OLD CONVENT SCHOOL
Former Catholic Church used as the Catholic School
(adjacent to the new Catholic Church within the Church reserve), with teacher James Dillon, left
(adjacent to the new Catholic Church within the Church reserve), with teacher James Dillon, left
Source: SLNSW
This building has been identified as the Union Church in several publications in and outside of Gulgong [it isn't]. There are only a few references to the Union Church in the very early days of Gulgong, supposedly erected by the miners because the other major religions had not established churches at that time. The Union Church was built by the miners between Herbert Street and Medley Streets about where Anzac Park is today. The church was used by all religions until they built churches of their own, and the last to use it were the Congregationalists until their church was built in Mayne Street in January 1872.
In this photograph (above) the Church of England church can be seen to the right [in the distance] on Church Hill, and also the paling fence which enclosed the Catholic Church reserve. A clearer view of the position of the building can be seen in the panoramic photo at Home & Away - 38956. When the new Catholic Church was completed in December 1871 the old church became the Catholic School building. The man on the left is John Dillon the school teacher.
Source: Note supplied by Baldwin & Davis, research Gulgong (Aug 2006)
Detail: Former Catholic Church used as the Catholic School (adjacent to the new Catholic Church within the Church reserve), with teacher James Dillon, left
Source: SLNSW
NEWS ITEMS
Yesterday the pupils attending the Roman Catholic School, Gulgong, were publicly examined by the Rev. J. O’Donovan and the teacher [Mr. Dillon] preparatory to the school breaking up for the Christmas holidays. Several visitors and the friend and relatives of the pupils were present at the examination and watched the proceedings with much interest. The scholars were closely questioned in the various branches of learning and displayed considerable proficiency. In reading, writing, arithmetic and grammar the knowledge of the pupils was creditable to themselves and their teachers, promising well for their future intelligence. Some handsome prizes were then distributed among the successful competitors – four prizes being allotted to the senior classes. Other prizes were distributed according to merit, among the pupils of second, third, and fourth classes. The school is largely attended, the number on the roll being 180 scholars, with an average attendance of over 140. At the close of the exam-ination, the Rev. Mr. O’Donovan addressed the pupils in appropriate language, complimenting them on their creditable achievements and inciting them to further exertions, so as to secure the advantages of a good education by persevering study, an essential element of success in these days of keen competition and rapid progress.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 141, 21 December 1872
1874 - School Inspection
Yesterday Messrs. O’Byrne and Allpass, Inspectors of Schools under the Board of National Education, paid an official visit to the Roman Catholic Denominational School in Medley Street, to consider the report of the application made to the trustees of the school to have it converted into a vested institution under the National Board. There were in attendance about a hundred and thirteen scholars under the superintendence of Mr. and Miss Copas. The appearance of the school was most orderly and neat and the inspector made a minute examination, the result of which will not be known till their report has been furnished to head quarters.
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS, April 18, 1874
1874 - [FUNDRAISER]
1876 - Mr George Copas
Grand Concert at the Prince of Wales Opera House a grand concert of vocal and instrumental music will be given by lady and gentlemen amateurs in aid of the funds for the improvement of the Catholic School Gulgong.
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS, May 5, 1874
1875 - Notice
1876 - Catholic Tea Meeting
Tenders will be received up to the 15th instant for the erection of INFANT’S GALLERY, DESKS etc., R C School, Gulgong. Plans to be seen at Mr McDonough’s Queen Street. By order of the Board. C DRISCOLL, Hon Sec
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS, October 9, 1875
1876 - [FUNDRAISING]
Roman Catholic School Gulgong
A Grand Tea meeting & Reunion will take place at Mrs Powell’s Large Room on the evening of May 24, Queen’s Birthday
Proceeds to be devoted to the paying off the debt and repairing the above school.
By Order of the Committee.
C DRISCOLL Sec
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS, April 29, 1876
Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday was celebrated by a grand tea party; a concert and dance was also held in connection with the Roman Catholic School, held in the large room at Mrs Powell’s Hotel, the attendance was very good. The following ladies presided over the tables etc; Mesdames Driscoll, McGrath, Powell, Gallen, Kelly, Booth, Hunter, J Driscoll, Copas, and Misses Whelan, McGrath and O’Neill. O’Neill brothers gave every satisfaction as the caterers. Entertainment was rendered by Mrs. J Driscoll, Mr G Copas, Master MacNamara. Mr Russell, Mrs Huey and Mr J Deihl.
