Funding for expedition came from a fortune made in Australia

In August 1909 the Parker expedition started digging in Jerusalem for the Ark of the Covenant. Most of the funding came from the family of Sir Samuel Wilson. He made a fortune in Australia and did much to fund Melbourne University. There is a magnificent hall named in his honour at the university.

Sydney Morning Herald 6th May 1911

Headline in the Sydney Morning Herald on the 6th May 1911