Rich history of the Houses – Thompson House

As St Andrew’s celebrates 100 years since Rector A K Anderson started the very first House Competitions at the College in 1925, with two houses for boarders Strowan and Rutherford, and two for dayboys, Erwin and Thompson, it is great opportunity to be reminded about the history of each House, and the men behind each of their names.

In 1982, the House Competition system was reorganised by Rector Dr John Rentoul, who replaced the name Strowan with Thompson, and ensured there was a mix of boarding and day students across each of the Houses. Today students continue to have a deep sense of identity and pride in their House, with the friendly rivalry between the Houses as they take part in various sports and activities in a bid to win the coveted House Cup, a key aspect of the St Andrew’s College experience for all students.

Thompson House

Thompson is not only a competition House, but also our only boarding house for girls from Years 9–13. Its name honours the founder of St Andrew’s College, Reverend Alexander Thomas Thompson.

After leaving school at the age of 12 to become an apprentice draper, Thompson attended night school for the next four years to become a lay preacher. He later attended Otago Boys’ High School and won scholarships to study at both the University of Otago, and Yale University in the United States – becoming the first New Zealander to attend this prestigious university.

Reverend Thompson was minister of three parishes, an exceptional orator, scholar, fundraiser, and visionary. He served in the British and Foreign Bible Society in New Zealand and Australia for 20 years and was part of the Flying Doctor Service’s early years. However, he was most proud of founding St Andrew’s College, first in Addington, with a move to the magnificent property called ‘Strowan’ in 1917, thanks in large part to his tireless efforts convincing generous benefactors to share his vision.

Reverend Thompson’s driving ambition was to "educate the sons of the Presbyterian and Scottish community of Canterbury", and due to his determination, St Andrew’s College opened its doors in Christchurch in 1917, with 19 boys and four teachers. He devoted decades of his life to the College and was the driving force behind the Memorial Chapel. The tenacity and drive of Reverend Alexander Thompson is the reason St Andrew’s exists and he would surely be proud to see how his legacy lives on today.