There is something particularly special about welcoming visitors to Carey who have a personal connection to the school's history. In August, we were delighted to welcome Margie Weaver (née Moore), the great-granddaughter of Dr William Moore, one of Carey's founders and the namesake of Moore House.
Dr Moore was a prominent Melbourne surgeon and an influential member of the Victorian Baptist community. He served as President of the Baptist Theological College and was a trustee of the Victorian Baptist Fund. He was also closely involved in the early efforts of the Baptist Union of Victoria to establish a Baptist boys' school, serving on the committee responsible for advancing the project. His contribution to Carey's establishment was significant. He became the first President of the School Council, serving from 1923 to 1925.
One of the highlights of Margie's visit was seeing the honour boards in the Memorial Great Hall, where she was able to trace three generations of her family. The names of Jerry, Harold and her father, Bill, were proudly displayed, making for a particularly meaningful moment and highlighting the family's longstanding association with the School.
Margie also had the opportunity to see the foundation stone of the original Preparatory School, laid by her great-grandfather, Dr William Moore, in 1925 (feature image: Dr Moore laying the Foundation Stone). It was another meaningful reminder of his role in Carey's early history.
Margie also enjoyed exploring the Mellor Museum, discovering more about the people, places and objects that have helped shape the School over the past century.
Margie also generously donated a copy of Jerry Moore and some of his contemporaries by Benjamin K Rand, published by the Hawthorn Press in Melbourne in 1975. The book is a welcome addition to the Carey Archives and provides another insight into the Moore family's history.
Visits such as this are among the most rewarding aspects of working in the Archives. They provide an opportunity to share the School's history with descendants of those who helped establish Carey, while allowing family stories and memories to become part of the historical record.
It was a pleasure to welcome Margie and share with her the many ways in which her family's legacy continues to be remembered at Carey.
Helen Wolff
Archivist, Community Engagement
