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History Of The Elim Gospel Hall, Ipoh (1913 - 2003) - Part 11 - Winding Down Of Elim Home
The Elim Home from its formation by Mr. and Mrs. George Wilson in 1915 had proved very popular and successful. In those early years, there was slavery or bonded servants, no free education or medical treatment. Girls were not allowed out on their own, or to get an education or to hold jobs. After World War II the whole outlook had changed and many old ideas were thrown away. On the political front, many countries in Asia and Africa started independence movements to fight for self-rule from the colonial powers. Slavery was outlawed and boys as well as girls enjoyed more freedom. Girls had more access to education and travel.
As the economic situation improved and advanced, the churches were able to support the poor families in their areas, so the numbers in the Elim Home decreased. When the girls were fourteen years old and home conditions were suitable, Mrs. Wilson and Miss Phyllis Wilson sent them home to live with their families and helped them with expenses. It was the same with the boys. In this way those children grew wholesomely in a ‘family’ environment. The remaining children were progressively channeled back to families.
Phyllis Wilson kept the Home going as her mother was very concerned for the children even in her old age. After a fall, Mrs. Wilson was weak and feeble for a few years and went to be with the Lord on 14th January 1967 aged 91 in Ipoh. Subsequently Miss Wilson left for New Zealand but returned to Ipoh in December that year. She asked permission from the elders to stay for one year in Ipoh after which she planned to move to some other work. Just then some money was received from the Ding family to build a church in Johor Bahru and the missionaries and elders in Kuala Lumpur (stewards of the money) agreed that Miss Wilson could help in Johor Bahru to get a suitable place for a Hall and start a testimony there. Miss Phyllis Wilson served in Johor Bahru from 1968-1980. In 1980 she made a visit to Ipoh to Elim Gospel Hall for a reunion with old friends before she retired to New Zealand due to health reasons. She went to be with the Lord from New Zealand in December 2002.