A very important part of the heritage of the Anglican Parish of Charleville was the Boys' and Girls' Hostels. These were established in 1919, initially together in the old Gowrie Homestead which had been re-located in town. The Girl's Hostel, and the chapel were erected in 1928.These were staffed by Brothers from the Bush Brotherhood, well as Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent.
A feature of the Hostels was the Chapel of Holy Angels where services were held for the boys and girls who lived there.At the time of construction, most of the costs for the chapel were met by the Anglican parishoners and parents. It was in this chapel that Mrs Elsie Whitney(nee Gillespie) was married in 1931.In 1942, the Chapel was extended to seat 130 with most of the building and operational costs being met by parishoners and parents.In 2003 the chapel is still standing but has been the Girl Guide Hut since 1984.
Australia's first Aboriginal Assistant Bishop, Canon Arthur Malcolm was an assistant warden at the Boys' Hostel in the late 1950's, then as Brother Malcolm.
As age and decreasing numbers took their toll on the Sisters, they withdrew from the running of the Hostels in 1965. Also in 1965, the Boys' Hostel was forced to close its doors. The remaining boys were then housed in the Girls' Hostel which then was run by Mrs. Elsie Whitney.The Boys' Hostel was demolished with a lot of the timber being used in the construction of A.C. Motors. The Retirement Village purchased the land from the Diocese.
The chapel at the hostel shortly before the hostel was closed in the 1980's. The Chapel of Holy Angels was a feature of the Hostel as it was the place of worship for all the residents.
The Chapel of the Holy Angels' taken after the final service which was held on 18/07/84.
Mrs. Elsie Whitney, MBE., or Mrs. Whit. as she was affectionately known, held a place of great esteem in the hearts of all who knew her. Elsie's involvement with the Hostel lasted for many years, and there are numerous people whose lives she touched with kindness, compassion and unconditional love. Her work for the Charleville Parish as well extended over decades, as did her selfless service to All Saints.
Almost every family in the west had an association with the Hostel, but it was the home for Mrs. Elsie Whitney for many years. Elsie first entered the doors as a boarder in 1922, and ended 17 years as Administrator/Cook/Housekeeper/confidante in 1982.During this time she saw her own children and grandchildren grace its corridors.
It is interesting to note that the first Hostel was the original Gowrie Homestead.This became the Boys' Hostel when the Girls' Hostel was built in 1928 by Mr. Tug Binney's father.The new building housed 50 girls and was named the All Saints Girls Hostel in 1929.
In 1935, with the opening of a High School, demand for places in the Hostels increased dramatically. 1940 saw the construction of a new building beside Gowrie House.1940 was also the year in which Gowrie House was demolished. During the 1940's a top story was added to the Boys' Hostel giving it a similar facade to the Girls' Hostel. During the 1950's Mrs Whitney was cooking for at least 80 girls with as many being looked after in the Boys' Hostel.
These notes are a reminder of times past, but they recall for many in the area memories of school days, fun, fellowship and an extended family.
