The Beginning

In 1944 when the war was coming towards its end many people were thinking about the better world they wanted to create when the hostilities ceased and the men and women in the services came home. In the church, there were concerns about how to respond to the demands of the post war society, which in so many ways differed from the world of 1939. Ministry to young people was high on everyone’s agenda the needs of Aboriginal people were being brought into sharp focus, and there were those with a special concern for elderly people who did not have their own homes and were entirely dependent on the Pension and in addition the long term effects of the Great Depression were still noticeable.

At the SA Baptist Union Assembly held in September 1944, it was resolved to affirm “the desirability of establishing a home for aged as a denominational institution.” This idea took a step forward on 20th November, 1944 when the General Committee of the SABU agreed “to aim at securing a property with ample grounds . . . for the purpose of establishing a Rest Home for Aged People”.  A few days later the Baptist Women’s League made a momentous decision. They had prayed that their 21st year would be one of outstanding service and when presented with the need of many elderly people, they saw that here was God’s open door for them.  On 28th November, 1944, they decided to heed God’s call and agreed “To make the raising of Four Thousand Pounds to purchase and equip a home for the aged, as our project for our 21st year.” The home was called “ILLOURA”, meaning ‘a pleasant place’.

The major events in the history of the SA Baptist Homes for Aged Inc. were:

• 1949 Illoura established at Norwood
• 1961 A.C. Hill Wing opened with accommodation for an additional 18 residents
• 1963 A sick bay named Binley Gange Wing was opened
• 1966 Illoura Units for 33 residents opened
• 1973 Playford Nursing Home to accommodate 82 residents opened
• 1982 Gericke Homes transferred to Baptist Homes
• 1986 SA Baptist Homes assumed responsibility for Elkanah Inc, Morphett Vale
• 1991 Opening of Aldis Nursing Home Morphett Vale
• 1995 Opening of Allan Tinsley Hostel Morphett Vale
• 2004 Opening of Playford Nursing Home Davoren Park