We’ve funded gifts that keep giving–serving our community for years to come.

As reported in the Waynesboro Record on May 26, 1904, a citizens' meeting was addressed by Dr. Thos. S. Cullen and other interested people: what a hospital should be and best means to secure it for this town.

A committee of representative citizens was appointed at this meeting.

The movement of a public hospital in Waynesboro was inaugurated in the Academy of Music in town. A well-attended meeting was held there under the auspices of the Waynesboro Academy of Medicine, earnest and practical addresses were made, and the appointment of a committee formed to solicit funds for the proposed institution.

The push for the permanent hospital in Waynesboro actually began in earnest years later in 1918 as an influenza pandemic spread across the world. The hospital was established by a group of volunteers in response to the Spanish flu, which killed more than 20 million people worldwide — including 40 Waynesboro residents.

In Waynesboro, schools and churches closed, along with “moving picture houses” and other entertainment venues. Physicians in the Waynesboro area set up makeshift hospitals inside the firehall and YMCA.

In January 1919, the committee running the emergency hospitals met to discuss establishing a permanent hospital in Waynesboro. Dr. J. B. Amberson and others cited lessons learned from the influenza pandemic.

The following month, members of the public and religious, civic, fraternal, and industrial organizations met at the Waynesboro YMCA , and led by local businessman J. H. Stoner, the community began laying the groundwork for a permanent hospital.

On June 1, 1920, the public campaign officially launched with a goal of raising $300,000. The campaign started with more than $170,000 already pledged.

Newspapers kept tallies of individual pledges and support from businesses and civic groups. Citizens National Bank set up a special fund for community members to contribute. Civic clubs and the Waynesboro Chamber of Commerce donated time and money to the cause.

The Arcade theater on Main Street hosted a benefit recital with renowned mezzo-soprano Barbara Maurel and violinist Sascha Jacobsen. The Lutheran Church organized a play at the high school auditorium with all proceeds benefiting the campaign.

At the end of the drive on June 7, the community had exceeded its goal, raising more than $327,000 – or roughly $4.2 million in today’s money. More than 3,000 local residents had subscribed to support the hospital fund.

The 35-bed Waynesboro Hospital was dedicated on October 2, 1922 , with thousands touring the new hospital building.

Community support did not end there. The hospital held a Donation Day on Nov. 2, 1922, when residents dropped off fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as towels, clothing and other supplies.

The hospital was built at its current location, 501 E. Main St., and originally had 35 beds.