Was it faith, science, or a blend of both that drove Julian Tenison Woods? Here at the Julian Tenison Woods Monument we celebrate a remarkable man. He was a priest, scientist, explorer, and author.
Julian Tenison Woods was born in London in 1832. He died in Sydney in 1889. His life was a tapestry of faith and scientific inquiry. He co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart with Mary MacKillop in 1866.
Tenison-Woods’ early life was marked by religious shifts. He briefly strayed from the Catholic Church. Later he returned with fervent conviction. He studied at Marist seminaries in France. There his interest in geology and natural history began.
In 1855, Tenison-Woods arrived in Tasmania. He soon moved to Adelaide. He worked as a sub-editor. He prepared for ordination at Sevenhill Jesuit College.
Ordained in 1857, Tenison-Woods took charge of a large parish in Penola. He published his first book in 1862. It was titled Geological Observations in South Australia. He founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1866.
Tenison-Woods made long journeys across his parish. He systematically visited every member of his church. He also joined an exploring party. He began a methodical study of geology and mineralogy.
In 1873, Tenison-Woods worked as a missionary in Brisbane. He founded the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in 1874. He travelled to Tasmania. There he had great success as a missioner.
Tenison-Woods’ district held geological interest. He built a library of scientific books. His History of the Discovery and Exploration of Australia showed broad knowledge. He gave scientific lectures. He was interested in the geology and natural history of each district.
In 1878, Tenison-Woods joined the Linnean Society of New South Wales. He was elected president in 1880. He had been a fellow of the Geological Society, London. William III of the Netherlands awarded him a gold medal. This was for his book Fish and Fisheries of New South Wales.
Tenison-Woods began publishing his research in the 1860s. His first botanical work acknowledged specimens collected for the National Herbarium of Victoria.
Tenison-Woods was an advocate of theistic evolution. He believed evolution could illustrate nature’s plan.
In 1883, Sir Frederick Weld invited Tenison-Woods on a scientific tour. He travelled extensively in Java, Japan, and the Philippines. He provided a report on the coal resources of the East.
On his return in 1887, Tenison-Woods’ health was weakened. He was cared for by charitable communities. He dictated his autobiographical memoir. The Royal Society of New South Wales awarded him the Clarke Medal in 1888.
Julian Tenison Woods died in 1889. He was buried in Waverley Cemetery, Sydney.
Father Woods Park in Glenroy commemorates his life. In 1974, a peak in the D’Aguilar Range was named Tenison-Woods Mountain.
Here at the Julian Tenison Woods Monument, remember a man of faith and science. His legacy lives on through his contributions to religion and scientific knowledge. He founded religious orders and explored the natural world. He left an enduring mark on Australia.