The hospital, which cost $80,000 to build, was dedicated on Sept. 24, 1916. At the dedication, Capt. Greeley said, “It affords me great pleasure, more than words can express, that I contribute something towards the welfare of not only those now in need, but also for those who will be here long after we have passed away." The hospital began treating patients on Dec. 28, 1916. According to newspaper accounts, the hospital's first patient was an Iowa State veterinary medicine student from Villisca, Iowa. In its first two weeks, 27 people were treated at Mary Greeley.