Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, formerly Passavant, founded in 1875
Photos/Melissa Pantier
This year, Jacksonville Memorial Hospital (JMH) marks an extraordinary milestone — 150 years of caring for the Jacksonville community and the surrounding five-county region.
Founded in 1875 by the Rev. William A. Passavant, JMH has grown from a small 12-bed facility into a nationally recognized, four-time Magnet-designated hospital — an honor achieved by only 2% of hospitals in the country.
A Legacy of Compassion and Community
In the 1870s, Jacksonville was among Illinois’ largest cities, with more than 9,000 residents and growing needs for medical care. Rev. Passavant, already known for establishing hospitals across the Midwest, recognized the need and founded what was then called Jacksonville Hospital.
The hospital’s first home, donated by Eliza Ayers, was the former Berean College building on East State Street — where the Church of Our Saviour now stands. The first patient was admitted on November 24, 1875.
Though early community support was limited, the hospital found its footing with the help of pioneering physicians such as Dr. David Prince and Dr. Greene Vardiman Black, the “father of modern dentistry.” A major addition in 1893 expanded its capacity, and after Rev. Passavant’s passing in 1894, the hospital was renamed in his honor.
Growth Through the Decades
The hospital’s School of Nursing, founded in 1902, trained nearly 1,000 nurses before closing in 1982. In 1906, local leaders formed a 16-person board of trustees, giving the hospital strong community roots with the association receiving the title of the hospital’s property a decade later.
After World War II, Jacksonville rallied around a new vision. Leveraging funds from the Hill-Burton Act, the community raised $700,000, matched by state and federal funds, to construct a modern facility at 1600 West Walnut Street. The new Passavant Area Hospital opened in 1953 with a gala celebration and patient transfer from the old East State Street site.
Auxiliary Traditions and Community Support
Formed in 1896, the Hospital Auxiliary was one of the first of its kind in Illinois. From its early days of handcrafting items, to organizing major fundraisers, the Auxiliary has played a key role in the hospital’s success. Popular traditions such as the Deaconess Tea, annual bazaar and the beloved Follies have helped sustain the hospital’s mission for generations.
Modern Era and Continued Excellence
In 2014, the hospital officially joined the Memorial Health System, becoming Jacksonville Memorial Hospital as part of a system-wide rebrand in 2021. Today, JMH collaborates with Springfield Clinic and the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, expanding access to specialty and primary care close to home.
JMH’s four Magnet designations affirm its ongoing commitment to nursing excellence, patient safety and quality care — setting it apart as a leader in healthcare for West Central Illinois.
A Celebration 150 Years in the Making
The hospital’s sesquicentennial celebration culminated with a 150th Anniversary Gala, featuring a special revival of the Follies led by the Ken Bradbury Foundation, Jacksonville Kiwanis and Rotary members. Current and retired physicians joined in the fun, reflecting on decades of service, innovation and community partnership.
From its humble beginnings in 1875 to its role today as a modern regional healthcare hub, Jacksonville Memorial Hospital stands as a testament to 150 years of healing, dedication and community spirit.
