Bush Brotherhood - site

Statement of Significance

The site is important for its association with the provision of religious and hospital services in the district. The 'Bush Brotherhood' which operated from here was the only one of it's type in WA.

Physical Description

This site is now marked by a plaque. The original building was demolished and a transportable building has since been placed on the block.

History

This Bush Brotherhood was started by Bishop Goldsmith, the original Bishop of the diocese of Bunbury, in order to provide a ministry in the smaller bush centres to relieve the clergy in the larger towns from incessant travelling. This was the fourth brotherhood of its kind to be established in Australia. The four brothers initially took up residence at "Barroworn", a farmhouse three miles north-west of Williams. The Brotherhood's inauguration was on 11 July 1911 at the original Williams Church. Despite many difficulties and great inconveniences these brothers pursued their task. Their greatest wish was to have a home of their own more conveniently situated to the township; and this eventually was made possible through the action of a kindly well-wisher in Bristol, England Mrs Monica Wills. While waiting completion of the purchase of the land and the calling of tenders for the construction of their new premises, the brothers shifted into the township of Williams where they made a temporary home in the residence formerly built and occupied by Dr Morton in Fry Street. The foundation block of the new building was laid by the Bishop on 16 July 1913, and then on 5 November 1913, came the official opening and blessing of the House of Grace. Having acquired additional horses and suitable conveyances the Brothers covered approximately 20,000 square miles of territory. With Williams as the centre, their sphere of service included Wandering in the north, a distance of 35 miles, Dwellngup 66 miles to the west and Kondinin in the east, over 100 miles away. Their southern boundary extended from Boyup Brook through Gordon River, Franking River, Pallinup and Borden to Jerramungup. The Brotherhood of Saint Boniface continue to render this valued missionary service to the many farflung small bush centres until its forced closure at the end of 1929 due to the lack of recruits for the order. Two who served at this Brotherhood were elevated to the order of Bishop. Rev. W.E. Elsey, enthroned Bishop of Kalgoorlie in August 1919, and Rev. John Frewer enthroned Bishop of the North-West in April 1929. (1) After the Brotherhood closed, the building then became the District Hospital (after some modification) and served this purpose for many years. (2) The Roads Board took over the building, leasing it to various matrons. In 1949 the hospital came under the jurisdiction of the Medical Department and a Hospital Board was elected to take over the day to day management. Matron Haynes arrived in 1949 and continued to serve the community until 1974. Local resident Keith Palmer was elected to the board in 1941 and carried out the duties of Chairman from 1953 until 1971. (3)

Condition

Site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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