Despite setbacks, the Baptist General Convention officially approved the hospital project and authorized a fundraising plan to raise $500,000 matched by the BGC. The vision and funds needed for Baptist Hospital finally began to become a reality.

As the Baptist General Convention moved ahead with plans for the Oklahoma City hospital, a site was of primary concern. Edith, Lottie and Myrtle Shepherd stepped forward, donating 10 acres of land at the corner of NW 30th Street and Villa Avenue for the hospital’s construction. The land was valued at $500,000, however it was later found to be unsuitable due to concerns about lack of parking and encroachment on existing streets. A larger, more open tract of land was needed.

However, it was the land donation that jump-started additional planning. In 1955, oil baron Frank Buttram hosted a meeting of civic leaders, including R.J. Spradling, president of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. Although there were already four hospitals in Oklahoma City, the number of hospital beds per 1,000 people was far below the national average.

Robert Kerr had completed his term as governor and been elected to serve Oklahoma in the U.S. Senate. He remained a staunch supporter of the hospital plan and capital campaign to make it happen. Oklahoma Gov. Raymond Gary also voiced strong support.

A retooled fundraising campaign kicked off on April 5, emphasizing the need for private donations. Within two months, more than $500,000 had been donated, and by June 3 the committee was only $70,000 short of its $1 million goal.

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