Revs W.J. Mortimer, Charles E. Schafer, W.T. Shapley and John Pearce were four of those called to create this practical vision. John Pearce’s wife, Annie, was also instrumental in the progression of the project.
As well as playing an integral part in the practical formation of Resthaven, Rev. W.J. Mortimer had much to do with the foundations of the Memorial Hospital and its offshoot, the Mount Barker Rest Home, which was situated at the former Barr Smith home, Auchendarroch, Mount Barker.
Rev. Charles Schafer was known for his ability to conceive practical projects. It was he, for example, who coined the name ‘Resthaven’—a title, it was felt, that ‘suggested security, serenity and rest in life’s eventide’.
Rev. Schafer had previously advocated for the concept of a Methodist Hospital as a memorial to those who served in the Great War; a notion which not only eventuated but has grown beyond his dreams.
Rev. Norman Lade, a well-known and articulate Churchman, was impressed by Rev. Schafer’s boldness and success in gaining Conference’s support:
‘The aged and lonely women of Methodism could not have enlisted a doughtier champion’.
Rev. W.T. Shapley, originally a Bible Christian minister, was yet another with great interest in Home Missions. He was a strong supporter of Resthaven’s formation, while his son, Rev. George Shapley played a pivotal role in the shaping of Resthaven in the 1950s.
Rev. John Pearce had been Home Mission Secretary for the Methodist Church and was known fondly as ‘a man of the people’.
Rev. Pearce and his wife Annie began the experiment that led to Resthaven becoming a reality – welcoming an older lady into the care of their home at Brighton.
Over the next couple of years, this number grew to three or four, with these women paying a small amount for board and lodgings in return for the care and attention of a loving Christian home.
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