“Everyone has a story about St John of God Hospital,” says Annette Taylor.

There’s a special affection for the hospital, now known as Bourke Street Health Service, that’s travelled down through the generations.

On Saturday, April 2 organisers will harness this warmth to celebrate 100 years of health care at the facility.

The St John of God Sisters started the hospital after the Catholic Church acquired a private residence, originally designed by architect EC Manfred, in Bourke St. It had been home to Goulburn Herald editor William Riley and then Dr Robert McMaster, who also ran his practice there.

According to research undertaken by Lorna Parr and Maxine Elder, Francis Patrick Kelly bought the property and land and conveyed it to the Catholic Church to be held in trust for a hospital.

Originally known as St Mary’s, its name was changed to St John of God Hospital by the time of the official opening in 1916.

The Sisters ran it faithfully, and significantly expanded the buildings until 2004 when the Greater Southern Area Health Service purchased the facility and took over services.

Pastoral care worker, Sr Eileen Regan was the last Sister to leave the hospital in 2012.

While the name has changed, the Sisters’ legacy has endured. It will be heavily honoured in the April 2 celebration.

“I think the Order had vision and we’ve seen them grow health care right across Australia,” the Service’s senior nurse manager John Gale said.

“It’s important to consider this was a century ago when some of the nuns came from Ireland. Their legacy in Goulburn is that there are still fond memories of them despite the fact they haven’t practised here for 12 years.

“Many of the staff here who started their training with them and are now approaching retirement and all speak fondly of their memories with the Order and the nuns.”

A 12-member sub-group of the fundraising Phoenix Committee has been working hard on centenary celebrations.

“At our first meeting, the energy in the room was incredible. Everyone was very excited,” convenor and committee member Annette Taylor said.

“It’s been lovely, fun and upbeat and everyone has their jobs to do.”

The commemorations start with a Mass at Sts Peter and Paul’s Old Cathedral at 10am, which Archbishop Christopher Prowse will help celebrate.

Three St John of God Sisters will attend the events. After the Mass, they will help dedicate an existing pomegranate tree, the Order’s symbol, in the Cathedral grounds. Funeral director, RJ Sidney Craig is donating a plaque.

Then, those fit enough will walk back to the hospital, accompanied by a piper. A lunch will be held at the facility’s Day Centre room at noon.

A display of old photos, uniforms, equipment and other items will be mounted nearby. People can also go on hospital tours.

“It’s absolutely marvellous what people have turned up,” Mrs Taylor said.

“But we haven’t found the ghost yet!”

Goulburn MP Pru Goward, Hume MP Angus Taylor and Mayor Geoff Kettle are among those invited to an afternoon tea and plaque unveiling to mark 100 years of health care.

Mrs Taylor said this would be particularly poignant with an older and younger staff member helping do the honours.

Then in the evening, at 6pm, an official dinner will be held at the Goulburn Soldiers Club.

Former hospital CEO Bruce Hammond will be guest speaker. Gloria Schultz, who helped raise money for the hospital’s mobile mammography service, is another special guest.

The community can attend any of the events. Tickets for the dinner cost $40 and can be booked at Bourke Street Health reception on 4823 7800.

Other enquiries about the celebrations can be made with Mrs Taylor on 0407 932 789.