The Deaconess Institution began training Deaconesses at 'Bethany' in Balmain in 1891. Deaconess House, in Carillon Ave, had been the training institution for Deaconesses in Sydney since 1916. It became Mary Andrews College in 1997 and is currently located in St Andrew's House.
The first Home of Peace, 'Eversleigh' in Petersham, was opened by the Governor of NSW Sir Harry Rawson in 1907. The former Red Cross Convalescent Hostel in Neringah Ave Wahroonga was purchased and opened as the second Home of Peace in 1955. Greenwich Hospital was opened in 1966 and managed the Pallister Girls' Home (with care of boys as well) from 1977. In 1982 this work was transferred to Lower North Shore Area Adolescent Service. Braeside Anglican Hospital was added in 1986.
St Matthias' Church, Centennial Park
ADM is the name of the organisation previously known as the Deaconess Institution.
"ADM began 130 years ago when an Anglican Minister and his wife, Rev. Mervyn and Martha Archdall, set aside a quarter of his stipend for the equipping of Christian women. The Archdalls set up a lay order, the “deaconesses”, modelled on a similar order in Germany, and in 1891 ADM was born.
Through prayer and partnership, sacrificial serving and giving, our work grew from small beginnings over many years to include hospitals, nursing homes and schools. Always at the centre has been a foundation built on Jesus Christ and serving him.
As our society has changed over the years, so has the shape of ADM’s work. ADM continues our legacy through a diverse range of innovative programs for Christian women, to see them equipped and encouraged for gospel work in its broadest sense.
As a Christian organisation, our highest priority is to see people come to know Christ and grow in him. NCLS Research tells us that 60% of the Australian church is female. At ADM, we work to see every Christian woman using their gifts so that God’s kingdom would grow across Australia and the world. We are committed to seeing women growing in Christ, being built up as they serve the Lord and being provided with the resources they need to reach the world for Jesus.
ADM is proudly a member organisation, with members drawn from a diverse range of settings and interests. All our members share a common desire to see women equipped and encouraged to serve Christ and his Church."
https://www.deaconessministries.org.au/our-story#our-story2
Robert Doyle is an adjunct faculty member at Moore Theological College. He is the author of 'Eschatology and the shape of Christian belief', among other works.