Centenary History of Port Adelaide 1856 1956

Port Adelaide Central Methodist Mission. The first Methodist Church in Port Adelaide was built in Quebec Street 107 years ago. Today the firm of Harris Scarfe is using this property as a store shed. The first Sunday School was held in what is now used as the basement of Coles shop. The present Church in Dale Street, was built in 1884. In those days, Dale Street, was the most notable street in Port Adelaide being the residential street for Doctors and Shipping Agents. Forty years ago, owing to the social needs of the community,it was decided to commence Mission activity. The first office was in one class room in a Hall at the back of the Church. Thomas Willason served his ten years in the ministry during times of depression. He organised a soup kitchen in the hall where hundreds of people were fed and clothing given out. Thomas Willason was succeeded by the Rev. A. D. McCutcheon. Rev. McCutcheon found the work too extensive for the small hall and more property had to be found. An old stone cottage next door to the Church was bought and the office transferred from the hall. Many people became ill during these years who could not afford medical attention. Mabel McCutcheon, being a trained nurse, purchased a small £17 ray machine and went into the homes of the sick. Soon it was decided that a clinic would be an asset to the Port and part of the cottage was converted for this purpose. Still more room was needed and two more cottages were occupied. In one a free kindergarten was started. Old train carriages were bought cheaply and made into small rooms for men. e double story house next to the Mission was used as a Men's Hostel as is today. About 10 years ago, a new Mission took shape. One half is the Clinic named the Mabel McCutcheon Memorial. It is here that about £2,000 \\ort of machinery is being used every day. One half of this Clinic has been ent to the Children s Hospital to treat post-polio children of Port Adelaide. ^ modern building are four offices. Dining Room, Kitchen rp, Owing to ill health the Rev. A.D. McCutcheon retired ® Rev. Frank Silwood was appointed as Superintendent. Four years ago, a twelve-roomed house was bought for an Old Folk's ome. is is situated at Semaphore South, and is known as W^esley House, ince t IS, a new wing has been opened at the cost of £33,000, This provides for twenty-eight old people, plus the staff. The slogan of the Mission is The Friend of Many needs Many Friends." Eighty