St Luke's Hospital began operations as a private foundation in 1884, on the Taber Estate at 81 Fourth St. (now called Purchase Street) , between Madison and Russell. It had 11 beds and admitted 62 patients in its first year.

New Bedford History 1880-1889

There's a detailed history of the parishes in New Bedford and St. Luke's is mentioned but not as a Catholic institution. There was a nun, Sister Mary Hilary, who visited patients the City Infirmary and St. Luke's during the 1918 influenza epidemic.

History of St. James Parish

I read through the links that you had available. I have a feeling that it was not founded as a Catholic Church. That's indicated by it being found as a private foundation, on Taber's estate. If it was a Catholic institution, I think that it would be noted as such,on its founding.

Taber, I know has a history in the New Bedford area, but perhaps you can enlighten me more on who he was

There was a Taber Street Orphans Home (not sure whether it was located on a street named for the Tabers or if it was a former estate belonging to the family). In 1910, foster care was substituted for orphan homes and the building became the women and children's wing of St. Luke's.

The Taber family made money in the whaling business and then branched out into other areas. Tabor Academy was founded by one of its members (changed from Taber to Tabor because of Mt. Tabor in the Holy Land) LINK And some members of the family were Quakers LINK