 |
The Journey |  |
 |
| Bathurst
1885 - 1924
|
The
Patrician Brothers began work in the Bathurst diocese at the invitation
of Bishop Quinn in 1885. The first school at Bathurst was essentially a
primary school of about one hundred students and included a small
secondary
department in which thirty boys were enrolled.
It was difficult to supply enough teachers, and the school also faced difficulties from overcrowding. However, it gave students a good start in life and some students acquired fame in later life, the most famous being John Benedict Chifley who became Prime Minister of Australia. Bathurst became the springboard for other "out west" settlements in Orange and Dubbo. Unfortunately the departure of the Brothers from Bathurst was not as cordial as the arrival. Brother Paul O'Connor writes extensively on this in his history. Suffice it to say here that again the Brothers's autonomy and the Bishop's authority came up against each other as in Maitland. It was a problem experienced by other congregation with other bishops as well. The Brothers' departure from Bathurst also resulted in the departures from Dubbo and Orange. Needless to say that relations with Bathurst and the Brothers is now very strong and warm. The Brothers have returned to Bathurst on several occasions for jubilees and dedications.
|
