Goodwood Orphanage

Opened 15 Aug 1888 in former Goodwood House under the supervision of St Joseph nuns, transferred Jan 1890 to Sisters of Mercy. Chapel foundation stone 3 Apr 1898 by Archbishop John O’Reily, architect Albert Selmar Conrad, opened 15 Aug 1898 in memory of Archbishop Christopher Reynolds. Southern wing foundation stone 3 Jan 1904 by Archbishop R W Spence, opened Aug 1904. New wing foundation stone 12 Dec 1915, opened 9 Jul 1916. Northern wing & front balcony foundation stone 20 Jul 1924 by Archbishop Spence, opened 31 May 1925. Orphanage closed 1975.

 

“Catholic Orphanage and Refuge. . . The Archbishop informed the meeting that a valuable and suitable property in Goodwood had been procured on favourable terms. Steps would be taken to have everything in readiness for the new home as soon as the lease of the present Orphanage at Burnside had expired.” [Evening Journal 5 Apr 1888]

 

“Archbishop Reynolds opened the new St. Vincent de Paul's Orphanage at Goodwood Park. The orphanage is well situated on the estate which formerly belonged to Mr. W. D. Hewer, the property having been purchased for £3,500, towards which the late Mr. J. F. McBride bequeathed £2,027.” [Register 16 Aug 1888]

 

“The commodious residence on the property has been improved, and at the rear buildings have been provided for the reception of the orphan children, viz., schoolrooms, dormitories. . . Altogether 13 acres have been purchased for the purposes of the Orphanage, the area including beautiful gardens, through which flows the Brownhill Creek. The buildings and grounds occupy a splendid situation, and in every respect are well adapted for the new Orphanage of St. Vincent de Paul, the name given to the institution, which is in charge of the Sisters of St. Joseph. In the main residence a Chapel has been erected, in which there is a tablet to the memory of Mr. J. F. McBride and his wife Mary Ann.” [Evening Journal 16 Aug 1888]

 

“St. Vincent de Paul's Catholic Orphanage is now situated at Goodwood, whence it was removed from Burnside in August last year. . . premises, which were previously a dwelling house, have been altered and adapted to the present purpose, and considerable additions have also been made. Every portion of the old building has been utilised. The stables and outhouses have been renovated and converted into dormitories and a dining-room for the boys. The dwelling house in front has been divided into dormitories for the girls, and a small community-room and bedrooms for the Sisters. . . A large school-room has also been added to the building. The property altogether is from 12 to 15 acres. A portion is laid out as a garden, where fruit trees abound, the produce of which is availed of by the inmates; vegetables also are grown. As far as possible the requirements of the orphanage are produced on the property. Three or four cows are kept supplying milk and butter. Fowls of all descriptions are reared.” [Southern Cross 11 Oct 1889]

 

“St. Vincent's Orphanage. . . has been transferred to the care of the Sisters of Mercy, by the Archbishop. They entered upon their new sphere of duty on New Year's Day.” [Southern Cross 10 Jan 1890]

 

“Archbishop Reynolds' Memorial Chapel.— The Archbishop will bless and lay the foundation stone of the chapel which is being erected at the Orphanage of St. Vincent de Paul, Goodwood. Provision is made in the work to allow for future additions, which will all help towards the completion of the whole design. The character of the work is Romanesque, and the chapel will accommodate 200 children.” [Southern Cross 1 Apr 1898]

 

“the memorial chapel erected at the Goodwood Orphanage to the late Archbishop Reynolds. . . is 60 ft. x 26 ft., and approached through a spacious tiled outer vestibule relieved with arches and pierced with ornamental window lights. The choir gallery, which is placed over vestibule .and chapel, is lit with pairs of circular-headed windows. . . designed in the Romanesque style of architecture. The base is executed in coursed freestone, pitched on face, the superstructure being built in hardstone specially picked, in variegated colors, relieved with moulded terra-cotta strings, bands, and cornices, and finished in pressed brick blockings.” [Southern Cross 19 Aug 1898]

 

“The foundation-stone of the additions to the Goodwood Orphanage, which will complete the southern wing of the new building, was laid on Sunday afternoon by his Grace the Archbishop.” [Southern Cross 8 Jan 1904]

 

“For some years the orphanage has fed, clothed, and educated 95 children annually. It is a wholesome home, spotlessly clean and tidy, and the Mother Superior and six sisters who comprise the permanent staff. . . the new premises, which are to consist of a two-storeyed building 112 ft. 6 in. by 29 It. 11 in. On the ground floor there will be two schoolrooms. . . and a classroom. . . These rooms will be flanked on the south side by a verandah 10 ft. wide. Upstairs there will be two dormitories. . . On the same floor extra accommodation will be provided for the sisters. . . There will also be a balcony of dimensions corresponding to the verandah. The extensions are to be carried out in Metropolitan double-pressed machine-made bricks and Tapley Hill stone. . . Mr. A. S. Conrad the architect.” [Chronicle 9 Jan 1904]

