Jean Finlayson was a Presbyterian deaconess and nurse, trained in Melbourne, Victoria. She travelled to Oodnadatta in South Australia in 1914 to take up the position of nursing sister for the Australian Inland Mission. Once a replacement was found for her, she set out on the 640km journey by buggy in August 1915. She aided Reverend John Flynn with his Australian Inland Mission.
She established herself in a slab cabin called Myrtle Villa, which also became known as 'Sister's Hospital'. As well as attending to the medical needs of anyone within a 150km radius, Jean also conducted Sunday School and the town's first regular (ecumenical) church services. Both were conducted in the Prison Warder's room at the read of the Sturt Town Gaol.
This little book was published in 1925 and we have augmented it with other photographs by Rev. Harland who assisted the Mission during World War One.