February 2, 1973 marked the beginning of the ‘One Way Coffee Inn’ under new management. After returning from their honeymoon, Trevor and Maureen began the ministry with much uncertainty but also with a sense of excitement. Trevor explains:

I had no experience or training and no team except my wife Maureen. On the first night we prayed – “God do not send anyone as we are not ready!” However, He was gracious, and no one came. But soon a small, dedicated team of helpers came, and the One Way Coffee Inn blossomed.

It was heady days in terms of culture at that time. The drug scene was growing. The university students were into radicalism of politics. Melbourne Street was a very attractive place at nights for a big cross section of people.

We handed out literature. We invited people to free coffee and biscuits. Very active discussions on the message of Jesus and the Bible. A steady trickle of converts occurred in the following months as the spiritual climate was very energized. We visited nearby pubs and dance halls with tracts. Bikies and hippies visited and the gospel was shared.

 

A report from the One Way Coffee Inn in 1973 stated:

Witness was common to people with all sorts of chronic needs including satanic oppression, epilepsy, drinking & drug problems, religious and sexual deviations but to name a few. Hospitality and crisis aid was also offered. Christians from near and far came to assist the counselling and street work on Melbourne Street.

 

The team developed a reputation as the “Jesus People” and got interviewed on TV. The group worked well together due to strong prayer sessions before going out on the streets. At times worker’s lives were threatened. On one occasion, the police told the team that their toilet was being used to pass on drugs. It seemed that there was never a dull moment.

 

The Jesus Centre and The One Way Coffee Inn soon began to work closely together. The One Way Drop Inn became officially part of the Jesus Centre later in 1973. The ‘One Way Coffee Inn’ began to be more commonly called the ‘One Way Drop Inn’.

 

In March 1973, Gordon and Helen Fry purchased a house in Kingswood. Two uni students, Chris Reynolds and Wes Chambers shifted into the house after Gordon and his family vacated 114 Cheltenham Street, Malvern. Soon after, Kym Smith and Dave Carter also joined the household as well as Keith Cameron. The Jesus House ‘commune’ became a place for witnessing and counselling to people dropping in, and for temporary accommodation. 

 

Over Easter 1973, Mal Graetz, Jenny Riemann, Jayne Townsend and Rilda Rodgers attended the Youth Happening at the Belgrave Heights Convention Centre in Victoria, hosted by ‘Youth for Christ’. Two of the key speakers were John Smith and John Hirt. Gary Coleman from Youth for Christ also contributed. This weekend was a dynamic time where young people were challenged to take their discipleship seriously if they were to make a difference in this country. “Revolution for Jesus” was a catch cry.

 

The Thursday night worship and teaching gatherings at Malvern continued on the second story of the building behind the house. The attendance fluctuated from a handful to 60 or more. The meetings had quite a heavy ‘charismatic’ emphasis. A Jesus Centre Retreat was also held mid 1973 at ‘Elcarim’ campsite at Ironbank in the Adelaide Hills.

 

The Jesus Centre served as a drop-in place for many people who had been turned off by the traditional church. Counselling notes compiled by Gordon Fry were produced and the selection of books and Bibles were sold. Gordon resigned from the Public Service in July due to heavy demands on his time with the growing ministry opportunities. Invitations were given from various churches in Adelaide and the country to take services and meetings. 

 

Tens of thousands of Jesus Papers, including ‘Truth and Liberation’ from Melbourne were distributed both on the streets and to church groups. By the end of 1973, two publications of the ‘Adelaide Jesus Paper’ had been produced. 10,000 copies of Issue 1 came out in September 1973 and 12,000 copies of Issue 2 were printed in Dec. 1973. This paper brought the Jesus Centre people into contact with many Christians throughout the state.

 

Many young people came from different churches and returned to share an alive and dynamic faith. A good deal of hours were spent in counselling and encouraging both Christians and non-Christians. New Christians were encouraged to become involved in other churches.

 

‘Deliverance ministry’ was emphasised and consumed much time. During October the group was guided out of what was considered to be an ‘unhealthy interest’ in this area. More emphasis was placed on the completed redemptive work of Jesus. The Rev. Geoffrey Bingham from ‘New Creation Teaching Ministries’ (NCTM) assisted in this process. 

 

In November, the property at 114 Cheltenham Street was finally sold and the Jesus Centre was given two months to vacate the property.​