Datuk Rev. Bro. Lawrence Spitzig
(4/2/1918 - 18/8/2009)
Director of St. John's Institution
1955 - 1961, 1979 - 1983
A biography by the late Rev. Bro. Vincent Corkery
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Sunday, October 30, 2016
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY - SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER & NOVEMBER
Greetings!
Sincerest apologies for the two-month absence of the This Month in History section.
LET US LOOK AT THE EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE IN THE MONTHS OF SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER & NOVEMBER
September
1946 - The longest serving Director of SJI, Rev. Bro. Cornelius Nulty leaves after a 16-year tenure at the helm of the school. Brother Cornelius materialized the construction of the Hall, an idea first mooted by Rev. Bro. Gilbert. He was also responsible for the construction of the East Wing (now the St. John International School). Brother Cornelius was also successful in keeping SJI running during the Japanese occupation.
1962 - Due to deteriorating health, Rev. Bro. Director Ignatius returns to Ireland. His place was taken by Rev. Bro. Joseph McNally, Sub-Director.
September 16
1960 - The new Primary School building was officially opened by Rev. Bro. Fintan Visitor, Provincial Superior of the La Salle Brothers. SJI Primary was the largest English Primary School in Malaya then.
November
1916 - Rev. Bro. Claude Marie is appointed Director of SJI. He was at the helm of SJI for almost 5 years before his transfer to St. Francis Institution, Malacca.
November 3
1906 - The foundation stone of the Main Block was laid by His Excellency Sir Conway Belfield, Resident Councillor of Selangor.
November 5
1977 - The Scouts Den was officiated by Datuk Hj Mohammed Yaakob, Minister of Public Enteprise
Sincerest apologies for the two-month absence of the This Month in History section.
LET US LOOK AT THE EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE IN THE MONTHS OF SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER & NOVEMBER
September
1946 - The longest serving Director of SJI, Rev. Bro. Cornelius Nulty leaves after a 16-year tenure at the helm of the school. Brother Cornelius materialized the construction of the Hall, an idea first mooted by Rev. Bro. Gilbert. He was also responsible for the construction of the East Wing (now the St. John International School). Brother Cornelius was also successful in keeping SJI running during the Japanese occupation.
1962 - Due to deteriorating health, Rev. Bro. Director Ignatius returns to Ireland. His place was taken by Rev. Bro. Joseph McNally, Sub-Director.
September 16
1960 - The new Primary School building was officially opened by Rev. Bro. Fintan Visitor, Provincial Superior of the La Salle Brothers. SJI Primary was the largest English Primary School in Malaya then.
Excerpts from the 1960 Term 3 Term Review
September 21
1955 - SJI welcomes Rev. Bro. Lawrence O'Toole, Assistant Superior General of the Christian Brothers.
September 30
1958 - Major A.J.A. Petrus resigns as Officer-in-Command of the SJI Cadet Corps. He is replaced by Captain A.I. Howe.
October
October 7
1968 - The official closing of the St. John's Institution Development Fund by Y. Bhg Tun Dr. Ismail Abdul Rahman.
The programme booklet from 1968
October 8
1954 - His Excellency Sir Donald MacGillivray, the High Commissioner to Malaya visits SJI. He is accompanied by Mr. K.D. Luke, the Selangor Chief Education Officer
From the 1954 Term 3 Term Review
October 19
1960 - The school chapel was officially opened and used.
November
1916 - Rev. Bro. Claude Marie is appointed Director of SJI. He was at the helm of SJI for almost 5 years before his transfer to St. Francis Institution, Malacca.
November 3
1906 - The foundation stone of the Main Block was laid by His Excellency Sir Conway Belfield, Resident Councillor of Selangor.
