In the early 1940’s, racial segregation hindered access to quality healthcare for southern Black communities. An unexpected conversation during a train ride in 1942, birthed a hospital that would restore hope in healthcare for Black residents of Mobile. Mother Veronica, Provincial of the Sisters of Mercy, expressed her strong desire to serve Black communities, and Bishop Toolen embraced the idea by suggesting that she could help at a small, struggling maternity hospital in Mobile, Alabama. This rapport subsequently led to the planning and establishment of St. Martin de Porres Hospital – named after the patron saint of social justice.
In 1941, a small maternity hospital was built at 623 S. Wilkinson Street to serve mothers of color. Initially run by a white physician, management quickly shifted to Black practitioners. There was only one ward and five beds, inadequate for satisfying the growing demand for services. In 1942, two Sisters of Mercy arrived, upgrading the facility to nine beds. Though resource-challenged, dedicated staff selflessly delivered over 2,500 babies, with only 3 maternal deaths. With only 34% of beds needed being available, Bishop Toolen launched a campaign for a modern hospital to address the urgent need.
Mobile-Birmingham, standing before the statue of St. Martin de Poores.
Opened in April 1950, St. Martin de Porres Hospital featured modern facilities, 35 beds, and plans for expansion. Established with $616,000, funding came from church leaders, the federal government, and Mobile’s Black community.. Local Black civic groups equipped, furnished the hospital spaces and donated a statue of St. Martin de Porres. The hospital was one of the few Southern hospitals with biracial medical staff, allowing Black doctors access to advanced tools. Led by the Sisters of Mercy, it had a diverse nursing team of eight and was governed by both a Board of Trustees and a Board of Governors.
However, due to integration and financial constraints, the hospital shut down in 1968 as desegregation reduced the need for a separate hospital. Afterwards, the building was repurposed and later became the Allen Memorial Home, a nursing home, and now Allen Health & Rehabilitation which continues to serve the Mobile community in a different capacity.
Though it no longer stands, St. Martin de Porres Hospital remains a symbol of faith, justice, and the fight for healthcare for all.
