With Rahamim Ecology Centre set to close next year, a Sister of Mercy has decided to host a series of guided tours to inform members of the Bathurst community about the building's illustrious history.
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The building, originally named Logan Brae, was built in 1877 as a family home for John Busby [the son of George Busby, Bathurst's first doctor], his wife Harriet and their children.
When Harriet moved to Sydney in 1895 [four years after John's death], Logan Brae went through a series of owners before the Sisters of Mercy of the Bathurst Diocese acquired the site in 1908.
Sister Carmel Carroll, who will conduct the upcoming tours, said the building has served a variety of purposes under the Sisters of Mercy's 110-year ownership.
"The Diocese needed a central building where they could train novices, so John Meagher [Member of NSW Legislative Council, 1900-1920 [his death]] purchased Logan Brae for £3000 and gave it to the Sisters of Mercy," Sr Carmel said.
"In the years since, this building has provided sanctuary for people affected by various social ills, as well as a centre for environmental and ecological education."
Rahamim recently announced that the centre will close in April 2020 after 12 years in operation, with maintenance costs and the competing demands of various other Sisters of Mercy resources cited as key reasons behind the decision.
Sr Carmel said the building, which has traded as Rahamim since 2007, has maintained its status as a place of learning despite the many purposes it has served over the years.
"The repurposing of this building has always followed the recognition for a new need," she said.
"While we're said to be relinquishing our hold on it next year, we hope it will continue to serve the community through a new not-for-profit organisation."
The tours will be held on December 4 and 18 from 10.45am. Tickets cost $20 and include a short film and morning tea.
To book, contact Rahamim on 63329950.