History of the College

The College opened at Liverpool, NSW in 1856. It owed its existence to two people. The first was an early settler in Sydney, Thomas Moore, who left his estate for educational purposes. The second was the Anglican Bishop of Sydney, Frederic Barker. During its long history, the College has had twelve Principals and over three thousand graduates.

It has rendered its chief service to the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, the majority of whose clergy train at the College. It has a tradition, however, of educating many men and women who have served in other parts of Australia and beyond and in other Protestant denominations.

The College moved from Liverpool to Newtown in 1891 in order to be near the University of Sydney. Various facilities of the University and St Paul's College are available to Moore College students, under certain conditions. Contact the Senior Student for more information.

It has benefited from a lengthy association with Mary Andrews College (MAC - formerly Deaconess House) in the training and encouragement of women in ministry. Women have jointly enrolled with the two colleges since 1993 and they take the same course in Moore College as men. However, some of their training for ministry and their pastoral care are the particular responsibility of MAC. Every woman student is part of the MAC chaplaincy system and is attached to a MAC chaplaincy group.

Since the late 1950's there has been a significant extension of the College campus, the growth of a major theological library, an increase in the numbers and qualifications of the faculty, and the introduction of the four year course.

Purchases of property on the southern side of Carillon Avenue have made it possible over the years to expand Library, Administration and Dining Hall facilities and to provide considerable housing for married students and faculty. 1994 saw the opening of the Broughton Knox Teaching Centre. The plan on the campus web page shows the location of the major facilities.