Words: Claire Bennett + Photos: Christ's College

Christ's College, New Zealand's only independent school for boys from Years 9–13, this year celebrates its 175th anniversary.

The Christchurch school, one of the oldest in the country, has marked the milestone with a gala weekend of festivities which drew hundreds of Old Boys from throughout New Zealand and overseas – including 103-year-old John Rutherford.

Established in 1850 at the Lyttelton Immigration Barracks, Christ's College was modelled on the English public schools, with an emphasis on a classical education, including Greek and Latin, as well as Modern Languages, Mathematics, English, History and Geography. Boys were also expected to be able to conduct scientific experiments, draw and sing.

When Christ's College moved to its present site on Rolleston Avenue in 1857, there were 30 or so pupils, and three staff. Today, it has more than 700 students. 

By 1863, the first of the stone buildings, Big School, was built on the west side of the Quadrangle, followed in 1867 by the Chapel. Today, Big School houses College's library.

The school suffered "minor to moderate" damage to its heritage buildings during the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. A substantial strengthening and restoration of its Historic Place Category 1 buildings followed, including Harper and Julius Houses, the Hare Memorial Library, and the Kitchen Tower.

Board Chair Jeremy Johnson, an Old Boy, described Christ's College as an educational leader in New Zealand, committed to being a leading boys' school. 

"That is done through academic excellence, encouraging the development of sporting and cultural talents and an emphasis on wellbeing. The College motto, 'bene tradita bene servanda' – translated as "good traditions well maintained" – is as relevant as ever. 

"Named, as we are, for the Servant King, the concept of Christian service is absolutely central to the identity of the College. Through our chapel and service programme we encourage our boys to consider the obligations they owe to others and to do so through an Anglican framework.

"In many ways, the College was modelled on the monastic tradition (as the English public schools were through the Oxford and Cambridge models) and a rhythm of life that encourage study, exercise, service and worship remains how we operate. Critical to that is worship and giving our boys the chance to consider religion and spirituality through an Anglican lens.

"We strive to maintain our best traditions – our Anglican nature, academic rigour and the pursuit of excellence - while always looking outward to see how we can evolve to help each boy be at his best in the world of today," Johnson said.

An Auckland-based barrister, Johnson recently received a King's Service Medal for services to the Anglican Church and the LGBTQI+ community. In 2017, he established the Tuis, the official Christ's College Alumni group for LGBTQIA+ Old Boys.

The 175th aptly marks the opening of the new Christ's College Museum, housing many of the school's treasures. On display are sports gear from yesteryear, drama costumes and uniforms through the ages, photo archives, important historical documents and significant artefacts. 

For more information:

Claire Bennett, 027 271 4939, claire@clairebennett.co.nz