November 5
1977 - The Scouts Den was officiated by Datuk Hj Mohammed Yaakob, Minister of Public Enteprise
From the 1979 75th Anniversary Souvenir Album
Saturday, August 6, 2016
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY - AUGUST
EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE IN SJI IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST:
August 1
1955 - Public performance of SJI Dramatic Society's adaptation of 'Twelfth Night'.
August 2-3
1968 - A Food & Fun Fair was held, aimed to pay off debts incurred during the rapid expansion of SJI over the past 4 years.
August 5
1953 - The second issue of the Term Review was released.
August 10
1908 - The Main Block was officially opened by the High Commissioner, Sir John Anderson.
August 18
1984 - The 80th Anniversary Dinner at SJI Primary
2009 - The Good Shepherd of SJI, Rev. Bro. Datuk Lawrence Spitzig, passes away at the age of 91 in Assunta Hospital. The wake was held in SJI the next day.
August 19
1972 - The Charity Big Walk was held at the Lake Gardens and was officiated by Tan Sri H.T. Ong, Chairman of the Board of Governors. Johannians managed to exceed the initial estimated target of $25,000 with a final figure of $44,440.94.
August 26-27
1984 - The 'Pesta Karnival Ria' was held as a fund raiser for the School Development Fund. The Carnival was declared open by Datuk Abdullah Badawi, Minister of Education
August 28
1965 - The completed Arts Block (now Form Five block) was blessed by His Excellency Monsignor Dominic Vendargon, Bishop of Kuala Lumpur.
August 1
1955 - Public performance of SJI Dramatic Society's adaptation of 'Twelfth Night'.
August 2-3
1968 - A Food & Fun Fair was held, aimed to pay off debts incurred during the rapid expansion of SJI over the past 4 years.
Souvenir booklet for the 1968 Food & Fun Fair
1953 - The second issue of the Term Review was released.
August 10
1908 - The Main Block was officially opened by the High Commissioner, Sir John Anderson.
Taken from the 1954 Golden Jubilee book
1984 - The 80th Anniversary Dinner at SJI Primary
2009 - The Good Shepherd of SJI, Rev. Bro. Datuk Lawrence Spitzig, passes away at the age of 91 in Assunta Hospital. The wake was held in SJI the next day.
August 19
1972 - The Charity Big Walk was held at the Lake Gardens and was officiated by Tan Sri H.T. Ong, Chairman of the Board of Governors. Johannians managed to exceed the initial estimated target of $25,000 with a final figure of $44,440.94.
August 26-27
1984 - The 'Pesta Karnival Ria' was held as a fund raiser for the School Development Fund. The Carnival was declared open by Datuk Abdullah Badawi, Minister of Education
August 28
1965 - The completed Arts Block (now Form Five block) was blessed by His Excellency Monsignor Dominic Vendargon, Bishop of Kuala Lumpur.
Sunday, July 17, 2016
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY - JUNE & JULY
Greetings!
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the June edition of This Month in History could not be completed within the month of June.
In this edition, we will explore the events that took place over the months of June and July.
June
1906 - Rev. Bro. Imier of Jesus, Provincial Visitor of the United States visited SJI
June 5
2002 - The last Director of SJI, Rev. Bro. Michael Wong officially retires
June 7
1971 - To emphasize the importance of Bahasa Malaysia, Rev. Bro. Joseph Yeoh announced that Bahasa Malaysia was to be spoken at all times on Fridays except during lessons.
1984 - The Job-A-Long campaign raised RM42,344.67
June 14
1969 - The opening of the play "The Government Inspector" by the Dramatic Society. Bro. Celestine stars in this play.
June 21
2004 - The launching of the "Limited 2D Art Piece" by then Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah
July
July 6
1957 - The Cadet Corps receive their Colours from General Sir Francis Festing, Commander-in-Chief of the Far East Land Forces
July 8
2002 - A new beginning as SJI welcomes its first lay principal, Mr. Peter Yii Sing Chiu
July 9
1955 - After one year since the extension project commenced, the new field was opened with the school Annual Sports.
