Mercy Hospital was established on February 19, 1910 because a group of dedicated men, led by William Howell, Sr. (known at the time as “Mr. Bakersfield”) were committed to making our community a better place to live. They had a vision to open the city’s first private hospital and recruited four Sisters of Mercy to Bakersfield from Los Angeles to start what was first known as the St. Clair Hospital, later to be named Mercy Hospital.
Not only was William Howell, Sr. an advisor to the Sisters of Mercy throughout his lifetime, he was also a major benefactor. It was William Howell Sr. that led the first two fundraising drives in 1913 and 1927. Each time he not only provided leadership, but was the first to donate and always at the highest level.
Prior to his death in 1960, William Howell, Sr. joined the physicians pictured on the front of this invitation to raise funds to rebuild Mercy Hospital when it was demolished as the result of severe damage sustained in the city’s 1952 earthquake. Together, these men ensured Mercy’s future.
In honor of Mercy Hospital’s 100th anniversary and the legacy of William Howell Sr., the Friends of Mercy Foundation has established the William Howell Century Club. This is a men’s annual philanthropic giving club with members donating $1,000. Each year members will decide what Mercy project to fund with their cumulative gift.
For information on how to contribute to this worthwhile campaign, please call the Friends of Mercy Foundation Annual Giving Coordinator, Erica Easton at (661) 663-6700.