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS, May 27, 1876
A few evenings ago a meeting of the friends of the above gentleman was held at McGrath’s Hotel for the purpose of presenting him with an address and testimonial prior to his departure from Gulgong. Father Meade read the address which stated that the recipient is well deserving the tribute of praise accorded to him for during his management of the R C School he had under his care children of both sexes, various ages, and all denominations. His attention to his young scholars is a household word in Gulgong and has been acknowledged by all classes. Mr Copas was one of the leaders of the choir in the Catholic Church where his fine voice was duly appreciated. His had also on many occasions assisted in performances given for charitable purposes.
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS, June 21, 1876
1876 - Roman Catholic School Gulgong
The duties of the above School will be resumed on Monday Next, July 10.
M F MOLLOY Teacher.
1876 - Mr Molloy
The duties of the above School will be resumed on Monday Next, July 10.
M F MOLLOY Teacher.
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS, July 8, 1876
1876 - Mr Molloy
We notice with pleasure the arrival of Mr Molloy from Young as teacher of the Gulgong Catholic School. On Monday last he took charge of the school where there were present a large number of intelligent children. During the course of the day the local board with the Rev J O’Donovan visited the school and they were much pleased with Mr Molloy’s system of imparting instruction to the little ones. Those who Mr Molly prepared for the civil service and other examinations passed with credit; and to judge from his popularity at Young whether as teacher or citizen from the flattering address presented to him on the eve of his departure.
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS, July 8, 1876
1876 - Notice
Tenders will be received up to 8pm on December 2, for pulling down and removal to Catholic Church ground of the premises lately occupied by Mrs KEENAN and the erection of School and Teacher’s Residence. Plans and specifications to be seen at Messrs O’Neill Bros. Queen Street.
C DRISCOLL Hon Sec.Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS, July 8, 1876
1878 - Catholic Education the Diocese of Bathurst
In 1878 the Catholic primary school in Gulgong had 106 pupils attending. The school was "certified under the Council of Education". In other towns the schools were under the Sisters of Mercy or the Sisters of St Joseph.
A non-certified school, under lay teachers, operated at Home Rule with an attendance of 40 pupils.
1880 - Diocese of Bathurst
Local schools under secular teachers in the Bathurst Diocese
- Goolma - 38
- Gulgong, mixed - 161
- Home rule - 45
1880 - BISHOP'S VISIT
Gulgong—His Lordship arrived at Gulgong on Friday, the 13th ult., and was met some distance from town by a very numerous body of persons of every rank of society. Within a mile of the town, a very large procession, comprising the school children carrying beautiful banners, and their parents, with many others of the general public, was awaiting his arrival...
Source: The Record. Vol. 4 No. 17 (1 September 1880)2nd CONVENT SCHOOL
This photo, showing the Catholic school, convent and church in Gulgong, was taken in about 1910. This old school building was replaced in 1929. The top of the church belfry was later removed.Source: All Hallows Golden Years, 1929-1979
Opening Day, Convent School Gulgong, 1929
SETTING FOUNDATION STONE - BISHOP TO VISIT GULGONG
A big function will be held at Gulgong on Sunday, June 23, at 3 p.m., when the Right Reverend J. Norton, D.D. Bishop of Bathurst, will bless the foundation stone of the new convent school. The building will be a handsome one, and will cost from £2,500 to £3000.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Mon 17 Jun 1929 Page 11
[FOUNDATION STONE]
Laying down the Foundation Stone of Gulgong Convent School, 23rd June 1929.
