After Allen wrote an article in a national church publication, “The Spirit of the Missions,” about the need for a hospital in the area which she believed could be built for $3,000, friends and strangers began sending money for the project.

Mrs. George Zabriskie Gray of New York sent $3,000 in memory of her daughter Grace then another $2,000 of which $1,000 was designated to build a ward for African-Americans.

Hughson took charge of the project, and the first Grace Hospital was built on King Street in Morganton across from the Episcopal rectory.

Mrs. Hughson became the first superintendent of the hospital and devoted considerable time and energy to improving the institution's finances and facilities.

[2] Kathy C. Bailey is the president and chief executive officer of UNC Health Blue Ridge.