Nestled in Kedron, St Anthony’s began its journey in 1930. It started as a small school. This timber and masonry building marked the humble beginnings of Catholic education here.
St Anthony’s was initially named St Anthony’s and St Therese’s. Archbishop Duhig officially opened it. The school addressed the growing need for Catholic education. Many local children attended state schools nearby. It soon became known as St Anthony’s.
In the early 20th century, Kedron was mainly rural. The electric tramline brought residential development in 1913. The 1920s saw rapid growth with new amenities.
Before 1923, Catholics in Kedron belonged to Wooloowin parish. Archbishop Duhig created Kedron Parish of St Anthony and the Little Flower. A timber church opened in Turner Road in October 1923. Like other church sites, it sat on a hilltop. Just three months later, a cyclone destroyed the church.
In 1926, a Romanesque red brick church replaced it. A presbytery was also constructed. The parish grew quickly from 50 parishioners. The existing church was too small. It was demolished in 1968. The current modern church replaced it.
In 1926, Archbishop Duhig bought land opposite the church. Part of this land was for a new school and convent. In 1929, Franciscan Friars took over the parish. Father Fidelis requested sisters to teach. Four sisters arrived from Ireland and the United States.
Archbishop Duhig laid the school’s foundation stone in November 1929. Architect H.G. Sydes designed the building. Jack Schmid built it. When completed, the friars moved out of the presbytery. The Irish nuns moved in.
The school officially opened in January 1930 with 80 pupils. The Brisbane Courier called it a beautiful building. Mother Mary Scholastica was the first principal. Sister Mary Jarlath replaced her later.
During the Depression, families paid what they could afford. Additional classrooms were created underneath the building. A tennis court was built.
In the 1950s, the parish expanded its education program. Mount Alvernia was established in 1956. St Anthony’s outgrew its school. New buildings were constructed on the corner of Somerset and Turner Roads. The new St Anthony’s school opened in November 1951.
The Franciscan Friars bought the old St Anthony’s site. In 1956, Padua Primary for boys opened. Additions have been made since that time.
Today, the original St Anthony’s building remains. It is part of the Padua precinct. It has provided spiritual guidance and education.
The former St Anthony’s school building has two storeys. It features timber weatherboards, concrete, and brick. The roof is corrugated metal. The upper storey rests on masonry pillars.
The understory is partially enclosed. Rooms sit on either side of a breezeway. The building has exterior staircases. It features timber windows.
St Anthony’s stands as a testament to faith and community. Its history echoes through the halls. Generations have been shaped within its walls. Its legacy endures.