Page 18 - The Gonzaga Record 1985
P. 18
Today, over a 100 years later if one repeated this 'watch and ward' the result
would probably be much the same. We are blessed in having this oasis for the birds
in a city that Benson might have difficulty in recognising.
It can truly be said that the taking over of the Bewley property to become
Gonzaga College, once the decision to sell was made, has preserved and enhanced
the legacy of Samuel Bewley.
Purchase of Sandford Hill and Sandford Grove
These then were the two properties that providential;, came on the market in
1949. After some negotiations Sandford Hill and Sandford Grove, with their
accompanying grounds were purchased by Milltown Park for £17,400; (In today's
terms this represents a seven figure sum). Figures can give no real
idea of what Milltown Park were taking on. One should reflect on the
following facts. Milltown Park was a seminary where the Jesuits students were
studying theology. There were four years of students in the house, which
represented about sixty students. There were seventeen Jesuit professors, and
others engaged in administration. The important point to be kept in mind is this:
not one of them, students or Professors, earned a penny. No government agency
pays you for studying or teaching theology. They were maintained from central
funds which allowed Milltown Park a very, very modest allowance for each person.
(Most of the money came from sales of the Irish Messenger of the Sacred Heart.)
One can be quite sure that the Bank gave the matter much thought, and covered
their risks before agreeing to the loan. But it was a heavy burden for Milltown Park
to take on.
Perhaps this is the place also to record the enormous debt that Gonzaga College
owes to Milltown Park for the help received in the early days. Apart from the
money burden, Milltown fed the Jesuit community of Gonzaga College; they put
their chapel at the disposal of the schoolboys; they helped to furnish the new
school; they lent encouragement of all sorts in those early years when existence in
the new school was a sort of hand-to-mouth affair. Gonzaga should never forget it.
Fr C harl es O'Conor. SJ , Gonzaga's fir st Rector. with Dr Dunne, Bi shop of Nara.
10
would probably be much the same. We are blessed in having this oasis for the birds
in a city that Benson might have difficulty in recognising.
It can truly be said that the taking over of the Bewley property to become
Gonzaga College, once the decision to sell was made, has preserved and enhanced
the legacy of Samuel Bewley.
Purchase of Sandford Hill and Sandford Grove
These then were the two properties that providential;, came on the market in
1949. After some negotiations Sandford Hill and Sandford Grove, with their
accompanying grounds were purchased by Milltown Park for £17,400; (In today's
terms this represents a seven figure sum). Figures can give no real
idea of what Milltown Park were taking on. One should reflect on the
following facts. Milltown Park was a seminary where the Jesuits students were
studying theology. There were four years of students in the house, which
represented about sixty students. There were seventeen Jesuit professors, and
others engaged in administration. The important point to be kept in mind is this:
not one of them, students or Professors, earned a penny. No government agency
pays you for studying or teaching theology. They were maintained from central
funds which allowed Milltown Park a very, very modest allowance for each person.
(Most of the money came from sales of the Irish Messenger of the Sacred Heart.)
One can be quite sure that the Bank gave the matter much thought, and covered
their risks before agreeing to the loan. But it was a heavy burden for Milltown Park
to take on.
Perhaps this is the place also to record the enormous debt that Gonzaga College
owes to Milltown Park for the help received in the early days. Apart from the
money burden, Milltown fed the Jesuit community of Gonzaga College; they put
their chapel at the disposal of the schoolboys; they helped to furnish the new
school; they lent encouragement of all sorts in those early years when existence in
the new school was a sort of hand-to-mouth affair. Gonzaga should never forget it.
Fr C harl es O'Conor. SJ , Gonzaga's fir st Rector. with Dr Dunne, Bi shop of Nara.
10
