Wills & Bequests – A guide

A History of Giving

1850–1900

Mrs Maria Somes becomes College’s first benefactress, resulting in the Somes Scholarships. The first school building, comprising a schoolroom, a dormitory and a sub-warden’s house was built. The cost of £2,000 comprised a loan of £500 from the Bishop of New Zealand, with the balance being obtained from donations including some from England and the Somes Estate. Big School was built following a grant of £1,000 from the Canterbury Provincial Council. It was designed by James Edward FitzGerald, Canterbury’s Superintendent and Fellow of the College. Bishop Henry John Chitty Harper announces that in England he has raised £500 of the £708 needed to build a chapel. It was completed in 1867. Synod Hall, Library and Lecture Room were built. They were designed by Dr Alfred Charles Barker. The Provincial Government granted £1,700 to help with the build because they were to be used by the Canterbury Collegiate union. Promises of £700 were made to the Headmaster Charles Carteret Corfe who initiated a drive to extend the Chapel. In 1883, Architect Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort’s plan was accepted and the transepts and sanctuary were completed in March 1884. College was bequeathed the Principal’s House following the departure of the Upper Department (later College House) to Cashel Street. An organ chamber was added, paid for by a bequest from one of the school’s first Fellows WJW Hamilton. Old Boys initiated an appeal to purchase a new organ, but progress was slow. Finally in 1894, with the sourcing of some private loans, it was bought for £457.

1851

1857

From its inception, College has attracted support from a caring and generous community. As College has strived to provide the very best educational opportunities for generations of boys, a consistent history of philanthropic support has helped shape our vibrant school culture and environment.

1863

1866–1867

1873

1878–1884

1885

1886–1888

1886–1894

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