Devotion

Sister Ida Elizabeth, Muriel Prosser, 1937. image courtesy of Ida Prosser-Fenn's daughters, Elizabeth and Beverly.

I cannot describe our departure from the Aird Hill Mission Station I visualise those dear young people on the wharf crying and singing in English. Now is the hour when we must say goodbye.

With a heavy heart we had the unbelievable ordeal of adjusting to the so-called civilised way of life, longing for the uncritical loyalty of our Papuan friends.

Ida Elizabeth Prosser-Fenn,
1985–86

Ida Elisabeth Prosser-Fenn and her husband Reverend Edward Richard Fenn were missionaries in Papua New Guinea from 1937 until 1952. The Fenns built the first church at the Aird Hill Missionary Station, but together they learnt that being missionaries in Papua involved more than just preaching and teaching.

While the Reverend Fenn assisted with building and maintenance, Ida Prosser-Fenn, a nurse by trade, provided a range of medical assistance, particularly to the women and children of the surrounding villages.

Known as Bohobo Puripuri Upi – white medicine woman – Ida Prosser-Fenn devoted her time in PNG, not only to her husband's work, but to treating injury and disease and assisting women through pregnancy and labour.

On display in Eternity is a grass skirt from Papua New Guinea that belonged to Ida Prosser-Fenn. While visiting Eternity take the opportunity to record your own story of devotion.