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Synopsis

Savannah's history is deeply rooted in the intertwining of faith and healthcare, highlighting its rich religious diversity and a longstanding tradition of practical problem-solving. The city's first hospital began as a mission by George Whitefield, a prominent evangelical preacher and early member of John Wesley's "Holy Club" at Oxford, which was a foundational force behind Methodism. Now called Candler, it was officially chartered in 1804, making it Georgia's first, and the nation's second oldest continuously operating hospital. In 1875, the Sisters of Mercy, a Catholic religious order founded by Catherine McAuley of Ireland, established St. Joseph's Infirmary.1

Over time, these two health systems acquired various other health care operations such as the Mary Telfair Women's Hospital, the Central of Georgia Railway Hospital and the Georgia Infirmary - the country's first hospital dedicated to the care of African Americans.2 They continue to operate today as a unified interfaith organization, blending their distinct faith traditions into a rare cooperative model.

A Joint Operating Agreement

The American healthcare landscape in the mid-1990s was marked by rising costs, declining reimbursements, and growing competition, creating significant financial and operational pressures for hospitals nationwide.3 These challenges were particularly acute for smaller, faith-based institutions like St. Joseph’s and Candler Hospitals in Savannah. Both faced overlapping services, limited resources, and the mounting difficulty of sustaining independent operations, reflecting broader systemic inefficiencies that required innovative solutions.

In 1997, St. Joseph’s and Candler Hospitals finalized a joint operating agreement, bringing together two institutions with distinct religious affiliations. Despite the potential for conflict between their traditions, the new agreement focused on addressing practical needs, such as financial stability and streamlined operations, while staying rooted in their shared mission of community health. Reflecting Savannah’s history of finding pragmatic solutions to complex challenges, the agreement created a combined system that preserved the identities of both hospitals while adapting to the rapidly changing demands of the healthcare industry.

The continued success of the St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System can be attributed in part to its leadership's commitment to upholding the rich Methodist and Catholic traditions that have shaped its two hospitals. By fostering an environment of mutual respect and interfaith collaboration, the system has thoughtfully navigated questions of care and practice while honoring its dual heritage. Clergy and faith leaders from both traditions work together to provide spiritual guidance and support across the system, ensuring that compassion, service, and ethical care remain central to its mission. This harmonious approach bridges distinct faith traditions into a unified, integrated system of care.

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Conclusion

The history and coming together of these two distinct faith-based institutions reflect a commendable willingness to set aside differences in favor of serving the broader community. This spirit of collaboration echoes Savannah’s diverse and inclusive character, long embodied in the ethos of St. Joseph’s/Candler.

Leadership roles within the organization and its board of directors have also been filled by individuals from a variety of faith traditions, including those outside of Methodist and Catholic beliefs. This approach has strengthened trust and broadened the system’s inclusiveness, ensuring it remains a healthcare provider for the entire community.

While challenges arose in blending these different systems, they were met with determination, creating a unified structure that honors its dual heritage. Such an arrangement might not have succeeded as effectively elsewhere, but in Savannah, the often-overlooked spirit of interfaith cooperation has played an important role in the community’s shared history and enabled this partnership to thrive.