St. Peter's Boys School - History - Chronology

Chronology

  • 1861 The earliest European settlers in Panchgani, under Mr. J. Chesson, opened negotiations with the Government for the purchase of land for a church and school.
  • 1876 Mr. Samuel Brierly, late Headmaster of Bishop's School, Poona, opened a Boarding and Day School at "Elstow", Panchgani.
  • 1891 The Diocesan Board of Education, Bombay, became interested and appointed the Rev. Burgess, Chaplain/Headmaster. School opened at "Preston", but closed soon after due to a law-suit over the property.
  • 1895 The Rev. R. Evans, DD, was appointed by the Diocese to receive the School in "The Ark".
  • 1898 Kimmins Girls' School founded by Miss A. Emilie Kimmins. Boys and girls studied together.
  • 1901 Miss Mary Ashlin donated a legacy to the Colonial and Continental Church Society, London. The Society interested itself in the School at Panchgani and decided to govern the School with a Committee of Management at Bombay. Classes held in the nave of St. Peter's Church under the Rev. J. Redman. Boys housed at "Enfield" and "Albert House".
  • 1904 Boys' School separates from Kimmins School. Present school buildings opened by Richard Stanley Heywood, Bishop of Mombasa.
  • 1911 Assembly hall erected. Opened by Sir George Clark, Governor of Bombay.
  • 1914 Middle Dormitory built.
  • 1921 Rhodesia House and grounds purchased by the School. Death of Miss A. E. Kimmins, Founder of Kimmins Girls' School.
  • 1934 Reference library constructed.
  • 1937 Swimming bath constructed.
  • 1940 Junior class-rooms constructed.
  • 1947 India granted Independence.
  • 1947 Principal - Mr. O. D. Bason.
  • 1950 "Maycroft" equipped for use as a school hospital.
  • 1953 New kitchen built with financial assistance from the Sassoon David Trust.
  • 1954 The school celebrated its Golden Jubilee (1904–1954). The dining hall was opened by the Rt. Rev. W. Q. Lash, Bishop of Bombay and Chairman of the Board of Governors.
  • 1958 The "Albert House" estate was purchased at a cost of Rs. 75,000.
  • 1959 "Maycroft" was purchased at a cost of Rs. 25,000.
  • 1960 The School ceased to accept Government grants. "Flora House" was converted into a hostel. Gas was installed in the School kitchen.
  • 1961 Modern sanitation was installed in School House. The School passed from the management of the Commonwealth & Continental Church Society to that of the Bombay Diocesan Society. A tablet commemorating the change was erected in the Assembly Hall. Maycroft Cottage was demolished and rebuilt at a cost of Rs. 10,000.
  • 1962 Mr. J. L. Davis completed 25 years service at the School and was presented with a gold medal in appreciation of his services.
  • 1963 An appeal for funds towards the cost of a new building to celebrate the School's Diamond Jubilee was launched. Fire in Principal's house.
  • 1964 Work commenced on the new building. Estimated cost: Rs. 325,000. The School celebrated its Diamond Jubilee (1904–1964). The Rt. Rev. Christopher Robinson, Bishop of Bombay, unveiled a tablet to commemorate the occasion.
  • 1966 Jubilee Hall completed.
  • 1967 The Bombay Diocesan Trust Association hands over the management of St. Peter's School to the Society of St. Peter's School, Panchgani.
  • 1967 Earthquake rocks Panchgani. Maycroft, Hill View and part of the kitchen are razed to the ground.
  • 1969 Maycroft and Hill View cottages reconstructed while the kitchen is repaired.
  • 1974 Mr. O. D. Bason retires as Principal after an innings of twenty seven years.
  • 1974 Bason Hall dormitory and staff quarters constructed.
  • 1975 Mr. Jack Timmins assumes the office of Principal.
  • 1975 The St. Peter's School, Panchgani, Old Boys' Association is formed.
  • 1980 Rhodesia renamed to Junior House on the Independence of Rhodesia.
  • 1980-1981 Lower Field Stadium embankment is constructed - work incomplete.
  • 1981 Mr. Timmins migrates to Australia and Mr. Morris W. Innis takes over as Principal.
  • 1981 Last meeting of the Old Boys' Association.
  • 1986 Mr. O. D. Bason passes away in Panchgani.
  • 1987 Computer studies introduced in the school.
  • 1989 Lawrence Villa purchased for Rs. 15 lakhs.
  • 1993 Ground floor of Junior School block constructed.
  • 1994 Latur earthquake rocks St. Peter's. Flora House and Albert House are badly damaged.
  • 2000 Mr. Innis retires as Principal. Mr. K. A. Garman takes his place.
  • 2001 Mr. K. A. Garman resigns and Mr. R. Robinson takes his place.
  • 2002 Mr. R. Robinson resigns and Miss Gilbert is appointed Hon. Principal. Assembly Hall burns to the ground.
  • 2003 Miss Gilbert is succeeded by Mr. Gene Oscar Lee.
  • 2004 Centenary Celebrations.
  • 2005 New Assembly Hall dedicated.
  • 2006 January Vice-Pricicipal Joe L. Davis (1968) passes away at the age of 88.
  • 2007 Mr. G.O.Lee resigns as a Principal after 4 years
  • 2007 Mr. D.D'monte assumes the office of Headmaster and asked for the resignation in 2008 October
  • 2009 Mr. Niteen Salvi takes over as acting Headmaster (Offg. Headmaster )
  • 2010 Dr. Thomas Charles Williams takes over as the new Principal.
  • 2010 Mrs. Sangita James takes over as the new Principal.

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