July 21
1989 - SJI bade farewell to its school bus due to financial constraints
July 28
1960 - Rev. Bro. Vernier Augustus, one of the pioneer Brothers in Malaya, passed away. Bro. Augustus was the architect of the Main Block of SJI. He was also the founder of St. Michael's Institution as well as the architect for the St. Francis Institution chapel.
July 31
2004 - The centenary Hari Keluarga
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the June edition of This Month in History could not be completed within the month of June.
In this edition, we will explore the events that took place over the months of June and July.
June
1906 - Rev. Bro. Imier of Jesus, Provincial Visitor of the United States visited SJI
June 5
2002 - The last Director of SJI, Rev. Bro. Michael Wong officially retires
June 7
1971 - To emphasize the importance of Bahasa Malaysia, Rev. Bro. Joseph Yeoh announced that Bahasa Malaysia was to be spoken at all times on Fridays except during lessons.
1984 - The Job-A-Long campaign raised RM42,344.67
June 14
1969 - The opening of the play "The Government Inspector" by the Dramatic Society. Bro. Celestine stars in this play.
June 21
2004 - The launching of the "Limited 2D Art Piece" by then Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah
July
July 6
1957 - The Cadet Corps receive their Colours from General Sir Francis Festing, Commander-in-Chief of the Far East Land Forces
July 8
2002 - A new beginning as SJI welcomes its first lay principal, Mr. Peter Yii Sing Chiu
July 9
1955 - After one year since the extension project commenced, the new field was opened with the school Annual Sports.
July 21
1989 - SJI bade farewell to its school bus due to financial constraints
July 28
1960 - Rev. Bro. Vernier Augustus, one of the pioneer Brothers in Malaya, passed away. Bro. Augustus was the architect of the Main Block of SJI. He was also the founder of St. Michael's Institution as well as the architect for the St. Francis Institution chapel.
From the 1960 Term Review Issue 3
July 31
2004 - The centenary Hari Keluarga
Saturday, May 14, 2016
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY - MAY
In this edition, we will look at the events that took place in St. John's during the month of May:
May 1
1956 - Formation of the S.J.M.A.C
May 2
1984 - "The Pledge to St. John's", a song written by Mr. Dennis Doss in conjunction of the 80th anniversary, was introduced to Johannians.
May 17
1955 - Rev. Bro. D'Joseph, Director since May 1948 was transferred to St. Xavier's Institution, Penang. His successor was Rev. Bro. Tibertius Lawrence Spitzig.
May 20
1964 - HRH The Sultan and Tengku Ampuan of Selangor attended the staging of "Bamboo Princess" at KL Town Hall in conjunction of the Diamond Jubilee year. Also present was Tun Dr. Ismail, Home Minister and Chairman of the Developmnt Committee.
May 23
1964 - HRH The Sultan and and Tengku Ampuan of Selangor attended the Jubilee Sports held at the school field.
May 24
1954 - The St. John's Dramatic Society presents William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" for seven consecutive nights in the school hall.
1956 - Visit of Mr. Edward Payne, Director of Education in conjunction of Commonwealth Day.
May 30
1964 - During the Old Boys Dinner, Rev. Bro. Joseph McNally, Director of SJI announced that the Director house will be renamed D'Joseph house in honour of former Director Rev. Bro. Joseph Brophy.
May 1
1956 - Formation of the S.J.M.A.C
May 2
1984 - "The Pledge to St. John's", a song written by Mr. Dennis Doss in conjunction of the 80th anniversary, was introduced to Johannians.
May 17
1955 - Rev. Bro. D'Joseph, Director since May 1948 was transferred to St. Xavier's Institution, Penang. His successor was Rev. Bro. Tibertius Lawrence Spitzig.
