%20(1800%20x%201166%20px)%20(19).png)
From small beginnings, a lasting mission
When a convicted felon, a lawyer and a school teacher first came together in 1815 on a mission to do more good, they had no idea their work would continue for two centuries and counting.
More than 200 years later, the mission they began is stronger than ever.
History at a glance/our history in photos/snapshots from the past
1812 - 1815
Methodist beginnings
Edward Eagar (a convicted felon), John Hosking (a lawyer) and Thomas Bowden (a school teacher) ask the Methodist church in England to send a minister to Australia.
Australia’s first Methodist minister, Rev Samuel Leigh, arrives in 1815 and begins holding church services in The Rocks, Sydney.
Methodism is a Christian Tradition founded on the work of John Wesley (1703-1791). It emphasises the transformative effect of Christian belief on people, and the call to charity. Wesley’s belief in ‘doing all the good you can’ inspired our mission.
1819-1897
A growing mission to fight inequity
- In 1819, Rev Leigh’s church begins its mission to fight inequity and support those in need, opening a house in Sydney that accommodates people who are poor and unwell.
- 1866 sees the opening of the church’s Sydney Night Refuge for homeless men. William Taylor becomes Superintendent of the church, renaming it Central Methodist Mission.
- In 1890, the mission opens its first employment centre and its Sisters of the People centre to help vulnerable women and children. A few years later, it opens the Waverley House home for children in Woolloomooloo (later to become Wesley Dalmar Foster Care).
- To help people facing alcohol addiction, the mission opens its first medical institute in 1897.
1900-1930s
Expanding support for people facing disadvantage
To combat the disadvantage industrial workers, seasonal migrants and the unemployed faced, the Central Methodist Mission continues to establish numerous centres of support.
Moving to Pitt Street in 1905
In 1905, the organisation moves to the Lyceum property in Pitt Street, Sydney, which remains the site of our central office today.
Opening Taylor Village and responding to the Great Depression
In 1928, Taylor Village opens - the mission’s first aged care service.
When the Great Depression hits, the mission continues its intense social work, with a focus on addressing unemployment, poverty and hardship.
1940s-1950s
Supporting people through and after World War II
The mission supports the war effort and troops, and expands its much-needed services for the elderly, for children and for men.
1960s-1990s
During rapid change, the mission is more relevant than ever
In this era of rapid social change, Rev Alan Walker steps up to lead the mission, which turns its focus to the most isolated in the city.
A new focus on mental health and disability support
The launch of Lifeline in 1963 is a milestone innovation. It is the world’s first telephone counselling service to provide support to those struggling with depression and mental health challenges.
In the same decade, helping people with disabilities becomes a focus, first through disability accommodation services, then through an employment program.
Launching the School for Seniors in 1969
In 1969, the inaugural School for Seniors program opens, offering individuals over 55 a place to socialise and learn new skills.
Joining the Uniting Church in 1977
In 1977, the Methodist Church of Australasia, the Presbyterian Church of Australia and the Congregational Union of Australia combine to become the Uniting Church. Our mission becomes part of the Uniting Church, and we change our name to Wesley Central Mission.
Expanding homelessness services with the opening of Edward Eagar Lodge in 1979
In 1979, we expand our homelessness services in Sydney’s CBD, opening Edward Eagar Lodge.
Speaking out for change
From the 1970s through the 1990s, we scale up our social voice to confront issues like racism, youth homelessness, unemployment and debt, using radio as a means to engage people and continue challenging inequity.
Becoming Wesley Mission in 1994
In 1994, we change our name to Wesley Mission.
2000s to today
An unchanging mission to do more good
Wesley Mission continues to expand and evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of the community, always focused on our mission to do more good.
- In 2004, the Noreen Towers Community opens in Ashcroft in response to a high rate of homeless families in the area.
- We launch The Wesley Report series in 2006, to raise awareness and recommend action on social problems in the areas of mental health, homelessness, financial stress, and children and families.
- We also launch a new financial literacy program, In Charge of My Money in 2011 and take over the operations of a respected child mentoring charity, called Aunties & Uncles.
- 2012 marks 200 years since the first Methodists pioneered our history of caring.
Today we continue to serve the most vulnerable in our communities and show the practical love of Jesus Christ through our services and congregations.
