In 1928, Mother Ignatius and Mother Faustina of the Sisters of St. Martha travelled from their motherhouse in Antigonish, Nova Scotia to Lethbridge.  They had been invited by Bishop John T. Kidd of the Diocese of Calgary to investigate the establishment of the first Catholic General Hospital in the Canadian West. 

Not long after, two courageous Sisters from Antigonish would make a more permanent journey to Lethbridge.  This 3500 km journey across the country signalled the beginning of a legacy that would become known as St. Michael’s Hospital.   Within weeks of their arrival, a 27-bed hospital was opened while they established a plan for a permanent home for their project. 

A 100-bed hospital was opened by the Sisters in 1931, just two years after their arrival in Lethbridge.  Shortly after the hospital opened its doors, the Depression hit, crippling the financial resources of the area.  Money was scarce, patient census was low and hospital bills were typically paid with farm produce.  Charges for accommodation were $2.50 per day for a ward room with Obstetric patients paying $5.00 for the use of the delivery room.  It was not uncommon to receive potatoes, vegetables, a pig or a chicken in payment for receiving services at the hospital. 

In spite of great difficulty and sacrifice, the courage and faith of the Sisters never waned.  These early years of struggle gave rise to financial, organizational and spiritual stability that would define St. Michael’s for many decades.  Thousands of people have benefited from the determination and endurance of the early pioneer Sisters.  To them we owe a debt of gratitude and are proud to acknowledge them as our founders.

Historical Highlights

May 1, 1929
Sister Francis Teresa Herrgott and Sister Mary Daniel MacLellan arrive in Lethbridge (population 12,000) by train from Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

June 1, 1929
The Sisters of St. Martha purchased the Van Haarlem Hospital, a 27-bed private hospital in St. Patrick’s Parish in Lethbridge for $35,000 and renamed it St. Michael’s Hospital in honour of Reverend Michael Murphy O.M.I., an early staunch supporter and first Board Chairman. 

In the following months, four more sisters arrived from Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

September 20, 1930
Work began on the new 100-bed full service hospital on 9^th Avenue and 13^th Street South with a budget of $300,000.

September 9, 1931
The new St. Michael’s Hospital officially opened.

June 28, 1950
Mr. Michael Dorchak presented a cast iron, bronze-finished statue of St. Michael the Archangel to the hospital as a gift.It was blessed and erected at 9^th Avenue and 13^th Street South.

September 26, 1951
The East Wing of St. Michael’s Hospital officially opened, providing a total of 181 beds and 18 bassinets.

January 5, 1953
The first class of 20 nursing students were admitted to the St. Michael’s School of Nursing.

September 15, 1954
The St. Michael’s School of Nursing officially opened.

April 1, 1963
The West Wing of St. Michael’s Hospital officially opened, increasing capacity to 207 beds and 18 bassinets.

September 14, 1972
Sister Katherine McNeil initiated the first organized hospital Social Services Department in Southern Alberta.

April 1982
The Lethbridge branch of the Provincial Pastoral Care Service was formed to minister to the sick, lonely and bereaved.

June 28, 1985
The Sisters of St. Martha sold the operation of St. Michael’s Hospital to the Alberta Catholic Hospital Foundation. The Sisters continued their presence in the hospital. 

April 14, 2000
The Chapel at the new St. Michael’s Health Centre was officially dedicated by Most Reverend Bishop Frederick Henry.

April 15, 2000
The new St. Michael’s Health Centre, a 200 bed long term and palliative care facility, officially opened.

September 12, 2004
Mass of Thanksgiving to celebrate the 75^th Anniversary of St. Michael’s and the commitment of the Sisters of St. Martha.