Anecdotes from the Archives

The Bell Tower

When renowned colonial architect Henry Hunter designed the Presentation Convent—the magnificent sandstone building adjacent to the Cathedral, he included in the plans a fine bell tower. This tower would nicely offset, in an architectural sense, the bell tower which sat astride St Mary's Cathedral. 

Sadly, due to finances, the Sisters had to postpone the building of the bell tower. At the same time, the Cathedral bell tower was dismantled due to construction faults. 

The building plan at St Mary's College continued with the addition of a gable wing on the Cathedral side of the convent in 1871 and the construction of the 'Free School', which was completed in 1876. 

It was not until 1888, when another wing was added to the original convent, that the bell tower was at last finally completed. Now, the Angelus bell could ring out over Hobart at 6.00am, 12.00pm and 6.00pm every day of the week. Its real purpose was also served: to call the Sisters and students to prayer at regular intervals. 

Today, the bell rings only at 12.00pm during the month of May, at which time everyone pauses to pray the Angelus, that beautiful ancient prayer which reminds us of Mary's yes to God in accepting her role as the mother of Jesus.

It is known that the bell was rung to mark the end of World War II, as well as to mark the new millennium at midnight on 31 December 1999. In the 'olden days', brides could arrange to have the bell rung as they left the Cathedral after their weddings. 

In the 21st century, the bell assumed another role: at the beginning of each school year, all new St Mary's College students are 'rung in', and when the Year 12 classes are preparing to leave the College at the end of their school year, they are 'rung out'. Needless to say, these two rituals can cause laughter and joy, as well as tears, and have become highly anticipated events in our calendar.