Maria Parham Health Celebrates 100th Anniversary, Reflecting on a Century of Compassionate Care

On Friday, January 17, 2025, Maria Parham Health commemorated its 100th anniversary with a celebration marking a century of providing exceptional care to the community. The event took place exactly 100 years since the date of the hospital’s incorporation—January 17, 1925— and was a reflection of the institution’s rich history, ongoing commitment to the community, and dedication to shaping the future of healthcare.

The celebration included a special address by Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health, who spoke passionately about the hospital’s enduring legacy and its pivotal role in the local community for the past 100 years.

"As we reflect on this momentous occasion, we honor not just our hospital’s past, but the people who have made it all possible—our caregivers, our patients, and the community that has supported us every step of the way," said Beard in his speech. "From our humble beginnings to becoming a trusted leader in healthcare, Maria Parham Health has been a cornerstone of strength and healing, and today, we stand proud of all we've accomplished, with much more to come."

Beard went on to highlight the hospital's evolution over the past century, from a small community hospital to a modern, state-of-the-art healthcare facility.

Timeline of Maria Parham Health's History

• 1924:
  A small, 27-bed hospital, originally named “Annie Lee Hospital,” is incorporated by five physicians from Henderson: Dr. H.A. Newell, Dr. R.T. Upchurch, Dr. T.S. Royster, Dr. B.G. Allen, and Dr. A.P. Newcomb. They envisioned a healthcare facility dedicated to serving the community with compassion and care.
• 1925:
  The hospital’s name is changed to Maria Parham Hospital in honor of Mrs. Maria Southerland Parham, a woman of remarkable strength who raised seven children after the death of her husband, Captain Samuel Jones Parham. Her son, Sabat Southerland Parham, contributes to the hospital’s construction, ensuring her legacy endures through the hospital.
• July 1, 1926:
  Maria Parham Hospital opens its doors with just 10 patients, marking the beginning of its service to the Henderson community as a cornerstone of healthcare.
• 1943:
  An addition to the hospital is completed, increasing its capacity to 44 beds to meet the growing demand for care.
• 1944:
  Maria Parham Hospital is purchased for $100,000, becoming a not-for-profit entity governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, securing its mission to serve the community.
• 1960:
  As the hospital’s capacity is increasingly stretched, plans are made to build a new, modern facility to better serve the needs of the growing community.
• 1962:
  The Brodie family donates land for the new hospital location, marking a pivotal moment in the hospital’s future.
• January 1964:
  Groundbreaking for the new hospital site occurs, marking the start of a new chapter in Maria Parham Hospital’s history.
• 1965:
  The new 102-bed Maria Parham Hospital opens at a cost of $2.25 million. This marks the beginning of a new era of healthcare, and the hospital plays an important role in the desegregation of hospitals in Henderson.
• 1974:
  The W. Jenkins, Sr. Medical Services Building is completed, contributing to the ongoing expansion of the hospital’s facilities and services.
• 1990:
  The John T. Church Building is completed, further expanding the hospital’s capacity to serve the community.
• 1997:
  The Brodie Waddill Wing is added to the hospital, continuing the growth of the facility to meet the needs of the community.
• 2005:
  A new patient tower is added, along with significant remodeling, in a $50 million investment aimed at modernizing the hospital and enhancing patient care.
• 2011:
  Maria Parham Medical Center becomes part of the Duke LifePoint healthcare system, making history as the first hospital in the nation to enter such a partnership.
• 2016:
  Maria Parham Health partners with state and local officials to pass new legislation, leading to the 2018 reopening of the previously shuttered Franklin Regional Hospital as part of Maria Parham Health. This expansion includes the addition of behavioral health services, further strengthening the hospital's commitment to meeting the region’s healthcare needs.
• 2025:
  Maria Parham Health celebrates its 100th anniversary, reflecting on a century of compassionate care and growth. Today, as a Duke LifePoint hospital, Maria Parham Health continues to offer the highest standards of care with the latest technology, remaining true to the values set forth by its founding physicians.

The growth and transformation of Maria Parham Health are a testament to the vision, resilience, and dedication of its founders, staff, and leadership. Beard also acknowledged the healthcare professionals who have contributed to the hospital’s success, including doctors, nurses, support staff, and volunteers who continue to provide compassionate care every day.

In closing, Beard reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and compassion in care. "While we celebrate our past, we are equally focused on the future," said Beard. "We are committed to continuing to provide outstanding healthcare services, investing in cutting-edge technology, and enhancing the patient experience for generations to come."

Maria Parham Health looks forward to continuing its mission of providing exceptional, compassionate healthcare for many more decades to come, ensuring the well-being of the community for the next century.