A Celebration of 125 Years of Ministry of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother and Good Samaritan Health Center's Affiliation on April 1, 2005 took place April 1, 2008 in the hospital chapel. The Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross of Ingenbohl, Switzerland, headed by Mother Aniceta, came to Merrill in 1923, to establish a hospital. The original north wing of Good Samaritan was built and completed in 1926 providing 51 beds for service to the people of the community. The first patient was admitted on November 15, 1926. In 1987, the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross transferred sponsorship of the hospital to Catholic Health Corporation. The facility, then known as Holy Cross Hospital, was renamed at that time. On April 1, 2005, Good Samaritan Health Center affiliated with Ministry Health Care.
Sister Dorothy Ann Dirkx, SSM, addresses the gathering
Sister Celine Goessl, SCSC, Provincial, read the Gospel.
Mike Hammer, President, Good Samaritan Health Center welcomed guests.
Rev. Robert Smallman, Bible Presbyterian Church, reflected on the early years of the Holy Cross Sisters.
The Good Sam Choir under the direction of Sister Celine Goessl and organist Darlene Johnson. Other members included: Carol Crevier, Karen Koeller, Terry Krueger, Sue Kruger, Danny Loosemore, Sister Joelle Mauer, Debbie Schleif, Dave Warren and Carol Wyma.
