Origins of the College's colours and crest
Marist Brothers High School (MBHS) Darlinghurst closed in 1968 after more than 55 years due to changing demographics in the inner-city area. Marist College Canberra opened in 1968, and inherited the colours, badge and motto of this old school.
In writing about the decision to close MBHS Darlinghurst, the editor of the 1967 Blue and Blue magazine noted, “While a fine school is closing here, a new one is opening in the national capital. This new school will use the Blue and Blue colours, the motto ‘Servo Fidem’ and the Darlinghurst crest. We extend to the Brothers and boys of this new school our best wishes for the future. May the motto ‘Servo Fidem’ prove to be as real to them as it has been to Darlinghurst pupils over the years” (Keeping Faith: 40 years of Marist College Canberra, page 18).
As well as the continuing use of the badge, motto and the two blue colours, a stained glass window, previously positioned immediately above the main entrance to MBHS Darlinghurst, now resides in the College’s Chapel. In pride of place in the College’s Hall of Fame is a plaque to those from MBHS Darlinghurst who fought in the First World War. An honour board recognising those from MBHS Darlinghurst who fought in the Second World War is located in the College’s Senior Hall. A number of the trophies that are used for academic or sporting awards also came from the old school.
One the College’s Senior School Houses, Darlinghurst, is also named in recognition of the former school.
Marist College Canberra continues to be proud of the ties between the two schools, and proudly welcomed two Darlo Old Boys, Tony Baine and Reg Richardson AM, for a visit earlier this year.
Servo Fidem