The foundation stone of St. Vincent’s School was laid by Dr. Meulman S.J., the Archbishop of Calcutta, on 25 October 1919. The school’s journey, however, traces its origins back to 1914 when the Calcutta Improvement Trust was established to address the overcrowded areas of Calcutta. The plan involved creating a wide road (100 feet) from Chowringee Road to the Cathedral in Moorghihatta. Unfortunately, this would pass through the Catholic Male Orphanage, leaving the orphanage without its playground and kitchen.
Acquisition of Land and Growth
While scouting for an alternative site, Brother Arsenius Ryan, the Provincial of the Brothers, visited St. Patrick’s in Asansol. He identified a 50-bigha plot of land as a potential location for the orphanage. The site was purchased, and through the acquisition of additional surrounding land, the property expanded to 390 bighas — the land upon which St. Vincent’s School now stands. Brother Joseph Moyes was selected to oversee the construction of the buildings.
In 1927, Brother Gabriel Pakenham became the superior, and the first group of 29 boys took residence at the school. This number quickly grew, and by the end of the year, there were 49 boys. The official government sanction for the establishment of the school came towards the end of the year.
Affiliation and Expansion
The school’s growth continued steadily, both in terms of student numbers and staff. In 1928, in compliance with government regulations, it was decided that the school would present its students for the matriculation exams of Calcutta University. Under the guidance of Brother Baptist Collins, who succeeded Brother Pakenham, part of the property was utilized for dairy farming, and the herd at St. Vincent’s became the pride of the district.
In 1937, the school’s affiliation with Calcutta University was made permanent, and in 1938, arrangements were made for the boys to sit for the Board of Apprenticeship Training examinations.
World War II and Its Aftermath
World War II interrupted the school’s progress. In 1942, the British military took over the school. The school buildings were occupied by 350 RAF men, and the cattle were sold for Rs. 5,715, while other items were sold for Rs. 7,856. Many of the boys were sent to St. Michael’s in Kurji and were dealt with there as a unit under the title “St. Vincent’s School, Asansol, now at Kurji.”
In February 1946, Brother Adjutor O’Connor returned as superior and took back the property from the military. The buildings and grounds were in poor condition, and workers were employed to clear the debris and restore order. The school officially reopened on 1 March 1947. By this time, much of the land that had been previously cultivated by the school was leased out to laborers under a half-and-half arrangement. The school received Rs. 21,117 from the military as compensation for damages.
Technological Advancements
In 1949, the school took a significant step forward under the leadership of Brother J.E. McCann. With the creation of a new 100 feet long, 60 feet wide building, St. Vincent’s became a technical school. With assistance from the Provincial of the Christian Brothers in Australia, Brother Raphael Maher was appointed as the technical instructor. This allowed students to be presented for the Senior Cambridge Examination with subjects like metalwork, woodwork, technical drawing, alongside the regular curriculum of sciences, mathematics, English, and literature.
Life of Edmund Rice: Founder of the Christian Brothers
Early Life and Background
Edmund Rice was born on 1st June 1762 in Westcourt, Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland, to a farming family. He received his early education at the local “hedge school” and later attended a commercial academy in Kilkenny City. In 1779, Edmund went to Waterford to work as an apprentice to his uncle, Michael Rice, in the business of supplying goods to ships crossing the Atlantic. Through his work, Edmund earned enough to provide for his family comfortably.
Marriage and Personal Tragedy
In 1786, Edmund married Mary Elliot, the daughter of a successful businessman. Unfortunately, after only three years of marriage, Mary suffered a tragic accident. She gave birth to a handicapped daughter, also named Mary, and died shortly after the birth. Devastated by the loss, Edmund’s sister came to his aid, looking after his home and caring for his daughter. When his daughter turned 14, he brought her to his home in Callan, where his married brother helped care for her.
A Radical Change
In 1802, at the age of 40, Edmund made a profound life change. Despite being a successful businessman, he felt compelled to help the poor and neglected children of Waterford. These boys, who spent their days fighting and begging on the quays, had no access to education or care. Touched by their plight, Edmund sold his business and used his funds to start a school for these poor boys in a converted stable, with a room above it for himself.
The Formation of a Religious Community
Soon, Edmund was joined by two companions, Thomas Grosvenor and Patrick Finn, and the three of them lived a simple, semi-monastic life. Together, they ran the “Stable School” and began to teach the unruly boys under very rudimentary conditions. With additional funds, Edmund constructed a larger building in the working-class district of Waterford, which he named Mount Sion. Each classroom could accommodate 100 boys, and older boys, called “monitors,” helped teach the younger ones.
For Edmund, religious education was central, and he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the boys. He also established a bakehouse to provide fresh bread and a tailor shop to make clothes for the boys.
Mission and Vows
Edmund’s simple but powerful mission was:
“Trusting in God’s help, I hope to be able to educate these boys to be good Catholics and good citizens.”
On 15 August 1808, with the approval of Bishop Power, Edmund and his companions took formal vows in accordance with the Rule of the Presentation, dedicating themselves to their educational mission. Over the years, schools were established in other towns, and Edmund’s vision quickly spread across Ireland and England.
Growth and Global Expansion
On 5 September 1820, Pope Pius VII formally approved the Congregation of Christian Brothers, and Edmund was elected the first Superior General. This marked the beginning of a rapid expansion. The Christian Brothers opened schools in many countries, eventually reaching five continents. In 1848, two brothers arrived in Calcutta to continue Edmund’s work.
Final Years and Death
In 1838, at the age of 76, Edmund retired from his position as Superior General and returned to Mount Sion, where he spent his remaining years. He passed away on 29 August 1844, at the age of 82. Edmund Rice was laid to rest at Mount Sion, having left behind a lasting legacy of education and service to the poor and marginalized.