About

Our Vision Statement

We want to see people, transformed by God, equipped and inspired to take their next steps ...

 

Acknowledgement of country

The Salvation Army acknowledges
the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters throughout Australia.

We pay our respect to Elders
and acknowledge their continuing relationship to this land
and the ongoing living cultures of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia.

We also acknowledge future aspirations of all First Nations peoples.

​​​​​​​Through respectful relationships we will work for the mutual flourishing
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians
and non-Indigenous Australians.

We commit ourselves in prayer and practice to this land of Australia and its people,
seeking reconciliation, unity and equity.

 

History of Stanmore House

Stanmore House is an historically significant venue owned and operated by The Salvation Army since 1900. This is a beautiful conference centre with modern training and video conferencing facilities, picturesque landscaping and comfortable accommodation.

Although owned and used by The Salvation Army, bookings are open to the public for conferences, events and accommodation, and by booking at Stanmore House, guests are supporting important community services offered to those in need.

  • 240 acres of land granted to Captain Thomas Rowley. This land covered the area from Stanmore Road to Parramatta Road, and Stanmore House sits on a part of this land. Over the next few years, the land changed hands several times.

  • William Henry Paling (musician, merchant and philanthropist) possibly built part of "The Lodge" and it was listed as being valued at £150.

  • Sir Alexander Stuart and his wife Christina bought The Lodge. Stuart was a member of the Legislative Assembly, Director of the Bank of New South Wales, and later, Premier of NSW from 1883 to 1885.

    The Stuarts added the East Wing, decorated the staircase, and installed the stained-glass window.

    The ‘ASC’ in the window stands for their names. The Latin words ‘Virescit Vulmere Virtus’ mean ‘Courage grows strong at the wound’. There is also a picture of a cormorant feeding its young.

  • The property was sold to The Salvation Army. At the time, it was known as Sefton Hall. The Certificate of Title was issued to Herbert Henry Booth and the property was valued at £3000.
    When The Salvation Army purchased the property, the following information was provided:

    The fittings are made of cedar

    It has a noble entrance hall with 2 large reception rooms on either side and a ballroom

    The first floor is approached by a splendid staircase

    It has an expensive iron railing fence with handsome pillared gates

    There is a stable and a coach house facing Harrow Road

    The design of the whole building is early English and there are not many equal designs to be found around Sydney, due to the cost of construction. The building became known as The Anchorage and was enlarged and renovated.

    The Stanmore Rescue Home was officially opened and revamped with dormitories to house women from poor families, those sleeping rough on the streets, or those battling excessive alcohol use. They operated a sewing and laundry service.

  • The building changed its name to Girls Industrial Home, The Harbour. 42 young girls lived here, did laundry, and made paper bags for the flour mills.

  • There was a need for a shift in purpose. Hence a change in the service to a hostel, to accommodate young girls in business and female students. The name was changed to The Lodge and is still used today.

  • The place was used as a children’s home for 23 boys and girls.

  • Stanmore House was turned into a training facility for Salvation Army officers and used for specialist conferences and extended study.

  • Stanmore House continues to be used as a training facility for Salvation Army officers and workers. Stanmore House is now a fully-fledged Conference and Training Centre for commercial specialist residential conferences, day team gatherings, and family special celebrations.

 

A venue that gives back to the community

Stanmore House hosts in-service training for Salvation Army officers and workers, to equip them for specialised faith and social work in their communities.

Profits are used to support the essential services offered at locations of The Salvation Army across Sydney, ensuring that we remain true to our corporate social responsibility.

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