Site 17: Saint Aloysius College (Not open to the Public)

As you exit the crypt and begin walking back towards the main road, you will see nestled amongst the greenery an L-shaped stone building to your right.  This building has served many roles throughout its rich 170-year history, functioning as a boarding school, Jesuit novitiate, seminary, and residence for the Jesuits assigned to Sevenhill.

The oldest part of the residence is the wing that runs parallel to the church, built in 1854 as a single-story, five-room house. Within two years, additional construction transformed it into a three-story structure. In 1868, another double-story wing, running parallel to the road leading to the winery, was added. Look for the date stone, marked IHS 1868, above the front door.

Local builders worked alongside Jesuit brothers on the construction. The floor is crafted from Mintaro flagstone, while Brother Schreiner, a winemaker and blacksmith, forged the nails. Brother John Schneider, a skilled carpenter, made all the doors, window frames, and much of the upper flooring. The wooden staircase to the top floor, designed to withstand years of wear, is secured with wooden dowels to resist the shuffling feet of countless schoolboys who ascended to the garret dormitories.

Despite its modest size, the building managed to house an extraordinary number of people. In 1871, it accommodated 51 schoolboys, eight priests, three student Jesuits, eight brothers, two novices, and three diocesan seminarians—a total of 75 residents. The building also provided space for classrooms, dining rooms, and common rooms.

From 1856 to 1886, this residence, known as Saint Aloysius College, operated as a boarding school under the guidance of Father Tappeiner.  This was the first Catholic School in South Australia, and the first Catholic Boarding School outside of Sydney.  The first pupils were sons of the pioneering Cudmore family, with boarders coming from as far away as Victoria and Tasmania to be educated here.

In 1863, regular classes for seminarians began, replacing earlier one-on-one tutoring. These classes continued until 1885, when St. Patrick’s College in Manly, Sydney, was established. During this time, 16 diocesan priests were trained at Sevenhill, including Father Julian Tenison Woods, co-founder of the Josephites with Saint Mary MacKillop, and Father Christopher Reynolds, the first Australian Archbishop of Adelaide.

Between 1866 and 1884, Australians aspiring to join the Jesuits began their training here, contributing to the Australian Jesuit mission in South Australia and the Northern Territory. Among them was Thomas O’Brien, the first Australian-born Jesuit, and Father Donald McKillop, the brother of Blessed Mother Mary MacKillop.

Saint Aloysius College became a spiritual hub for the Sevenhill Mission, from which in time 34 churches and 27 schools were established. It also operated as a retreat center and a base for missionary journeys into the Flinders Ranges, providing spiritual care to isolated shepherds, stonewallers, settlers, and miners.

Today, the building, still affectionately known as “The College,” serves as the residence for the Jesuit community. The Jesuits oversee the Sevenhill, Clare, Riverton, Manoora, Auburn, Saddleworth and Mintaro parishes. Most importantly, they continue the tradition of offering retreats and spiritual guidance, providing a quiet refuge to participants both domestically and internationally seeking solace and reflection amid the busyness of daily life.

Thank you for Walking our Heritage Trail, your guided tour is finished, please return to the Cellar Door if you were looking for a tasting or to build your own platter!