As the Society was overcommitted, the Petersham property was sold. The main building, the Archbishop Kelly Wing, was built in 1936 and the Chapel was added in 1941. The Pre-Natal Cottage was adjacent to the Chapel. The home began providing pre-natal care to expectant 'girl mothers' in 1941, sending them out to give birth in Catholic hospitals. However, their number grew in the war years, so a 10-bed maternity hospital, with an operating theatre, was added in 1944. A children's playground was added during World War II.

In 1946 the Home celebrated its Silver Jubilee, producing a publication that outlined its history and pointed out that St Anthony's was not like other institutions, for it believed the family unit was essential to child development and it was best to place children in a family - their own or a foster family - as quickly as possible. In 1946 the Committee reported the home had housed 208 babies and children and 89 mothers, 50 of whom had given birth in the hospital. In all, 123 children were discharged; 63 to their mother, 50 to 'approved foster parents' and 10 to orphanages. The Committee said;

There is consolation and joy in the fact that [a total of] one hundred and thirteen infants were absorbed into the family unit to receive all the blessings and help that only such an atmosphere can impart and wherein their future as good Catholics and good citizens can be reasonably assured every possible channel should be explored to encourage adoptions into the only perfect unit of society-the good Catholic family.

St Anthony's was operated by the St Vincent de Paul Society until 1952, when it was taken over by the Sisters of St Joseph. Unfortunately there do not appear to be any records surviving for the years before 1952. After 1952, expectant mothers had their babies at St Margaret's Hospital, also under the care of the Sisters of St Joseph, and children aged 3-6 years were accommodated at the nearby St Joseph's Croydon. A Mothercraft training home was added in the mid-1950s.

In 1980 cottages opened, providing care for boys and girls aged two to sixteen years. Emergency care is still provided by the St Anthony's and St Joseph's Centre of Care Limited at Croydon.

Location

1925 -

St Anthony's situated at Croydon. Location: Croydon

1925 - 1952

Run by Society of St Vincent De Paul

1952 -

Run by Sisters of St Joseph