THE grief of losing their daughter to a genetic heart condition last year hardened a local couple’s resolve to help the community.
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Darryl and Maggie Patterson purchased the former St Joseph’s House of Prayer on Taralga Rd four months ago.
Their dream is to transform it into a “contemporary monastery” or intentional community in the Christian tradition.
The charitable organisation would also focus on social action, such as raising awareness of women in slavery overseas and of children in orphanages.
But there are also plans to partner with local churches and agencies, delivering social programs, including a youth group and plugging other ‘gaps.’ The couple, who moved from Moss Vale, said they had been “dreaming” about the idea for 15 years but their 17-year-old daughter Isla’s illness channelled their energy.
“She was a bit of a social activist and stood up for things,” Mr Patterson said.
“She wanted us to do this so when we found the building, I gave her a high-five and promised we’d do it. We have nothing to lose.”
Isla passed away from the effects of cardiomyopathy earlier last year.
The former orphanage, built in 1905 to an EC Manfred design, presented the perfect opportunity for their idea.
Local agent Peter Mylonas steered them in its direction and the couple exchanged contracts in May.
The two-storey building allows ample space to offer retreats for prayer, education and short-term visits.
Accommodation would be subject to a development application.
“With such a rich history we feel we can use it to sow beauty back into the community from something that’s been left to rack and ruin,” Mrs Patterson said.
“At the end of the day we want it to be an incarnational expression of Christianity and to do that, you have to live it.”
This was the main aim of an ‘intentional community.’ Mrs Patterson said grief could impact in many ways on a person but she wanted to use it positively to help the community.
The former palliative care nurse highlighted the work of Goulburn girl, Caitlin Lance, who facilitates the rehabilitation of trafficked women and children in Calcutta. The monastery will not only help this work but make people aware of modern day slavery and its use in manufacture of consumer products.
The Pattersons see their concept as continuing a legacy of care in the building. The organisation will be called ‘Liminus,’ the Latin word for threshold.
“(After losing our daughter) we are acutely aware that we live on the threshold of eternity,” Mrs Patterson said.
“As such, we seek to live lives of faith, compassion, justice and simplicity.”
Over the past four months they’ve been cleaning up the old orphanage, damaged from years of vandalism. Mr Patterson is also repairing the numerous smashed windows.
There’s a way to go yet but with the structure still sturdy after more than 100 years the couple see its potential.
They’re planning a function area, dining room, reception area, meeting rooms and upstairs renovations, all subject to DA approval.
A restaurant/cafe and bakery using Fair Trade products are also part of the plan. The Pattersons have owned and operated the Milton Heritage bakery for 11 years, income from which they partly used for charitable purposes.
“We don’t plan to bulldoze anything,” Mr Patterson said of the heritage listed building.
“It’s perfect for what we want to do. It has a great sense of symmetry, space and good design. The more you look at it, the more (features) you find.”
They’re also keen to tell the stories in some form of children who lived at the orphanage.
The couple hope to start operations by mid next year.
- The Pattersons are bringing ‘Freedom: John Newton’s Amazing Grace’ to the Lilac Cinema for a charity screening on Wednesday, October 8 at 6.30pm. At the end of the film, there will be a 10 minute live Skype interview with local girl Caitlin Lance (mentioned above). Following this, free fair-trade nibbles, tea and coffee and hot chocolate will be served in the cinema foyer. Tickets are $8.
“This is an attempt to raise awareness of modern-day slavery and also to shine a spotlight on how our consumer choices may feed into the slave-trade. Proceeds and donations will support trafficked women and children in Calcutta,” Mrs Patterson said. Bookings can be made at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ freedom-goulburn-tickets- 12775454729
