Eleanor Harriet RIVETT

RIVETT, ELEANOR HARRIET (NELL) (b. Dover, Tas, 27 Sept 1883, d. Sydney, NSW, 21 May 1972). Missionary headmistress.

Eleanor Rivett was one of the talented and socially committed family of Congregational Rev Albert Rivett and his wife Elizabeth. Educated at Presbyterian Ladies' College and the University of Melbourne, Eleanor joined the LMS and in 1907 became principal of a Calcutta girls' boarding school. As principal from 1916, she made the United Missionary [Indian] Girls' High School one of the most respected Indian schools, in 1938 she was appointed principal of Madras' Women's Christian College. A prominent campaigner for improved educational opportunities for Indian women, Eleanor promoted Indian culture and supported non-violent means to Indian self-rule. Honoured by the Indian government, she retired to Sydney in 1947. Dedicated and serenely dignified, Eleanor was a prominent but modest evangelical leader. In retirement she continued supporting missions and the YWCA, advised on the Colombo Plan and wrote her memoir.

ADB II;

JUDITH GODDEN