Historical information

Martha Downes was born at Codrington in 1880. She was grand-daughter of the first Presbyterian minister of Clunes. As a child she belonged to the Erskine congregation. She was trained at the Deaconess' Institute and was appointed to the Fitzroy Mission, where the Rev. A.I. Davidson was Superintendent. Miss Downes was placed in charge of the Gore St. branch of the Mission. She started a Sunday morning children's church, a Sunday School, a Sunday evening service, a mothers' meeting, a girls' and boys' club and other activities. She helped raise funds for the Young St. Mission Hall, which was built in 1912. In 1914 Sister Downes retired due to ill health, but returned in 1915 to take charge of the Erskine Mission. Her interest in girls led to the establishment of Erskine Hostel, in a delicensed hotel in Rathdown St. Carlton, where classes, guilds, club meetings and services were held. Martha Downes died on 24 February 1920.

Physical description

Oval, sepia toned three quarter length studio portrait of Sister Martha Downes, mounted on brown card. Sister Martha is dressed in the uniform of the Presbyterian Sisterhood.

Inscriptions & markings

"Aunt Marion, With all good wishes for Christmas and the New Year 1918-1919"