The Matty Hersee Hospital was founded by a group of Meridian women who recognized the need for a charity hospital. Beginning in 1896, they raised funds through teas and bazaars until they had sufficient funds to erect a building in 1903. The local organization continued to fund the hospital until 1923, when the State of Mississippi took over and operated the charitable hospital until approximately 1988. The current structure was built in 1923 after the state assumed control. Its proposed construction is mentioned in Southern Architect and Building News 48:8 (August 1922), p.82. Although there have been several additions to the main building over time, these additions do not diminish the historic integrity of the main building. When the original hospital was opened in 1903, a nursing school was established. It is the state’s oldest training program for nurses and continues as a program of Meridian Community College. |
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