In 2023 BCA re-established the Theological Bursary Program for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. The first ever theological trainee Eric Felton was sent to Mungindi in 1927 for his first posting. Below is an excerpt of an article that appeared in the book ‘These Ten Years’ written by our founder S J Kirkby.

One of the early slogans of the Society was, “We begin where therailway ends”, and as far as possible it has remained true to the ideal embodied therein. It has definitely asked for the remote areas and lonely places, satisfied indeed to remain the Church’s witness therein.

In January 1927 it sent to the far-off township of Mungindi (Adelaide Diocese) The Revd H E Felton, Th.L. Beyond it and around it is the famous ‘black soil’ country. There is nothing like it on earth. In time of rain, it quickly assumes the consistency of glue. Travel is impossible, and poor humanfolk caught in it at such a time flounder about like insects trapped on a sticky flypaper, alternately extricating one foot only to find the other firmly held down. In time of heat the soil dries hard and then cracks into fissures sometimes alarming in their depth.

It is artesian bore country – that wonderful boon in some parts of the outback where bores go down four thousand feet, and from there rushes out over a million gallons of water a day. But that is also another story.

What concerns us is the work of the church. Mungindi has had no parson for ten months, and the bishop and people were nonplussed to obtain one. Here Mr Felton stepped in. He had been trained by BCA at Moore College, Sydney (the first Australian to volunteer for training by the Society) and was the man for the post. The first duty which fell to him, and his wife, was to clean out the church on the day of their arrival, a blazing hot day in summer. Leaves, dust and cobwebs all vanished and once more the bell rang out its invitation to worship, and the life of the Church began anew. St James’ Mungindi, by the way, is the only Protestant Church building in the district.

Progress has been real, though the work demands the usual hard travel. Services are regularly held not only in the distant townships but also at the sheep stations both in New South Wales and in Queensland. At one point a shed ‘waiting room’ on the railway line becomes the place of worship. Variety marks the ministry here, and it has carried the blessing of God.

It was not long before one matter became clear: the conditions that had prevailed at Wilcannia prevailed at Mungindi – a children’s hostel was needed. BCA took up the challenge; the church-people of the district under the lead of Mr Felton joined in. A fund was opened and friends in the various states gave splendidly. A fine gift from the late Hon Cecil Darley (who died in England) led the Society to designate the Hostel by his name, and at last, on 13th February 1930, the building was opened after a Dedicatory Service taken by the Bishop of Armidale (Dr J S Moyes).

Great was the joy of all in the announcement that the building, costing 1,100 pounds apart from furniture, was opened free of debt. To God above was the glory.

The Hostel is under the charge of Miss E M Cheers as Matron. Her careful skill and management have meant much to BCA in the inception of the work. The Revd H E Felton acts as warden, thus the link of the Hostel with the Church is strongly maintained.