Heritage Places of Adelaide

Adelaide Benevolent and Strangers' Friend Society Hall

17 Morialta Street ADELAIDE

State Heritage Place

The Adelaide Benevolent and Strangers' Friend Society's Hall (Elder Hall), completed in 1898, is historically significant for being built for the Adelaide Benevolent and Strangers' Friend Society. Founded in 1849, the Society is reputedly the oldest secular philanthropic society in South Australia, its chief work being to provide housing for the poor. Up until 1914 it was also the largest charity in the State.Funds from several well-known benefactors have enabled the Society to build, buy and lease property, providing cheap housing for the needy. The annual report for 1898 noted that through the years, and including the legacy in his will, the Society had received over 170,000 pounds from Sir Thomas Elder. Hence, the Society's hall was named in his honour.

Listing Information

Date of Listing: 14 February 1986

More Information

Adelaide Benevolent and Strangers' Friend Society Hall, 17 Morialta Street - Heritage Information Sheet (374kb pdf file)
Heritage information about Adelaide Benevolent and Strangers' Friend Society Hall, 17 Morialta Street, Adelaide from Heritage of the City of Adelaide: An Illustrated Guide 1996