An application for this historical marker was submitted by the YHS in July 2025.
Divine Savior Hospital and the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy
In 1938, a transformative chapter in York’s history began with the arrival of four Sisters from the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Charleston—Sisters Mary Martha, Margaret Mary, Felicitas, and Gertrude. Their mission was one of compassion and healing, and it was made possible through the generosity of Mrs. Church Carroll, who donated her home and property on Congress Street to establish a much-needed medical facility and convent.
At the time, Western York County had only limited access to healthcare. The Sisters immediately began operating a clinic and residence out of the donated house, laying the foundation for Divine Savior Hospital. The area’s first dedicated hospital building was completed in 1942, marking a significant advancement in local medical care.
By 1949, the congregation formally changed its name to the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy, reflecting a broader commitment to charitable service. The Sisters were known not only for their professionalism but for their deeply personal, patient-centered care. One nurse, Neal, who worked alongside them, recalled their unwavering dedication, especially that of Sister Gertrude, who was affectionately remembered as a “little ball of fire.” Known for her tireless energy, she worked both in the emergency room and the operating theater, a testament to the Sisters’ all-hands-on-deck approach in the hospital’s early days.
Divine Savior and the Sisters’ legacy is a powerful example of faith in action and the profound impact of service-driven healthcare in small-town York, South Carolina, during the 20th century.
Due to declining numbers within their congregation, the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy petitioned the Roman Catholic Church to transfer ownership of Divine Savior Hospital. In July 1989, the facility was acquired by Bon Secours Health System. The hospital’s emergency and acute care services were discontinued in October 1991, and in December of that year, the property was purchased by White Oak Manor. It now operates as a nursing home facility.