THE 135-year-old former Christian Brothers’ residence at St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace, in Brisbane, is to be restored over the next 12 months as part of the college’s anniversary celebrations this year.
The 135th anniversary year commenced on July 23 with a Mass celebrated at the college by Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane.
Principal Peter Chapman said the college had a proud history with a long list of illustrious “old boys” including six priests who concelebrated the anniversary Mass with Archbishop Bathersby.
“We are indeed truly blessed by the contribution which so many people have made to the college over the past 135 years,” Mr Chapman said.
“I am struck at the long list of illustrious old boys who walked amongst the walls of our Spring Hill campus with dreams and hopes of what the college, state and nation might become.
“Our alumni includes literary stal-wart Hugh Lunn, musical genius Bernard Fanning (of Powderfinger), the founder of Youngcare David Conry, former Brisbane Archbishop James Duhig and many of our nation’s wartime heroes.
“We proudly recall sporting stars such as Michael Lynagh, Tony Shaw, Phil Carmichael, Michael Doohan and Ron Oxenham.
“We remember the academics including 17 Rhodes Scholars, the newly appointed Chief Justice of the Federal Court, Chief Justice Pat Keane, Prof-essors James Snr and James Jnr Mahoney and Cedric Hampson.”
Mr Chapman said the spirit and values of the Christian Brothers were as alive and well as they were when the college began 135 years ago.
“It is fitting that by the end of our 135th year, the building which housed the former residence of the Christian Brothers will be restored thanks in part to a heritage grant from the Brisbane City Council,” he said.
“The restoration of the 135-year-old building is but one legacy to the hard work and dedication of the Christian Brothers, our continued growth and achievement is another.” During his homily, Archbishop Bathersby told students they were called to use their talents to make the world a better place.
He said past students such as Archbishop Duhig were still making a difference to and inspiring the lives of young men currently in school.
Archbishop Bathersby asked the students to never forget past students “who lived their lives and made a difference no matter how small their contribution”.
“May all of you do the same and may Mary, mother of Jesus and our mother, always point you to her son as she says ‘do whatever he tells you’.
“If you do so then the years ahead will be the profound adventure God wants it to be for each and every one of you.”
College captain David Tyquin in his reflection on the college said the Terrace story was one of humble beginnings, significant sacrifice, faith and learning, and community outreach.
He was keen to ensure students realised the day was about more than just another school birthday.
“What we celebrate today is what Terrace represents, what we have done throughout our hundred-and-thirty-five years,” he said.
“We haven’t just turned 135, we have 135 layers of legacy and that is what we represent today.”