Source: Photo belonging to Betty Davies, Bayly St, Gulgong
Details: Bishop Morton of Bathurst in foreground. Father Brosnan (Parish Priest, hand to face)Altar Boys: left, Jack Norris, Irl Gorrie, Ivan McQuinn?, Ray Wilson (holding cross)Small boys in front of Bishop: Leo and Bede EganAlso: Messrs Dowd, Naughton, Wilfred O'Brien (seated looking over shoulder) and Gormey
Gulgong Convent School SOLEMN BLESSING CEREMONY - BISHOP NORTON'S ADDRESS
In the presence of a very large gathering of clergy and people, many of whom had come from the adjoining districts and more distant parts of the Parish, the new Convent School at Gulgong, was solemnly blessed and opened by His Lordship, Dr. Norton, Bishop of Bathurst, on Sunday, November 10. The proceedings began with a procession headed by the school children, and in which His Lordship, the Bishop and the visiting clergy took part. A guard of honor was formed by Mudgee Catholic Guild and Gulgong Hibernian Societies. The children marched directly to their allotted positions in the new school, while His Lordship performed the blessing ceremony. Just at that moment a heavy downpour of rain commenced and continued throughout the proceedings, necessitating the delivering of the formal addresses from a position under the verandah, while the large assemblage packed all the available space in the classrooms and corridors. The new school is an architectural ornament, combining great strength stability with beauty and arrangements for efficient working unexcelled by any school in the west. The roof of Spanish tiles, the general outlines of curved arches, the attractive outside finish of the walls, and modern lighting arrangements, make a picture that immediately captivates the imagination, while inside the class rooms the same high standard is maintained, points of particular interest being the old English fire place settings, with mantels worked in concrete and niches for statues, which are [ ] a triumph of the plasterer's art. The whole building reflects, great, credit on the builders, Messrs. Edwards and Wheeler, and the architect, M. B. Millane.
All Hallows Convent School, Gulgong, front view, showing the infants school and the verandah.
The new Convent School, Gulgong, showing the side and rear of the building. In the background can be seen the roof of All Hallows Convent and the tower of the parish church - St John the Baptist's.
Source: The Record, 1 January 1930. Download here.
1929 - Sisters and boarders
Source: All Hallows Golden Years, 1929-1979
Back row: Sylvia Williardt, Daisy Haley, Gladys Ryan, Bonnie Mealing, Myra Donoghue, Mary Hensley
Middle Row: Eileen Flood, Nell Williams. Nell Leonard, Beryl Winn, Myra Hollow, Mona Winn, Aveen Rayner
Front Row: Srs St Roche, Gerard, Lucy, Bernard, Rose, Angela.
THE SCHOOL
In describing the new Convent School building it is hardly sufficient to say it is designed in the Spanish mission style. The historical setting of this style is such a fascinating story that even the busiest will pause to read of it with interest and in reading will gain a new insight into Catholic history and a history of missionary zeal that is unparalleled. The story dates back to 1542, ... The new Gulgong school provides accommodation for one hundred and fifty children in four large class rooms complete with furniture and built in blackboards. A wide spacious verandah gives access to classrooms, and provides outdoor teaching for sunny days, while special attention has been given to ventilation and lighting. All steel windows being used for the first time in school rooms in the western districts. The new building is undoubtedly one of the finest in the diocese and possibly in the State, which speaks well for the zeal of the parish priest and the people of the Gulgong parish. The work was carried out by Mr. Geo. Edwards and Mr. E. J. Wheeler, builders, under the direction of Mr. B. Millane, M.I.A. architect. ... Mr. F. F. Barrett, in a characteristic speech combining wit and humor, urged his hearers to be generous, reminding them of the great sacrifices made by the Sisters of St. Joseph in the work of the education of the children without fee or reward.
GENEROUS RESPONSE
The response was most generous. Not only were promises made at the foundation stone ceremony redeemed, but a fund of new money was unearthed, the cash collections for the day totalling £300. Mr. Barrett's remarks regarding the strength and stability of the reinforced concrete building entirely refuted the mischievous criticisms that had been published. Owing to the difficult circumstances created by the weather, the people, were denied the opportunity of hearing addresses that were to have been delivered by Monsignor Long and Father Flanagan.
A gathering of people connected to All Hallows outside the Prince of Wales Hotel, Mayne St Gulgong. circa 1929
Source: All Hallows Golden Years, 1929-1979
BACK ROW: Mrs B Egan, Mrs Porter, Builder of the School, Mrs F Halloran, Mrs Blow, Mr Jackson Edwards Tea Agent, Miss Maggie Seis, Mr Don Millane, School Contruction Manager, Mr Frank Halloran, Mrs Halloran Senior, Mrs Seis, Mr Pat Halloran Senior, Mr Ted Bridgewater, Mr Harry GardinerFRONT ROW: Mr and Mrs WheelerSITTING ON KERB: Mrs Wheeler's grandson, Frank Halloran Junior, Mrs Howes, Bede Egan, Bert Porter, Leo Egan, Ernie Blow
Detail of photograph taken from the front of 68 Medley Street.
