Chaplaincy Begins

While Rev Thompson was Director (1949-1956), a generous anonymous donation followed by a church donation, enabled chaplaincy to commence. The first chaplains were appointed in 1955 to commence the following year: to Brunswick, Footscray and Collingwood Technical Schools. Their roles were developed in response to the needs of their local schools.

Funding at the local level was important right from the beginning of school chaplaincy. Along with the expanded work, an Assistant Director was appointed; the Rev Dudley Hyde (who later became Director from 1957-1962).

During this time, the Council included: Dean Langley (Chair, pictured below), MLC Sir James Kennedy, Rev S Barton Babbage (Principal of Ridley College), Professor N Lade (Bishop of Gippsland) and the Very Rev Francis Roland (Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia).

Strong support was also given by the Lieutenant- Governor, Sir Edmund Herring. What great support was provided by church and civic leaders!

CCES initiated conversations with theological colleges around upskilling chaplains. This enabled chaplains to be trained in Religious Education methods as part of theological education courses, equipping them to fulfil the paid roles that they undertook.