 

“The additions to the Goodwood Orphanage. . . have been completed. The work has been carried put in conformity with the original design for the new Orphanage, and forms the southern wing of the permanent institution. The old buildings now in use will be gradually demolished, as the new work is further extended. These future additions will consist of a central facade, with a corresponding wing on the northern side, a group of buildings being situated on the east side forming a quadrangle in the centre 180 ft. x 125 ft: for recreation of children. The present building forms a continuation of the memorial chapel, and comprises on the ground floor recreation and class rooms. . . Sisters' workroom. . . The first floor is of similar capacity, and is divided by an archway into two dormitories.” [Southern Cross 19 Aug 1904]

 

“the Archbishop of Adelaide (Right Rev. Dr. Spence O.P.) yesterday unveiled the foundation stone of the new building which is being erected by the authorities of the St Vincent de Paul Orphanage alongside the old structure at Goodwood.” [Daily Herald 13 Dec 1915]

 

“The new wing of the Goodwood Orphanage will be blessed and opened by his Grace the Archbishop on Sunday afternoon next, at 3 p.m. The wing was very badly needed owing to the dilapidated condition of the old buildings which were occupied by the Sisters.” [Southern Cross 7 Jul 1916]

 

“At present there are 117 children in the institution, ranging from 5 to 15 years of age.” [The Mail 8 Jul 1916]

 

“St. Vincent de Paul's Orphanage. . . laying of the foundation stone of the new wing of the institution by the Archbishop of Adelaide. . . The institution takes care of orphan children of any denomination between the ages of 3 and 14 years, and at the latter age finds them situations. They are taught the State school curriculum, and are prepared for the qualifying certificate.” [Register 21 Jul 1924]

 

“Goodwood Orphanage. . . The new wing would give greater accommodation for the children, who would have a more suitable dining room in the new wing, the present room upstairs being converted into a dormitory.” [Southern Cross 25 Jul 1924]

 

“opening ceremony of the new wing additions of St. Vincent de Paul's Orphanage, Goodwood, conducted by the Sisters of Mercy, will take place on Sunday, May 31. . . The building, with the new additions, presents a very fine appearance, including the new balcony across the front of the main building.” [Southern Cross 22 May 1925]

 

“The Biennial Fete in aid of St. Vincent de Paul's Orphanage, Goodwood, was held on Saturday afternoon and evening in beautiful weather. Despite the still prevalent depression there were good attendances, and good business was done by the various stalls and side shows. . . The old buildings and ground were purchased many years ago for £2,000. The south wing was erected during the episcopate of the late Archbishop O'Reily. . . the first official duty of the present Archbishop was to lay the foundation-stone of the front building. Later on portion of the north wing was erected.” [Southern Cross 20 Nov 1931]

 

EARLIER LOCATIONS

Orphanage first opened 1866 in a house in Walkerville, later moved to Mitcham & then Burnside.

 

“The Orphanage of St. Vincent de Paul. . . was formally opened on the 15th instant. The house, which is situated near Walkerville, is a very spacious six-roomed building, with an enclosed paddock, which will be a great advantage as recreation-ground.” [Register 16 Aug 1866]

 

“a letter from Miss Briggs, Matron at Walkerville, informing the Board of the kindness of the following persons in sending supplies for the entertainment of the Orphanage children at Christmas.” [Advertiser 18 Jan 1868]

 

“The annual meeting of the friends of the St Vincent de Paul's Orphanage. . . last report slated that the number of children then in the Orphanage was 34. . . at present no less than 80 children. . . they have secured better accommodation for the children by renting houses in Franklin-street, at rear of which they have erected large dormitories and dining hall. . . Sisters of St. Joseph, who have charge of the female branch. . . Miss Briggs and her assistants, in charge of the boys' department.” [Advertiser 11 Aug 1868]

 

“St. Vincent de Paul's Orphanage. . . during this week the inmates of this institution have been removed to Mitcham, where a well-ventilated building, with paddock and playground attached, has been secured for them.” [Register 9 Nov 1872]

 

“The Orphanage is situated at Burnside, some three miles from town. . . It is most pleasantly situated near the foot of the hills. . . The Orphanage is an old country house in a large paddock, in which several cows are grazing. A winding creek and almond-trees in bloom give light and colour to the surroundings.” [Evening Journal 17 Jan 1883]

 

Done