The founding of Wesley College
The founding of Wesley College was a grand and bold initiative of the Methodist Church. In 1866, the new school welcomed its first pupils and this has happened every year for nearly 150 years. A great moment in our story was the opening of Adamson Hall in 1908 as a place for the College community to gather. Indeed, each Wesley site has its own gathering place, Fitchett Hall at Elsternwick and Cato Hall at Glen Waverley. Recently, the Governor–General, Quentin Bryce AC, opened the refurbished Adamson Hall.
I thought it might be interesting to have a look at The Argus of Wednesday 27 May 1908 which offers a marvellous account of proceedings under the headline Wesley College - Opening of Adamson Hall – The Governor’s Speech. Here are some excerpts from the report of the opening.
“The Adamson Hall, at Wesley College, was opened yesterday by His Excellency the Governor, Sir Reginald Talbot. A guard of honour, composed of the cadet corps of the college, received His Excellency at the gate, and as he entered the hall the National Anthem was sung by the boys. Kipling's fine hymn, Land of Our Birth, was then sung. 'The President (the Rev W Hunt) welcomed His Excellency on behalf of the council, of the meeting, and of the College boys. Various improvements had been made during the last five years, among them a new lavatory, servants' quarters, and a tuck-shop. (Loud applause) Last of all, there was this hall. Great praise was due to the headmaster (Mr Adamson)-(cheers) for his liberal gift of£3,000 to the fund. Dr E L Gault said that the cost of the hall was £4,300, of which Mr Adamson had given £2,250. The council had found the remainder. Thanks were due to Mr Adamson and to those others who had contributed to the hall, which was entirely free of debt. Sir Reginald Talbot, after expressing his pleasure in performing the opening ceremony, said that he was somewhat grieved to find on opening the programme that his only task was to declare the hall open…" He had always taken an interest in boys, and had found his greatest pleasure in being amongst them. (Applause)…The distinguishing characteristic of the British Empire was not only the courage of its soldiers and sailors, but its liberty and justice…But our fathers had to fight for liberty in many a bloody battle - not only for personal liberty, but for religious freedom. In many other lands this could not be found. Wesley was one of the men of England, and did as much for the cause of freedom as any man who had lived. (Applause)…He wished the College ever-increasing prosperity in the future, and he declared the fine hall open. (Applause)
Mr Frank Tate (the director of Education) added his voice to the congratulations upon the recent material additions lo these college buildings. But there was another side of school life - the men who were to lead and teach the boys. Wesley College had men of the right kind. (Applause) Last year he (Mr Tate) had had the pleasure of travelling with Mr Adamson, and learned the value of him as a great teacher, and his ambition to make Wesley College an institution like the great public schools of England. Education was not merely a preparation for life, but was a life itself, to be lived for itself.
A vote of thanks was moved by the Rev A R Edgar who alluded to the great popularity of Sir Reginald Talbot and the heartfelt regret of the people of Victoria at his coming departure. The motion was seconded by Mr Adamson, and carried with acclamation.”
