Susanna Freymark
Eight years ago Lyn and Greg Baker were looking for a new home.
They had lived in Picton for 25 years and were keen to head north for the climate.
When they saw the former convent at Mallanganee, Greg immediately fell in love with the timber house nestled under giant fig trees.
While house hunting, they were staying at the Commercial Hotel in Kyogle.
Over dinner Greg asked Lyn this question: “If you pass this place up, will you regret it?”
“Yes, I would,” Lyn said.
The next day we came to see inside the house, Lyn said.
The 1924 house was built as a convent for the Sisters of Mercy.
It used to be a busy place with five nuns living there and working at the Catholic school across the road.
Local children from Bonalbo, Old Bonalbo and Tabulam stayed at the convent during the week. Male boarders slept on the veranda.
The home is beautifully decorated with splashes of bright red in the decor.
“Because I am me, I wanted to make it us,” Lyn said.
Neither Greg nor Lyn had a Catholic upbringing. Lyn said she was related to Sister Mary McKillop somewhere in her family tree.
Mallanganee Public School opened in 1906, the Catholic school in 1952 and the church next door to the convent was built in 1922.
After the monthly church service, parishioners usually gather at Lyn and Greg’s place for a long afternoon tea.
There is much talk about the history of the church and convent and for the centenary Lyn and Greg decided to open up their home.
“If you live in a house with a wonderful history, you have a responsibility to preserve its history as custodians,” Lyn said.
Light streams into the house– the living room has nine windows and there are 28 doors in the house.
It is a house filled with life and memories.
The house talks to you, Lyn said, it creaks.
This Saturday, April 27, the public is invited to view the 100 year old convent at 59 Tooloom Street, Mallanganee 11am-4pm.
After seeing the convent, head down the road to Mallanganee Memorial Hall for refreshments (gold coin donation) and see the heritage applique. Katina Larsson, one of the women who helped make the giant tapestry, will be at the hall to discuss it.
Share your stories at the Sisters of Mercy Convent Mallanganee Centenary Open Day.
The Soldiers Room at Mallanganee Hall will also be open on the day.
All inquiries call 6664 5196.
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