1926
The Jubilee was celebrated 10 years later than the actual 1916 date, since no celebrations had been held during the First World War.
1928
A portrait of LA Adamson painted by WB McInnes was unveiled by the Governor of Victoria Lord Somers and hung in Adamson Hall. It currently hangs in the Cato Room at the St Kilda Road Campus.
1930
The OWCA Amateur Athletic Club was formed.
Samuel Alexander
Renowned philosopher Samuel Alexander (OW1871) was the first Australian to be awarded the Order of Merit.
Alexander attended Wesley College in the 1870s. Brilliant at school and a natural scholar, Alexander was one of the world’s leading philosophers in the interwar period and is one of the school’s most distinguished alumni.
1931
The OWCA established a Ladies’ Committee under the Presidency of Mrs Harold Stewart.
1932
LA Adamson, Wesley’s longest-serving Headmaster from 1902 to 1932, died. Adamson of Wesley was published a year after his death.
1933
Harold J Stewart, ninth Headmaster of Wesley College, served from 1933 to 1939.
Adamson’s long-serving deputy Harold Stewart took over the helm as Headmaster, a period during which the school was substantially rebuilt.
Rebuilding Wesley College
Rebuilding of the school, to the plans of Harry Norris and funded through the benefaction of George and Alfred Nicholas, began.
The New Wesley started on the last day of school in December 1933. More than 900 men were employed on the site.
The 'new' Wesley College
The new swimming pool
Senior boys in the new library
During second term the swimming pool buildings, including the gymnasium, were completed.
1935
The new Junior School buildings opened.
1936
On 2 March, the bell of the new chapel was rung for the first time at 3.55pm to summon worshippers for the service of dedication.
1937
The new school was formally opened by the Governor of Victoria, William Vanneck, Lord Huntingfield. The memorial stone, unveiled on 11 May, reads, ‘To the Glory of God and in Memory of Lawrence Arthur Adamson CMG MA Headmaster 1902-1932.’
1939
Alfred Nicholas died. A memorial window in the chapel was dedicated to him to commemorate his passing and benefaction.
1940
Neil Harcourt MacNeil MC, the 10th Headmaster of Wesley College, served from 1940 to 1946.
1941
The Wesley College Cadet Corps was reactivated and membership quickly reached 320. Schoolboy volunteers were led by First World War veteran Captain Potts.
The history of Wesley College
The second history of Wesley College, edited by NH McNeil, was published.
1942
The Army occupied Wesley College in the Second World War. During this time, Wesley students attended classes at Scotch College.
1944
Classes resumed at the St Kilda Road Campus in February 1944. At each Friday assembly, McNeil read the names of the war dead. By the end of the war, the death toll was at least 139.
1947
Professor Wilfrid Frederick, the 11th Headmaster of Wesley College, served from 1947 to 1956.
Frederick was a revolutionary headmaster who overflowed with ideas for educational reform. He went on to become Professor of Education at the University of Melbourne.
1949
Academic prize books were replaced by the Wesley College Gift Book, which is now presented to every graduating Year 12 student.
