From the Archives: Exploring Decades of Marist History Through Br Athanasius’ Photographs
- maristbrothers
- Aug 12
- 3 min read
The Star of the Sea Province archives are a treasure trove of stories - preserved in photos and diaries from generations of Brothers - offering rare glimpses into the Marist way of life from a time when handwritten documents and personal journals were the only means to keep history alive.
In his captivating photo essay, Star of the Sea Province archivist, Br Michael Flanagan, invites you to explore images from the collection of Br Athanasius, a dedicated teacher who shaped young minds for nearly fifty years.
The following text and pictures have been contributed by Br Michael Flanagan.
Br Athanasius (Charles Raess) - Necrology Entry
5 November 1885 – 13 July 1948
Br Athanasius died in Lewisham Hospital after a long illness. It was fitting that his Requiem Mass was sung at St Benedict’s Church, Broadway, where, many long years earlier, the choirs of boys trained by Brother Athanasius had stimulated the devotion of the congregation, morning and evening, by their cultured rendering of the liturgical music.
The boys of St Benedict’s School formed a guard of honour as the funeral left the church.
Charles Raess was born on 5 November 1885 at Bendigo and taught for almost fifty years. He spent four years in New Norcia (1923–26) and was the first Director of Forbes in 1926, as well as Director of St Benedict’s and of Kogarah. He also spent many years at St Joseph’s (1910–14, 1922, 1935–40). With almost professional skill, he made a detailed photographic record of the construction of the College Chapel from 1938 to 1940.
His life was marked by enthusiasm for his work and loyalty to the Institute. In school, he did more than teach well; the religious and cultural aspects of the boys’ training were his first objective. His efficient teaching, high regard for principle, and the loyalty that came from his personal advice to pupils left a lasting impression on their youthful minds.
He died at the age of 62.
Br Leopold (William Smith)
26 October 1909 – 30 May 1968
Br Leopold died in the Mater Hospital at the age of 58. William Smith was born in Toowoomba, Queensland. An ex-student of St Joseph’s, he was associated with the College for the last twelve years of his life.
Entering the Mittagong Juniorate in 1925, he passed the Intermediate and went to the Novitiate, making his profession in July 1929, just a few weeks before the fire. He rose quickly to posts of authority. His skill in teaching and organising was matched by his cheerfulness, great charity, and dedication.
In the picture above, SIC indicates St Ildephonsus’ College (Boys); SGC indicates St Gertrude’s College (Girls); The Benedictine Monastery is indicated on the far right.
These were famous in Marist Brother’s Schools! A May Altar was said to be instrumental in taming the out-of-control urchins at Church Hill in 1872!! This one was at St Benedict’s, Broadway.
In 1917, there were 1,450 students holding bursaries under the Bursary Endowment Act. Of these 1,351 attended courses of secondary instruction and 99 attended university lectures. All bursary holders received a monetary allowance and assistance with textbooks. At the end of financial year on 30 June 1918 the Board reported a balance of £10, 713 14s 5d.
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