Front Page of 1955 Term Review Term 2
May 20
1964 - HRH The Sultan and Tengku Ampuan of Selangor attended the staging of "Bamboo Princess" at KL Town Hall in conjunction of the Diamond Jubilee year. Also present was Tun Dr. Ismail, Home Minister and Chairman of the Developmnt Committee.
May 23
1964 - HRH The Sultan and and Tengku Ampuan of Selangor attended the Jubilee Sports held at the school field.
May 24
1954 - The St. John's Dramatic Society presents William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" for seven consecutive nights in the school hall.
Reviews on "Macbeth" from the Term Review
May 30
1964 - During the Old Boys Dinner, Rev. Bro. Joseph McNally, Director of SJI announced that the Director house will be renamed D'Joseph house in honour of former Director Rev. Bro. Joseph Brophy.
Transcript of Rev. Bro. Joseph McNally's speech during the Old Boys Dinner
Saturday, April 16, 2016
THE ORIGIN OF THE SCHOOL MAGAZINE - 1953 TERM REVIEW
In 1953, Rev. Bro. Celestine introduced a tabloid that reports happenings in the school and select works from Johannians. The name of this tabloid - Term Review.
It ran as a series of three papers per annum until 1963 when it was merged into a magazine. The Term Review then became Term Review/Garudamas before it was renamed as Garudamas in 1966.
In case you're wondering, the volume count of the present day Garudamas started when the Term Review became a magazine in 1963.
The Term Review made its debut on April 15, 1953. Today, we proudly present a copy of the Term Review Volume 1 Number 1 for your viewing pleasure.
It ran as a series of three papers per annum until 1963 when it was merged into a magazine. The Term Review then became Term Review/Garudamas before it was renamed as Garudamas in 1966.
In case you're wondering, the volume count of the present day Garudamas started when the Term Review became a magazine in 1963.
The Term Review made its debut on April 15, 1953. Today, we proudly present a copy of the Term Review Volume 1 Number 1 for your viewing pleasure.
Sunday, April 10, 2016
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY - APRIL
Events that took place in St. John's in the month of April.
1921 - Rev. Bro. Director Claude Marie was transferred to St. Francis Institution, Malacca after five years of service in St. John's.
April 3
1969 - A United Nations Mock Assembly was held jointly with Convent Bukit Nanas.
April 15
1953 - The first edition of the Term Review was made available.
April 28
1959 - Rev. Bro. Celestine Jennings was appointed Director in the absence of Rev. Bro. Lawrence Spitzig. He is to remain Director until his transfer in December to St. Paul's Institution, Seremban.
April 29
1970 - Minister of Health, Tan Sri Sardon Jubir was guest-of-honour for Speech and Prize Giving Day.
1921 - Rev. Bro. Director Claude Marie was transferred to St. Francis Institution, Malacca after five years of service in St. John's.
April 3
1969 - A United Nations Mock Assembly was held jointly with Convent Bukit Nanas.
April 15
1953 - The first edition of the Term Review was made available.
April 28
1959 - Rev. Bro. Celestine Jennings was appointed Director in the absence of Rev. Bro. Lawrence Spitzig. He is to remain Director until his transfer in December to St. Paul's Institution, Seremban.
April 29
1970 - Minister of Health, Tan Sri Sardon Jubir was guest-of-honour for Speech and Prize Giving Day.
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY - MARCH
List of notable events in St. John's for the month of March:
March 1
1954 - Lady Templer visits SJI to meet Tan Beng Hoe, a Johannian who offered his collection of paintings to the Lady Templer T.B. Home Fund.
March 5
1958 - Famous African-American baritone singer, William Warfield, performs in the school hall
That's a splendid grand piano we had in the hall, isn't it?
1984 - The 'Job-a-Long' was held to raise funds for the Development Committee
March 7
1987 - The SJI Heritage Night Dinner was held at Dewan Merdeka, PWTC, attended by a crowd of 1 000 old boys, present boys, teachers and well wishes. The master-of-ceremony was Mr. Bosco de Cruz, former teacher and well known newscaster.
