Mother Superiors of the Society of the Sacred Advent (SSA)

Life in Community House and life at St Margaret’s were two very different places. The school was a buzz of activity and learning populated by students, teachers and some of our Sisters. On the other hand, Community House was the centre of the universe for our Sisters where they lived, worked and worshipped.

During our history, we have had 16 Headmistresses/Principals – six of whom were members of the SSA. During the history of the SSA, there have been nine women who have accepted the role of Mother Superior. Only one Sister, Sister Elisabeth, fulfilled both roles. Some of these names will be unfamiliar to present-day Old Girls. More recent names will garner admiration and affection from those who knew these women. But who were our Mother Superiors?

Mother Caroline Amy was the founder of the order of the Society of the Sacred Advent (SSA). At a time when most women would be contemplating retirement, Mother Caroline accepted the invitation from Canon Stone-Wigg to come to Brisbane from England and work with the unemployed and homeless women of early Brisbane. She arrived in 1892 accompanied by Novice Minnie and set to work. She was nearly 60. During her time, The Home of the Good Shepherd was established at Nundah, St John’s Cathedral School was re-opened and organised by the Sisters, and Eton High School was established. This was all at a time when money was tight and the Sisters record that they often would beg for money, furniture and any assistance possible. Mother Caroline Amy was Mother Superior from 1893-1905. In 1905, Mother Caroline returned to England.

Sister Emma was elected to step into her place. Mother Emma, whom we celebrate on Mother Emma Day in March, would continue in this role until 1939 when she died from cancer. During Mother Emma’s time, the SSA became established in many communities throughout Queensland (and even ventured to Western Australia to assist a children’s home, such was their reputation).

1909     St Catharine’s Stanthorpe and then Warwick

1911     The Industrial School opens in London Road and later becomes St Michael’s

1916     Management of the Pyrmont Hospital

1916     Sisters move to St John’s Mission House to continue their ‘urban’ mission work

1917     St Anne’s Townsville

1918     Mary Sumner Maternity Hospital at Highgate Hill

1918     St Mary’s Herberton

1921     St Gabriel’s Charters Towers

1921     Management of All Saints’ Hostel for Girls Charleville

1922     St Martin’s War Memorial Hospital

1929     St Aidan’s Corinda

1931     St Faith’s Yeppoon

1932     Management of Parkerville Children’s Home in Perth. 

Sister Elisabeth was Headmistress from 1926-1936 and then Mother Superior from 1939-1948. She was a learned woman with a Masters degree in Classics from Girton College, Cambridge. She spent many years working at St Martin’s Hospital as the housekeeper. We have a wonderful anecdote of her visiting with a gentleman in the ward. They had interesting conversations, all in Latin! The man’s daughter remembers Sister Elisabeth with great fondness as her visits to her father were always welcomed. Under Mother Elisabeth’s guidance, a successful building program was undertaken with what we now know as West Wing, the Darnell Art and Music rooms, the small pool being completed and the purchase of the land on which Toorak now stands. One needs to remember that this all occurred during the depression years of the late twenties and early thirties. The Link of 1971 carries a copy of her ‘In Memoriam’ where she is remembered as being a great builder of character, unassuming and always dignified.

Our fourth Mother was Mother Frances, 1948-1958. Little is known about her, but we do have records that show  she worked in many of our schools, in the hospitals, and in the hostels.

Mother Kathleen followed 1958-1967. She, too, worked in many of our schools and also at Tufnell. Her wisdom and understanding coupled with her exceptional administrative ability held her in good stead.

Mother Lois was chosen for the role 1967-1976. In 1970, she was awarded an MBE for services to education and she was, by invitation, one of the original members of the Australian College of Education. She was also made a life member of the James Cook University Council for her involvement in the establishment of James Cook University.

Mother Joan (1976-1982) was a much-loved Sister. Her vocation was nursing, and she spent many years, firstly training at St Martin’s hospital (the hospital that the Sisters ran successfully for 49 years) and then holding the position of Matron there for 10 years until it closed in 1971. She received an OAM for her services to nursing. She was also renowned for her beautiful handiwork, especially calligraphy and art, and the Sisters’ archives hold many of her finished pieces.

Mother Eunice began her role in 1982. She relinquished it for a short time to have a break and then resumed the role again. Many current staff and recent Old Girls will have fond memories of her as she guided the school through times that were both rewarding and challenging. Her memory lives on in the naming of the Eunice Centre, opened in 2012.

Sister Gillian stepped into the role of ‘Mother Superior’ for two years in 2005 and again in 2017. She chose not to take the title. The SSA today is led by a co-leadership model, following a revisioning process that began in 2019. This reimagining includes moving into a dispersed community, exploring ways the SSA is called to build on its original charism for the spiritual needs of  people in this day. There are new ways to belong to the SSA, with Vowed Members (Women) and Companions (both women and men).  Refer to the SSA website.

SSA Co-Leaders: Sister Gillian, Rev’d Sister Jan Crombie, Rev’d Sister Gillian Moses.

Per Volar Sunata

Mary Surtees

Archivist