M. D. Anderson's Chaplaincy program began with a physician's idea and a philanthropist's desire. M. D. Anderson physician Dr. Richard Jesse and fellow members of St. Matthew Lutheran Church wanted to continue the age-old tradition of church involvement in hospitals and other institutions. At the same time, Wharton, Texas residents Marshall Johnson decides to donate money to the medical field after having a heart attack. 

1956: Marshall and Lillie Johnson of Wharton, Texas, donate land in Florida, which was sold for $16 million. The money would later be used to build the Lutheran Hospital Pavilion at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. 

1958: The Lutheran Hospital Association receives its charter from the Texas Secretary of State. A board is appointed by the Central Lutheran Activities Council of Houston, Texas.

November 1965: The Lutheran Hospital Association decides to affiliate itself with the University of Texas.

June 12, 1973: The Lutheran Hospital Board signs an agreement with M. D. Anderson Cancer Center to build an interdenominational chapel in connection with the Lutheran Hospital Pavilion project. The agreement also creates a permanent endowment from Lutheran Hospital, Inc., to support the Chaplaincy Department.

1974: The Lutheran Hospital Board passes a resolution encouraging congregations to give "prayerful and financial support" to the hospital project.

1974: Ground is broken for the chapel.

November 21, 1976: The Lutheran Pavilion interdenominational chapel is dedicated.

2000: The Lutheran Hospital, Inc. board of directors votes to change its name to The Chaplaincy Fund, Inc.