March 31
1997 - The SmartLab was officiated by Education Minister, Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak. St. John's was the first school to have a computer lab in the country.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY - FEBRUARY
Notable events that took place throughout the month of February:
February 4
1960 - Minister of Education, Abdul Rahman bin Talib, visited St. John's. He was invited to be the judge and award presenter of the Poster Competition
February 5
1983 - St. John's bade farewell to Rev. Bro. Director Tibertius Lawrence Spitzig. Bro. Lawrence, dubbed "The Good Shepherd of St. John's", was the only Brother who had the honour of helming St. John's twice. The administration of St. John's was then passed to Rev. Bro. Cassian Pappu.
February 10
1992 - 21 Japanese girls from Kagoshima Immaculate Heart Convent arrive in SJI, accompanied by their teachers and principal.
February 14
1953 - First day of the School Funfair. Proceeds of the funfair will go towards the field extension project. The funfair was held for two consecutive days.
February 15
1954 - The extension of the school field commences. To meet the growing need of a school field as St. John's expanded, Bro. Dositheus Joseph Brophy during his directorship undertook the task first started by Rev. Bro. Louis in 1929.
February 22
1994 - Rev. Bro. Superior General John Johnston visits from Rome, Italy. Bro. Superior-General addressed the morning assembly.
February 25
1987 - SJI's canteen was voted "The Cleanest Canteen in Kuala Lumpur".
February 26
1954 - The "Biological Society" was formed, under the leadership of Rev. Bro. Patrick and Mr. P. V. James
February 4
1960 - Minister of Education, Abdul Rahman bin Talib, visited St. John's. He was invited to be the judge and award presenter of the Poster Competition
February 5
1983 - St. John's bade farewell to Rev. Bro. Director Tibertius Lawrence Spitzig. Bro. Lawrence, dubbed "The Good Shepherd of St. John's", was the only Brother who had the honour of helming St. John's twice. The administration of St. John's was then passed to Rev. Bro. Cassian Pappu.
February 10
1992 - 21 Japanese girls from Kagoshima Immaculate Heart Convent arrive in SJI, accompanied by their teachers and principal.
February 14
1953 - First day of the School Funfair. Proceeds of the funfair will go towards the field extension project. The funfair was held for two consecutive days.
February 15
1954 - The extension of the school field commences. To meet the growing need of a school field as St. John's expanded, Bro. Dositheus Joseph Brophy during his directorship undertook the task first started by Rev. Bro. Louis in 1929.
Front page of the 1st Volume of the 1954 Term Review
February 22
1994 - Rev. Bro. Superior General John Johnston visits from Rome, Italy. Bro. Superior-General addressed the morning assembly.
February 25
1987 - SJI's canteen was voted "The Cleanest Canteen in Kuala Lumpur".
February 26
1954 - The "Biological Society" was formed, under the leadership of Rev. Bro. Patrick and Mr. P. V. James
Saturday, January 23, 2016
REV. BRO. JOSEPH YEOH - A BIOGRAPHY BY DATUK REV. BRO. VINCENT CORKERY
IN MEMORIAM OF
REV. BRO. JOSEPH YEOH
DIRECTOR OF ST. JOHN'S INSTITUTION KUALA LUMPUR
1969 - 1978
WHO PASSED AWAY PEACEFULLY ON
JANUARY 27, 1982
THE FOLLOWING IS A BIOGRAPHY OF REV. BRO. JOSEPH YEOH, OR FONDLY KNOWN AS 'OLD JOE', WRITTEN BY DATUK REV. BRO. VINCENT CORKERY.
