On Sunday 28 June, the Solemnity of Ss Peter and Paul, Cardinal Vincent celebrated Mass on the occasion of the twin jubilees of St Columba's College in St Albans. The College has been celebrating the 75th anniversary of its foundation by Mr Philip O’Neill in 1939 and 60th anniversary of the re-foundation by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in 1955.
The Mass was concelebrated by Fr John O’ Leary and Brother Nelson Dionne SC. Also serving were Deacon Stephen Picard and Deacon Javier Elderfield. The College was delighted that the family of its founder, Mr O’Neill, was represented by three of his daughters: Sr Magdalene O’Neill, Mrs Claire Burdett and Miss Anne O’Neill. Also present at the celebration was Brother Clement, one of the four Brothers who re-founded the school in 1955.
The musical ability of students was on magnificent display with the combined Chamber and Senior School choirs singing and the Orchestra and Bell Choir playing.
At the end of Mass, Headmaster David Buxton thanked the Brothers for the gifts, which included an icon of St Columba, they had presented to the school in honour of the twin jubilees.
The events to mark these jubilees began with Mass at St Albans Cathedral last year, and culminated with the Mass on Sunday, which was followed by a barbecue and afternoon tea. During the festivities tribute was paid to the Director of Music, Mrs Philippa McKenzie, who is retiring at the end of the year after 19 years of service. Several boys from the Lower Sixth Form sang a musical tribute song “There is No-one like McKenzie” and it caused great amusement.
The College's history dates to its foundation by Mr O’Neill’s at 30 Beaconsfield Road in St Albans in 1939. It then moved quickly to larger premises at Sanders Mansion, ‘Orchid House’ on Camp Road in 1940. The final move took place in 1948 to Brecia House on St Stephens Hill, promptly renamed Iona House in honour of St Columba, the patron of the school.
In 1955 the school transferred to the care of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart who came from the United States. The number of students increased rapidly from 75 to 125 and the Brothers were fortunate enough to be able to purchase Watling House Hotel on King Harry Lane. The new school was built in 1961 and was blessed and dedicated by Cardinal Godfrey in 1961. The Brothers now had room to educate 500 boys. However with yet more pupils keen to attend the school, the expansion continued with the building of the Prep School, originally known as Sacred Heart Junior School, a new Sixth Form Block, Science Block and English block, followed more recently by the latest major development, completed in 2013.
Additional photos from the Mass can be found here.