Source: 'The National Estate' by Clem Lloyd, published 1977
As a child I, along with all other eligible Phegan siblings, attended All Hallows’ school. In those days the play ground for the girls was the school ground and the boys' was across the lane. The girls often played a game called vigoro. They used a long-handled, spoon-shaped bat and it was a game (somehow a blend of cricked and baseball) and I never did know the rules. The boys across the lane played footy, cricket and rounders.
At the bottom of the boys playground and at the rear of the houses facing Mayne street was a huge dam known as Tuxford's Dam. That extended right to almost the rear of Max Cross's Neptune Service Station. I have no idea whether it was to supplement the town supply or as the bowling club end was vacant maybe it was part of a TSR (someone will know).
This dam at the base of its wall had a George and Annis Bills water trough. Tuxford's Dam was drained about 1960 and I clearly remember myself and Stephen Thurling walking out through the mud as the dam dried up collecting hapless turtles caught in the same. What we did with them I have no idea. The area of which I speak was later built out with government housing and these still exist.
The girls playground at All Hallows had a later addition when an old church was trucked in and placed in the corner across from the ice works. I remember Arthur Carey sitting aside the apex lifting the power lined up as the truck moved slowly up the the street and I remember thinking that man is a "temporary Australian" as I expected he would be killed any tick of the clock This old building had many uses such as Confirmation breakfasts, Xmas parties etc. Also in my time it was where the nuns conducted choir practice. Geoff Curry, Vivian Regan and myself were always handed a hoe and told to go weed chipping when choir practise was on. I still put it down to we were ahead of our time hence we couldn’t attend.
The ice works to which I previously referred was on the corner of the lane on ground which has now been built over by the rear of the Ten Dollar Motel. It would bang away all day and as a child I was fascinated by the rabbitohs bringing in their catch which seemed like endless poles of pairs of rabbits tied through the back legs and slung over probably destined for the Sydney meat market where rabbits were a cheap source of protein.
Catholic children, First Communion, 7 October 1949, pictured on the steps of the Convent.
Source: O'Brien family collection
Back row: John O'Brien (far left)...Michael Loneragan (second from right)Middle row: Colleen McCabe, Jean Kelly, __ Crome, Dave Allan, Lloyd Gorrie, Colleen Warner. Zelma Drew nee RyanFront row: Colin Ryan (left)
Catholic children, First Communion, 7 October 1949
Source: O'Brien family collection
Front row: Colin Ryan (left)... Lloyd Gorrie (middle)
A glimpse of the architecture of the All Hallows school building, 1970s
Jo Sheridan, Sister Sabina and Jennifer Doherty, 1970s
Catholic Convent and Church in background
SCHOOL EVENTS
All Hallows Christmas Concert, 1956-7
Source: Laudy Russo (pictured)
50-year Reunion Committee, 1979
Source: All Hallows Golden Years, 1929-1979
BACK ROW: Tony Petchell, Eric Comer, Mary Gillham, Marie Mealing, Anne Billmon, Joan Hensley, Nell English (Treas), Kath McGrath (Sec), John Medcalf, Paul CarberryFRONT ROW: Allan Hornery (Principal), Bill Hensley (Chairman), Father Patrick Stanley (Pastor), Sr Brenda (Superior)
All Hallows staff, ca 1970s
Joan Hensley (centre) and Josephite nuns: Sr Maureen Sanderson? (left); Sr Sabina (right) and Sr Augustine, school principal (seated)
Joan Hensley (centre) and Josephite nuns: Sr Maureen Sanderson? (left); Sr Sabina (right) and Sr Augustine, school principal (seated)
All Hallows School Hall ca 1980
This building was formerly the church at Worobil, that served Canadian Lead and Home Rule. Jack Gardiner moved the building from there, straight down Mayne Street to Medley Street.
Source: Information supplied by Col Evans
