While in Spokane he also founded St. Luke's Hospital, Spokane. Wells became something of an international celebrity while Bishop of Spokane, being invited to two Lambeth Conferences in 1900 and 1910. While in England in 1900 he was seated next to Queen Victoria at a dinner, and amused her with stories of Ulysses S. Grant (under whom Wells had served during the American Civil War) and Abraham Lincoln, whom he had met on several occasions.
During his time in Spokane, Wells founded St. Luke's Hospital. He gained international recognition as Bishop of Spokane, being invited to two Lambeth Conferences in 1900 and 1910. While in England in 1900, he dined with Queen Victoria and entertained her with stories about Ulysses S. Grant and Abraham Lincoln.