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History
In 1875, a group of women at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church organized with the purpose of establishing a hospital. Mrs. John Norton, widow of The Rev. Norton of Christ Church, offered her home as a memorial to her husband for use as an infirmary but it was found inadequate. The proceeds from the sale of this property supplied the first contribution as well as a name to the projected enterprise. By 1881, there was enough money in the treasury to purchase a site at Third and Oak Streets.
The hospital was operated by a volunteer board of managers, 13 women chosen from the Episcopal Church. This group was in charge of the hospital and all its affairs for almost forty years. In 1924, the women asked to be relieved of the responsibilities of management and a new group was organized and met in 1925. This was the first step toward organization of the Norton Woman’s Board.
Through the years the Board has been responsible for many projects and services to the Hospital. Funds have been provided for student loans, nurses training, Lansing nursing scholarships, a chaplain’s salary, medical equipment, cardiac center, reproductive testing center, and audiovisual center, a hearing screener, and the Chapel renovation, to name a few areas.
The Woman's Board is now Norton Hospital Auxiliary and is open to all denominations.
The mission is to provide needed services to Norton Hospital through a strong cadre of volunteers who engage in a variety of projects and duties and to increase public understanding of the mission and role of Norton Hospital and the Auxiliary through contact with family, friends, church and other groups in which members of the Auxiliary are involved. Our members are Episcopal and non - Episcopal women and men who volunteer days, nights, and weekends.
Adults in any age group, who are looking for a lay ministry which is interesting, challenging, and personally satisfying, can find their niche in one of the services of the Norton Hospital Auxiliary. Men and women gift shop volunteers are urgently needed for day, night, and weekend hours. Other services needing volunteers are mail delivery, ICU waiting area, prime time representatives, patient representatives, and publicity.
How to Get Started Volunteering for an Outreach Ministry
Contact Kathy Bailey, or by phone at 502-228-2975, or call the St. Francis parish office at 502-228-1176.
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