Did You Know? Earl Gaston "Mr. Baptist Hospital" and Family
Did you know? In the beginning, bringing Baptist Hospital from dream to reality was challenged by obstacles due to World War II and post-war era struggles. Yet the believers in the mission were resilient people who never gave up, much like those of today.
A most notable driving force in the opening of Baptist Hospital was Earl Gaston.
He was one of the founders who led a community campaign to raise funds to help build the hospital. Known as “Mr. Baptist Hospital,” Earl and his family would eat Sunday dinners at the original Baptist Hospital on E and Moreno streets. The tradition allowed them to get to know the physicians and their families better.
Today, his granddaughter, Margaret Jackson, remembers those times fondly. She continues that family legacy through she and her husband, Ron Jackson’s generous gift to the Transforming Baptist Campaign to name the Baptist Hospital Chapel Garden in honor of Earl Gaston. Ron also currently serves as BHC Board of Directors.
“I just know how much Baptist has impacted the community,” Margaret said. “My grandfather would be ecstatic knowing how much it has grown. It has been our family passion. I’m very excited about the next chapter in Baptist’s history.”
