Hospital Building
In 1875 the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis arrived in Illinois from Germany and began their work in Alton, Springfield, Belleville, Effingham, East St. Louis and Litchfield. Within three years of their arrival, they were building hospitals in Effingham and Springfield. Within 12 years 6 hospitals had been built and the cornerstone of a 7th had been laid.

Home Care
The Sisters began their ministry to the sick and needy by caring for patients and families in their own homes and in the homes of Sisters. In many locations, bedside nursing was the primary service. Often the Sisters remained in the home for long periods especially if a family member was seriously ill or dying. This relationship provided opportunity for prayer and spiritual guidance as integral parts of the healing mission.