On arrival in Adelaide, Malcolm Graetz (commonly known as ‘Mal’) met up with Russel (Russ) Carpenter who was connected to Parkside Baptist Church. Together they shared a burden for a Christian Drop In place to be established in the Unley area.

 

In mid 1972, preparation got underway for a ‘mission’ to be held in September. A group of tertiary students from across Adelaide invited John Smith to be present for a week of evangelical outreach on various campuses. Jayne Townsend had a key role in this invitation to John’s team. John Smith was instrumental in getting a chapter of the Sydney ‘God’s Squad Christian Motorcycle Club’ formed in Melbourne in August 1972. 

 

Counselling preparation meetings were held on the 26th August and 2nd September involving about 80 people at these gatherings. On Monday 4th Sept. John Smith, Eddie Pye and Bill Pattison from the Melbourne God’s Squad attended a Monday night gathering at the University of Adelaide’s Chapel. Young people from different churches and backgrounds were involved in street work and supporting John Smith with his speaking engagements on tertiary campuses. Three large rallies in the Unley Town Hall were held on the 6th, 7th & 9th of September. The rallies had an electrifying atmosphere with the great expectancy of what God would do. This proved to be a very inspiring and fruitful time. There was a real ‘oneness in the spirit’ and the Lord moved in many ways to breakdown denominational barriers. A group including new converts continued meeting Saturday mornings for teaching sessions and prayer.

 

In late September, Gordon Fry had a ‘chance’ meeting on the street in Unley with Mal Graetz. Gordon and his family had just returned from a trip to Canberra and had spent two days in Sydney visiting a number of Christian outreach centres, including ‘The House of the New World’. Gordon wondered at the lack of outreach in Adelaide. Mal Graetz shared about the John Smith Mission and events surrounding the coming together of young people for teaching, fellowship and prayer. Mal conveyed his convictions about the formation of a drop-in centre in that area. Gordon shared about the double story building in his backyard at 114 Cheltenham Street, Malvern. We went to inspect the building and both felt quite excited about the potential for the property. 

 

In the following weeks others were invited to look over the property and the ‘Drop In’ concept was shared. Gordon was already having a Bible study on Thursday nights in his lounge room in the house. Young people started coming to these gatherings and quickly outgrew the space. Gordon inquired about renting the upper floor of the two story building at the back. Even though the property was up for sale and the owner initially being very negative, he ended up granting our request within six days. He even let us decide how much rent we should pay. Young people came for prayer counselling and encouragement. The top floor rang with ‘Hallelujahs’ and ‘Amens’ on Thursday evenings. 

 

In mid October a committee was formed. There were 16 men and women, both young and middle-aged people with the vision for the work. The place was called the ‘Adelaide Jesus Centre’ - commonly referred to as the ‘Jesus Centre’. Efforts were made to buy the property. In December 1972, a number of people felt they could not continue on the committee if the property was to be purchased. The committee as it stood was dissolved and an ‘open committee’ formed. All who felt God would have them there attended the meetings and sought His will regarding future developments. It proved an engaging concept with love and harmony prevailing. Many young people came for prayer, fellowship and counselling. Various visits were made to churches and youth groups around Adelaide.

 

Separate from these happenings, Trevor Harris and Maureen Eames, who were then engaged, were seeking the Lord for guidance for their future ministry. They were involved with Enfield Methodist Church. Just before their marriage on the 9th December 1972, Trevor felt a strong conviction to be involved in Melbourne Street, North Adelaide. Trevor recounts: 

I had previously had a very intense charismatic experience and as a result a strong desire to be involved with street ministry. I was working in government with Peter Johnson who ran a coffee shop in Melbourne Street backed by Klemzig Assemblies of God Church (AOG), so I thought I could join his team to “learn the ropes”. To my surprise he said I could take over the “One-Way Coffee Shop” as his team was moving to a location in Hindley Street. 

 

The “One Way Coffee Inn” was a street ministry that offered free coffee and tea to the public. Trevor, who was an architect with the Public Service, also had work connections to Gordon Fry.