Anecdotes from the Archives
Mrs Margaret Rootes, Heritage Officer
SMC
The Lady of the Lantern lights up the Chapel
One of our most delightful alumni, Mrs Mary (McManus) Smith, in recent years made a generous bequest to the College for the production of a lantern to be hung in the Adrian Doyle Chapel.
Mary was Head Prefect in 1951 and has been a faithful member of the Old Scholars/Alumni Association for 72 years, some kind of record, I am sure!
Mary recently celebrated her 90th birthday and remains as attached to her alma mater as ever. Mary made her bequest to celebrate Edward Mulcahy, her ancestor who came to Tasmania as a child in 1854. He was to become a businessman, entrepreneur and politician who served Tasmania well. Over 40 of his descendants, including Mary and her three daughters, attended St Mary’s College.
Members of Mary’s immediate and extended family are always interested in visiting the College and viewing the beautiful lantern commissioned in their name.
Some weeks ago, Mary brought her sister, Mrs Anne Roach (who attended St Mary’s College, as well as her seven children), with two of their cousins, Mrs Helen Richardson and Mrs Marg Griffin, to view the lantern (pictured below).
The lantern is composed of wrought iron and magnificent stained glass. The stories depicted in the glass are of Nano Nagle, the journey from Ireland of the original nine Sisters, as well as symbols of Christ.
Mary Smith (second from the left), visiting the College recently with her family.
Mary Smith (second from the left), visiting the College recently with her family.
The lantern in all its glory.
The lantern in all its glory.