MAY THIS SERVE TO BE A MEMORY OF REV. BRO. JOSEPH YEOH TO JOHANNIANS UNDER HIS ADMINISTRATION AS WELL AS AN INSPIRATION TO PRESENT AND FUTURE JOHANNIANS
MANY THANKS TO MR. LIM HEAN HWA FOR PROVIDING THIS DIGITAL COPY OF BRO. JOSEPH'S BIOGRAPHY
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY - JANUARY
Notable events that took place throughout the month of January:
January 6
1969 - Rev. Bro. Joseph Yeoh was appointed as the new Director of St. John's after a 22-year absence. He will be at the helm of SJI for the next decade.
January 15
1904 - Three Brothers arrive in Kuala Lumpur ahead of the opening of SJI. They are Rev. Bro. Andrew Corsini, Rev. Bro. Cyril Alexander, and Rev. Bro. Julian Francis. Rev. Bro. Francis was appointed the first Director of St. John's.
January 18
1904 - St. John's Institution opened its doors for the first time, with an enrollment of 40 students. The school was declared open by Mr. R. J. Wilkinson, Inspector of Schools.
1994 - The Sports Complex, comprising of an open-air hall, badminton hall, and three squash courts, was officiated by Rev. Bro. Visitor David Liao, in conjunction of SJI's 90th anniversary. The building was part of an agreement with Dairy Maid in exchange of acquiring the field for the construction of an office tower and underground car park.
January 21
1989 - Rev. Bro. Cassian Pappu officially retires and Rev. Bro. Michael Wong was officially installed as the new Director of SJI. Bro. Michael, or fondly known as 'the BMW of St. John's' was the last Brother Director of SJI upon his retirement 14 years later in 2002.
January 29
1982 - The body of former Director, Rev. Bro. Joseph Yeoh, lies in state in the school chapel. Bro. Joseph, fondly known as 'Old Joe', passed away peacefully in Singapore three days earlier, in the evening of January 26, due to a jaundice relapse. He was 52 years old. His remains were laid to rest the next day after service in St. John's Cathedral.
1989 - Rev. Bro. John Svrcek, member of the staff between 1935-1937 and 1978-1989 lies in state in the school chapel. Bro. John was involved in a fatal accident two days earlier and was buried the next day.
January 6
1969 - Rev. Bro. Joseph Yeoh was appointed as the new Director of St. John's after a 22-year absence. He will be at the helm of SJI for the next decade.
Rev. Bro. Joseph Yeoh's message from the 1968-1969 Garudamas
January 15
1904 - Three Brothers arrive in Kuala Lumpur ahead of the opening of SJI. They are Rev. Bro. Andrew Corsini, Rev. Bro. Cyril Alexander, and Rev. Bro. Julian Francis. Rev. Bro. Francis was appointed the first Director of St. John's.
1904 - St. John's Institution opened its doors for the first time, with an enrollment of 40 students. The school was declared open by Mr. R. J. Wilkinson, Inspector of Schools.
1994 - The Sports Complex, comprising of an open-air hall, badminton hall, and three squash courts, was officiated by Rev. Bro. Visitor David Liao, in conjunction of SJI's 90th anniversary. The building was part of an agreement with Dairy Maid in exchange of acquiring the field for the construction of an office tower and underground car park.
January 21
1989 - Rev. Bro. Cassian Pappu officially retires and Rev. Bro. Michael Wong was officially installed as the new Director of SJI. Bro. Michael, or fondly known as 'the BMW of St. John's' was the last Brother Director of SJI upon his retirement 14 years later in 2002.
Taken from the 1989 Garudamas
January 29
1982 - The body of former Director, Rev. Bro. Joseph Yeoh, lies in state in the school chapel. Bro. Joseph, fondly known as 'Old Joe', passed away peacefully in Singapore three days earlier, in the evening of January 26, due to a jaundice relapse. He was 52 years old. His remains were laid to rest the next day after service in St. John's Cathedral.
1989 - Rev. Bro. John Svrcek, member of the staff between 1935-1937 and 1978-1989 lies in state in the school chapel. Bro. John was involved in a fatal accident two days earlier and was buried the next day.
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