Nestled in the Inner West of Sydney, Australia, lies the suburb of Annandale, a locale steeped in history that stretches back to the dawn of the 19th century. The story of Annandale begins with Major George Johnston, a passenger on the First Fleet ship Lady Penrhyn, who was bestowed with a generous land grant of 600 acres encompassing the areas now known as Annandale and Stanmore. Initially referred to as Johnston’s Bush, the area was later christened Annandale, a homage to Johnston’s birthplace, Annan, in Scotland.

Johnston, along with his wife Esther Abrahams, a convict aboard the Lady Penrhyn, cultivated the land with their children, establishing a grand residence known as Annandale House in 1799. The estate was passed down to Johnston’s son Robert, who later sold it to John Young in 1877. Young, a man of many talents including business, architecture, and politics, transformed the Johnston estate into a desirable suburb, constructing a series of charming houses that added to the allure of the area.

The Catholic Church has left an indelible mark on Annandale. In 1906, the Sisters of St Joseph, a religious order co-founded by Mary MacKillop, relocated from a terrace house on Johnston Street to Coringa, a former gentleman’s residence at 36 Collins Street in Annandale. The addition of a second floor to the four-room schoolhouse in 1919 led to the relocation of school activities to the convent.

Mary MacKillop, who was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI, has had a profound impact on Annandale. As the co-founder of the Sisters of St Joseph, she played a pivotal role in the education of children in the area. The Sisters of St Joseph moved to Annandale in 1906 and established a school in their new home, Coringa. The legacy of Mary MacKillop continues to resonate in Annandale and the broader Australian community.

We trust this comprehensive account has enriched your understanding of Annandale’s history and the Catholic Church’s influence in the area. We encourage you to participate in the dialogue by sharing your insights and experiences. What facets of Annandale’s history captivate you the most? How has the Catholic Church shaped your community? We invite you to share your stories, comments, ideas or thoughts below.

For more stories like this go to The Annandale Post Office: A Historical Gem in New South Wales (photographicchronicles.blogspot.com) or PhotoChronicles.net

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