia Espinosa. Standing: Felipe Escobar, Carlos Cortez, Ismael Soto, Manuel Zurita.
Ruben and Bernice Edelstein with Family, friends and hospital staff cut the ribbon on June 4, 1999. Ruben Edelstein was a longtime member of the hospital Board of Governors, a past Mayor of Brownsville, as well as a founder of the Brownsville Community Health Clinic, Brownsville EMS, the United Way of Brownsville, and more. He was the President of Edelstein’s Better Furniture for more than 50 years, and active in countless civic organizations.
Professional Tower Opens
Manny Vela, Mayor Eddie Trevino, and Dr. Lawrence Dahm at the reception recognizing Brownsville Medical Center and Valley Baptist Medical Center together becoming Valley Baptist Health System.
The Serafy family were important supporters of the hospital chapel renovation.
The renovation brought the hospital chapel back to its original beauty after being closed for 30 years.
Sandra Sweeney with Frances and Agnes Browne
Celebrating Valley Baptist Veterans in grateful recognition of their sacrifice.
“None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.” -Mother Teresa
Neonatal Graduate Reunion 2011.
Senator Eddie Lucio the Chamber of Commerce and Valley Baptist staff for the ribbon cutting for the new Surgical and Medical Weight Loss Program in 2014.
Lifetime Auxiliary members (Standing: Lupita Soto, Emma Martinez, Carmen Cuellar. Sitting: Estella Trujillo, Carmen Cavazos)
Charro Days Twilight Parade 2013.
In 2014, the hospital administrative team accepts the Tenet Circle of Excellence Award for Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville.
Physicians, staff and Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrate the opening of the new Cardiac Catheterization Lab.
This place of prayer offer respite when grief and loss were overwhelming.
Commitment to the Future: The Auxiliary supports the next generation of healthcare professionals with educational scholarships.
As our hospital’s second century begins, the future is bright for Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville. We extend our gratitude to the Sisters of Mercy for their 50 years of caring and dedication, and to all who came before us and built the strong foundation on which we now stand.
This message of affirmation was an important reminder the hospital staff was up to the task.
This decade began with the COVID-19 pandemic which challenged hospital staff, families, patients and communities in so many ways. The hospital established the Heroes Reflection Garden in 2020 as a place of peace and serenity that pays tribute to all Valley Baptist Heroes and their sacred work caring for our community during unprecedented times.
Advancements in Technology: We added a new digital mammography unit to our North Brownsville location in 2021, making access to new technology more convenient.
Careers
Valley Baptist Health System knows it can only be as good as its people. That’s why we’re always looking for the industry’s best, brightest and most compassionate people ready to take the next step in their healthcare careers. To learn more explore our career opportunities.
