Old Collegians Newsletter

FROM THE ARCHIVES: HONOURING OUR FOUNDER, REV. ALEXANDER THOMPSON

As we recently celebrated our 107th Founders' Day, here is the story of our Founder, Rev. A.T. Thompson.

Early Life and Education

• born in Invercargill in 1876, Rev. Thompson’s path to ministry was unconventional. Despite missing some schooling, he became the Dux and earned a scholarship to secondary school;
• at age 12, he left school without parental consultation to become an apprentice draper. Over the next four years, he attended night school and became a lay preacher;
• his desire to become a minister led him to attend Otago Boys’ High School and win a scholarship for his Bachelor of Arts at Otago University;
• he then secured a scholarship to complete a Bachelor of Divinity at Yale, becoming the first New Zealander to attend this prestigious university.

Challenges and Triumphs

• tragedy struck when Rev. Thompson’s first wife, Mary Kemp, died during childbirth. Mary’s mother and sister cared for their toddler daughter and newborn son;
• he immersed himself in church work to cope with grief, and later married Robina Cameron, and together they had four more children;
• Rev. Thompson’s efforts to establish a boys’ school in Masterton were thwarted, but he played a pivotal role in founding Solway College, a girls’ boarding school, where his sister-in-law, Marion, became the first principal.

Ministry in Christchurch:

• around the age of 40, Rev. Thompson was called to the St Andrew’s Presbyterian parish in Addington, Christchurch;
• the social strata and expectations in Christchurch differed significantly from those in quiet Masterton;
• besides preaching, he delivered weekly lectures on topics like Geology and Astronomy;
• Rev. Thompson also made personal visits to parishioners’ homes, providing remarkable pastoral support during World War I and the Spanish flu outbreak.

Founding St Andrew’s College:

• soon after his arrival in Christchurch, an old document revealed that three acres of land were allocated to Scottish settlers for a church and school;
• Rev. Thompson developed a blueprint for a Presbyterian boys’ school based on this land allocation;
• he presented it to other church leaders, and it was unanimously approved in December 1916;
• Rev. Thompson left the manse in Addington, and St Andrew’s College – a Preparatory and Secondary Day and Boarding School for Boys – was established.

The Move to Strowan:

• a series of events led to the College’s move to Strowan;
• Rev. Thompson, with assistance from his friend Charles McCrostie, gathered small donations and secured a $5000 bequest from generous North Canterbury run-holder Duncan Rutherford;
• exploring the property on his motorbike, he discovered the enchanting, terraced stream, and overarching trees.
• he concluded that Strowan was the perfect location for St Andrew’s College;
• in 1917, Rev. Thompson established St Andrew’s College in Strowan, Christchurch. His tireless efforts, along with support from parishioners, led to the College’s creation.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

• Rev. Thompson’s influence extended beyond religious circles. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Flying Doctor Service;
• even after leaving Christchurch in 1919, St Andrew’s College remained close to his heart;
• a few years before his passing in 1956, his family generously donated a portrait of him, which now hangs in Strowan House. This stern portrait only hints at the remarkable man he truly was;
• despite personal hardships, he remained diligent, compassionate, and faithful, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to God and the College.

Rev. Alexander Thomas Thompson’s legacy continues to inspire generations at St Andrew's College, where his vision and dedication remain woven into its fabric.

LONDON OLD COLLEGIANS CATCH UP THIS WEDNESDAY!!!

Following a highly successful reunion in September, let's maintain the momentum! On Wednesday our Old Collegians reunite once again at the Fitzroy Tavern in central London. Partners are more than welcome to join.

Wednesday 20 March, 6.00pm onwards
Back Room, Fitzroy Tavern, 16 Charlotte St, London, W1T 2LY

Peter Goodman (London contact)
P: +44 7939 623750
E: petergoodman333@hotmail.co.uk

This event has now passed.

OTAGO OLD COLLEGIANS GATHERING, WEDNESDAY 29 MAY 2024

The Rector, Christine Leighton, and the President of the Old Collegians Association, Sam Crosbie, warmly invite you to a gathering for our Old Collegians in Otago.

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet with St Andrew’s College Alumni, and for you to renew friendships and make new connections. But most importantly, this is a chance to connect and celebrate our shared allegiance to this special school.

Wednesday 29 May 2024, 6.00pm–8.00pm
Lone Star Dunedin, 484 George St, Dunedin

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50 YEARS ON: CLASS OF 1974–1978

We look forward to seeing the Class of 1974–1978 at their 50 Years On Reunion, on the weekend of Friday 26 July – Saturday 27 July 2024.

2024 NEW ZEALAND PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS THIS WEEKEND

The National Pipe Band Championships is being held today and tomorrow in the Onewa Domain, Auckland. We would be delighted to have any Old Collegians come and support us!

We are taking both A and B Bands so there are a number of times during Friday and Saturday in Grade 4A, Grade 2 and, of course, the Street March in Takapuna.

For more information from the official website, click here, or download the programme here.