St Patrick’s School may have first opened in 1855 but this year sees the centenary since the Christian Brothers College opened at the site on the corner of Smollett and Olive streets on January 29, 1917.
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Greg Ryan from Albury and District Historical Society describes the history of the school below, but we are asking our readers for their memories of attending the school over the years.
If you have an images or stories to tell us then please comment below or email them to kate.benson@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
The foundation stone for St Patrick’s Hall and boys’ school was laid in October 1885.
The contract for the building, designed by local architects Gordon and Gordon, was let to W J Jones for £2240.
The building officially opened in December 1887.
It consisted of a large main hall, with an elevated stage, with two porches facing Olive Street and one facing Smollett Street.
The Patrician Brothers moved into the new hall teaching local Catholic boys.
Four Patrician Brothers had arrived in Albury from Ireland in January 1885.
Tragically, just four weeks later, one of their number, 20- year-old Malachy Dwyer, was drowned in the Murray River at Albury.
The Patricians remained in Albury until 1898 when the Albury Daily News reported that “through lack of support to the Catholic school,” the Brothers were leaving Albury.
The Christian Brothers came to Albury in 1917.
The hall stage was lowered and the building divided into four classrooms and an assembly hall.
The Albury Banner reported that “On January 29 there will open in Albury, under the direction of the Christian Brothers, a new Catholic boys’ school, for the purpose of imparting instruction in the primary and secondary educational courses. Boys from eight years of age will be received. Pupils will be trained for the University, Public Service, Pharmacy and Bankers’ Institute examinations and commercial training is to receive special attention.”
The first principal was Brother Seery.
The school, small by modern standards, played a key role in the educational life of Albury and many of its past pupils distinguished themselves in public life as judges, teachers, businessmen, and politicians.
In 1931, a two storey extension at the Smollett Street end of the school was completed.
Intermediate and Leaving Certificate classrooms were upstairs and science was taught downstairs.
The school also encouraged the interest of students in sport and down the years many have excelled, especially in cricket and Australian football.
For more information about the Albury and District Historical Society, visit the website at http:// www. alburyhistory.org.au.
Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at the Commercial Club Albury at 7.30 pm. Visitors and guests are always welcome.
If you have memories of studying at St Patrick’s School please comment below or send us your photographs to kate.benson@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
