GENESIS
Discussions at the annual meeting of the Victorian Visiting Nurse Service for Christian Scientists in early 1977 highlighted the need for a nursing facility and a place where those requiring assistance, or seeking release from the responsibilities of caring for themselves, could be provided with a home where Christian Science principles are observed. investigating committee, which included several Christian Science Practitioners, was formed to see how this could be achieved.
The Department of Practitioners and Nursing Activities of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, and accredited care facilities in the USA and England were consulted and comparable developments by other organisations in Australia were investigated.
Since 1950, a not-for-profit body run by a group of Christian Scientists and incorporated as the Victorian Welfare Association (VWA) had owned and managed a block of 19 residential apartments and 4 sheltered care rooms for Christian Scientists in Hawthorn, Victoria. As the aims of the investigating committee were so similar to those of the VWA, it was felt that the new project would best be developed under the one organisation. This decision was formalised at the AGM of the VWA in March 1978.
In March 1978, after many properties had been considered, a contract was entered into for the purchase of The Heights, a 100 year old Victorian residence on 1¼ acres in Kerferd Road in Glen Iris.
The new home was opened in November 1978 with provision for 6 residents in this original building, under the care of a Christian Science nurse and a small staff.
In November 1980, the Christian Science field in Victoria was presented with a plan for a proposed development. As a direct result of the positive response to this plan, finances were made available to complete the purchase, to enter into a contract to extend the care facility to cater for 12 residents and to construct up to 20 independent 1 and 2 bedroom villa units set in the surrounding gardens.
​