Mater Misericordiae - Rossland, British Columbia
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T0SHEA
N 49° 04.655 W 117° 48.025
11U E 441546 N 5436388
The Mater Misericordiae mural is located on the side of the Mater Misericordiae Auxiliary Thrift Shop located at 2059 Washington Street, in downtown Rossland.
Waymark Code: WMFYT7
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Date Posted: 12/19/2012
Views: 1
The mural Mater Misericordiae is a testimony to the history of the hospital. It was through dedication and hard work that Rossland’s first hospital was founded. The journey started in 1896 and is still providing health care to the surrounding communities.
“Energetic, young strangers jostling and pushing to make a dollar, suffered misunderstandings, especially when liquor was added to the mix. Luckily for back alley combatants, for those careless or unlucky at their jobs, and for those that just took sick, Father LeMay, founder of Sacred Heart Church, had convinced nursing Sister M. Stanislaus and Mother Teresa Moran to leave the convent of St. Joseph of Peace in Jersey City and travel to Rossland to establish a hospital. Arrived in April of 1896, the pair soon set up an infirmary in rented premises. The need was great and their services appreciated, and Sister Superior Teresa Kiernan and Sisters Ursula, Carmelita and Joseph Marie were summoned to help. A property was acquired towards the eastern end of Columbia Avenue, construction commenced on April 16th, 1897, and on that June 4th of that year the Mater Misericordiae hospital opened its doors.”
Source: Crowsnest Highway (
visit link)
In 1969 the Rossland Hospital Society was formed to take over the running of the hospital following the departure of the Sisters.
The first hospital auxiliary was formed in 1938. Later in 1947 they joined the B.C. hospital auxiliary. By 1982 their membership grew to 67 members.
There is signage highlighting Mater Misericordiae’s history through articles published in the Rossland Miner and other local newspapers at the time.
Sisters of St. Joseph have carried on hospital work here for 42 years.
Rossland Miner – 1938
Auxiliary’s donation buys hospital equipment: Mater Misericordiae gives cheque for $20,000 to Trail Regional Hospital.
Date unknown
Tribute to high standards: Accreditation granted to local hospital.
October 18, 1956
Rossland Hospital Society is officially incorporated.
July 20, 1969