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“Elim Clinic – Fifty years of grace 2008”
The roots of Elim Clinic can be traced
back to long before 1958, in fact to 1927 when a group of Christians
working for the SA Railways of that time noticed that many of their
colleagues used alcohol irresponsibly. They addressed the problem
by establishing the SA Railways Temperance Union on 17 October
1927. The Temperance Union started coffee shops at stations,
providing a healthy environment to socialise before and after
shifts, opposed to the bars at stations as the only alternative.
Branches of the Temperance Union were established in various
centers, and large numbers of SA Railways staff were involved with
the activities of the Union. In May 1957 it was reported that 4 800
members have registered. They soon realised that their activities
are sufficient as preventative measures, but that people with a
problem need professional assistance.
Elim Clinic was born from this need.
Funds were raised and the piece of land where Elim Clinic is today
was bought in 1958.
"One of the most attractive buildings in
the Kempton park area – an old Dutch style house with white gables –
will be used in future as a rest home and rehabilitation centre for
railway employees in need of a place to relax and where medical
attention is readily available.
The building was bought by the
Temperance Union from the Governor-General’s National War Fund for a
total of £10,000. The Union paid a further £500 to acquire the
furniture in the building and a delivery van. Formerly used as an
orphanage for the children of soldiers who died in the war, the home
was made available for sale when only a small number of children
remained.
Situated in nine acres of ground a short
distance from the Kempton Park-Modderfontein road the lovely old
house will accommodate between 20 – 25 patients in addition to staff
members.
The home has been bought and will be
maintained through the monthly subscriptions of the 7 000 railway
men (1958!) who belong to the Union. The Union receives no
financial assistance from the Railways Administration or the
Government. The home was officially opened by the chairman of the
Board, Mr. C W E Ohlhoff.”
The name Elim
originates from the Bible. Like the Biblical Elim in Exodus 15:27
Elim Clinic is still an oasis, a place where tired travelers can
rest, become strong and prepare and equip themselves for the journey
ahead. |