Patricia Chenoweth Whitehouse (1927 - 1979)

Born 17 Feb 1927 in Samarai, Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea

Ancestors

Died 1979 at about age 51 in Australia

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Biography

Patricia Chenoweth Whitehouse was born on 17th February 1927 at Samarai, Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea. She was the daughter of Ernest Whitehouse and Lillian Chenoweth.^[1] Whereabouts and ownership of the bible are unknown. Better source required.

As a young girl, Patricia was a frequent contributor to 'Possum's Pages', a children's section in "The Mail", Adelaide, South Australia. One such letter appeared on 26th July 1941;

• From Papua
  

Dear Possum—I thought perhaps you and other Sunshiners may be interested in our trip home to Papua. There was a heavy swell on the way to Brisbane. Next morning we were inside the Great Barrier Reef, but it was still fairly rough. Next came the crossing to Port Moresby, and folk who had not found their sea legs did not enjoy the rough sea. We had several lifeboat drills and full instruction about lifebelts and what to do in case we had to take to the boats, but fortunately all went well. Friday everyone was up early to see Port Moresby, the first port of call in Papua, and get ready to pass the doctor. First the navy launch came to see who and what we were, and then the Customs, with the doctor. As a timber boat was at the wharf, we could not get in until 2 that afternoon. Port Moresby has a grown a lot, there are many new buildings, and motor traffic is everywhere. We were here for eight days, but for us it was most enjoyable, with a swim every day and many friends to call on. Although rather hot ashore, on the boat we were benefited by the south-east breeze. Saturday morning we were passing Fife Bay, Suau Passage, and then at 11, nearing Kwato, finally tying up at Samarai wharf at 12. We spent several happy days here before setting off to the Trobriands; we had a very rough trip, and stayed several days with the sisters on the Methodist Mission Station until dad came, then we came six miles to a village called Obwelia, where we are living at present. Patricia Whitehouse (14), A., Obwelia, Losuia P.O., Trobriand Islands. Papua.— Pink Certificate. ^[2]

Patricia trained as a nurse at the Adelaide Children's Hospital. She passed her final exam with credit.^[3] She passed her midwifery examination in 1948 after training at the Queen Victoria Hospital in Adelaide.^[4] Eventually she became a triple-certificated matron and went on to work in a remote area, just like her mother, as reported in "The West Australian", Perth, WA, Wed 12 March 1952;

• New Matron To Care For Natives
  

A triple-certificated nurse has been appointed as matron of the Mogumber Methodist Mission Hospital, which also includes a creche for native babies. She is Sister Patricia Whitehouse, who was born in Papua where her mother, who now lives in South Australia, was a missionary. Her father, the late Mr. Richard Whitehouse, was a Government medical officer in Papua. Sister Whitehouse did her nursing training in South Australia. At Mogumber she will be in charge of the only native creche of its kind in Western Australia. At present there are 17 babies there, and more are expected. They are all of aboriginal and mixed blood. She will also have under her care a number of incapacitated elderly natives, and probably later on will take over the care of infants at the mission. Sister Whitehouse, who returned from Adelaide at the weekend, left for Mogumber on Monday to start her new job.^[5]

Some interesting insights into Patricia's life and beliefs can be gained from this letter which was published in "The Methodist" (Sydney, NSW : 1892 - 1954) Sat 15 Nov 1952 Page 4 Overseas Missions.

• Word From Mogumber
  

Sister Patricia Whitehouse writes from Mogumber, W.A.: —
Mogumber! Sand plains, gums, pines, flowers blooming by the wayside, glorious sunrises and sunsets, scenery so different it grips one; sight and sounds of happy, healthy children; the joy of service for our Master, and opportunities in the present and future — these, I feel, are my impressions. It is with joy I write and assure you of my well-being and happiness. I feel indeed this is the place of my appointment from God and for which I have been prepared. Service to children has long been my desire, and I am happy that the way has opened so wonderfully for me to be here with fifteen little ones, under the age of four years, in my care. They are very precious, and daily remind me of the lessons our Lord taught of a child's simplicity and love. I pray that all will come to know Him as their Saviour, and follow in the way He leads. Since my arrival one little one has gone to be with the Friend of little children, and two of the old men have passed into a new life beyond the gate we call 'Death'. It is indeed a children's station. If you could see them at work and play you would thrill to the knowledge of the privilege that is ours — guiding them into a better life, fitting them for service. They are the men and women of tomorrow, and in them is our hope. In the short time since I arrived so much has happened that I often wonder whether I am dreaming, and whether the months are not really years! Looking back to the years of childhood in Papua, I am grateful to God for the loving example of those Missionary Sisters who gave me so much. May I follow closely in their footsteps! To all who have touched my life and prepared me for this position I add my tribute of thanks. May I be a worthy representative of you all! Together by prayer, work and interest we can achieve much. God richly bless, guide and keep you all! — By courtesy of the W.A.O.M. 'Link', Victoria. ^[6]

Patricia Chenoweth Whitehouse died in 1979. ^[7]

Sources

1. ↑ Chenoweth Family Bible
2. ↑ "The Mail", Adelaide, South Australia, 26 Jul 1941; NLA trove newspapers [1] Accessed 22 April 2018.
3. ↑ "News", Adelaide, South Australia, 6 May 1948; NLA trove newspapers [2] Accessed 22 Apr 2018.
4. ↑ "News", Adelaide, South Australia, 20 April 1949; NLA trove newspapers [3] Accessed 22 Apr 2018.
5. ↑ "The West Australian", Perth, WA, Wed 12 March 1952; NLA trove newspapers [4] Accessed 22 Apr 2018.
6. ↑ "The Methodist" (Sydney, NSW : 1892 - 1954) Sat 15 Nov 1952 Page 4 Overseas Missions; NLA trove newspapers [5] Accessed 1 Aug 2021.
7. ↑ SA BDM Index Newspaper Death Notices, Patricia Cheoweth Whitehouse, 1979, Advertiser; [6] Accessed 22 Apr 2018.