Fom the Archives - St Kilian's
William Webb recalls in 1894, as a seven year-old, walking with his friend Louis Pigott through a nearby paddock that extended from the College to Stanley Road where cows grazed.
Willy recalls getting tossed by a cow that must have had a young calf nearby. Willy also recalled the College to be a modest, wooden structure with less than 100 scholars and being taught by Mr Charles Helwood and Mr O’Sullivan.
In 1871, St Kilian’s College was opened on the grounds that St Laurence’s College now occupies.
Father Corrigan was appointed as the first Head teacher before Father John Cani took over the school from 1873 – 1877 and made significant changes. In 1876, Father James Breen returned from Ireland and ran the school alongside Father Canali.
Bishop Quinn had first approached the Christian Brothers to open a school in South Brisbane, but the Brothers saw the barrier of the Brisbane River as too much of a separation from the main population on the North Side of the river. The floods in 1887, 1890 and a major flood in 1893, which devastated the city and isolated South Brisbane, seemed to confirm the Brother’s assessment.
With limited opportunities for talented boys in Brisbane and through the support of significant Catholic families, St Kilian’s flourished during this time. The school, its teachers, curriculum and results set a standard for what was to come.
The 1881 Prospectus lists the subjects of English, Modern Languages, Classics, Mathematics, Physical Science, Drawing and Music. They also state, “The greatest care is taken in the religious and moral training of the pupils”. Resident pupils were changed fifty pounds per annum, with day pupils charged three guineas per quarter.
Tragedy stuck when St Kilian’s school and presbytery was consumed by fire in early May 1897. The loss of the school was magnified by the loss of its library which contained Fr Breen’s extensive book collection. This collection was said to be crucial to the colony. The only surviving book from that tragedy is a bible now located in the St Laurence’s College Museum.
St Kilian’s operated as a small primary school and in 1906, the Catholic Directory noted there were two teachers and 87 pupils. St Laurence O’Toole School (now St Laurence’s College) was officially opened on 11 April 1915 and was run by the Christian Brothers.
Freeman’s Journal 25 May 1878 extract describes the College and grounds.
Dr James Mayne
In looking around from the site on which St Kilian’s College stands, and viewing the prospect from horizon to horizon, no one can fail to admire the varied beauties of the surrounding scenery. The site is one of the most elevated around Brisbane. A full view of the town and suburbs may be had. …The Victoria Bridge is a magnificent structure, its size and dimensions may be inferred from the fact that the River is one thousand feet across... Forming my opinion from observation, I should say that college grounds occupy some thirty or forty acres.
The college itself is only meant to be a temporary one, it is a wooden structure, but solid and durable. The floor is raised about ten feet from the ground on firm, massive wooden posts. The house is capable of accommodating 100 students and due regard has been paid to light and ventilation. The College residence which comprises dormitory, refectory and lavatory provides for forty or fifty boys. The president and professors reside here. The contemplated future new college will, when erected, take in one of the finest views in Australia.