At some point between his installation in Perth in 1876 and 1881, he opened his home to four theological students, whom he instructed, with a view to ordination.
Parry's successor as Bishop of Perth (first Archbishop from 1914) was Charles Owen Leaver Riley (1894-1929).
A priest in the diocese, Charles Lefroy, was instrumental in persuading Riley of the need for a theological college.
[4] In 1922 there was a concerted effort for fundraising,[3] but by 1926 there were no students at St John's, and a decision was taken to close.
[6] Although St George's was opened, and remains a residential college of UWA, it never offered theological education.