Masonic Family Health Foundation

BRIEF HISTORY OF ILLINOIS MASONIC MEDICAL CENTER Originally built as the Chicago Union Hospital, Illinois Masonic Hospital was purchased by the Masonic Orders of Illinois in 1921 to care for indigent Masons and their families. As with hospitals founded by religious denominations, the hospital's commitment to caring grew from the ideals of its sponsoring organization - in this case, the fraternal order. Under the leadership of the Masons, the hospital developed expanded services, teaching programs, and a School of Nursing. Through affiliations with the University of Illinois and other Chicago medical schools, by 1970 Illinois Masonic Medical Center had become the largest community-based teaching hospital in Chicago. Its clinics and ambulatory care centers expanded throughout the north side, and its commitment to the community helped drive dozens of innovative service and educational programs pursued with the support of the Masonic Board of Trustees