Family visit to make historical connections

Kevin and Brian Ward.

Brian Ward and his son, Kevin Ward, toured the College this week to make a historical connection with his late father, Dowling Gilbert Ward, who was born in 1900.

Dowling Gilbert.

Brian’s father was a student at the College between 1916 and 1917. From 1918 to 1920, he joined the Redemptorist Monastery of Our Lady of Perpetual Hope, now Gilles Street Monastery apartments.

It can only be assumed that he had plans to join the Priesthood, but after receiving word that his mother was ill, he returned to Christchurch, New Zealand, where he remained until his death in 1966, having six children and forging a career as a Solicitor.

Brian came from Christchurch, NZ, and Kevin came from Wollongong to visit the College.

The visit gave Brian and Kevin insight into where his father and grandfather once were schooled.  The visits from family members close the gaps in their histories.

Dowling Gilbert, pictured in the rollcall photograph in the 1916 College Annual.