Since its original purchase in 1870, this site has played host as a residence to Bishop Murray, The Sacred Heart College, a residence for the workers during the construction of the North Coast railway line, The Bishop Murray Orphanage (better known as Monte Pio), The Edmund Gleeson House of Studies, Country Comfort Hunter Valley and currently The Mercure Maitland, Monte Pio.
1850 – 1900
1870
In 1870 the Right Rev Dr Murray purchased a small cottage on the present site of the Monte Pio Motor Inn, to serve as his residence and that of the Maitland Clergy. Adjoining properties were also purchased. An initial attempt to purchase one of the properties failed; however, Mr Thomas Goodyer purchased the property and gave it to Bishop Murray. This property, as purchased in the 1870’s, existed on the Campbell’s Hill site until 1975. Some of the original bricks and sandstone blocks are now incorporated in the house at No 11 Adam Street, due south below Monte Pio.
3 October 1875
On 3 October 1875 Dr Murray vacated his residence which, after renovations, formed the Sacred Heart College, ‘Founded for the purpose of providing first-class English and Classical Education, based on a sound Religious training and in preparation for University Commercial pursuits.’ Initially the school was run by diocesan priests from 1875-1883. The first Principal was Father Mathew (1875-1879), followed by Fathers Thomas English (1880-1881) and Darcy (1882-1884).
1883 – 1888
1883 – 1888 the Brothers of the Congregation of St Patrick (Patricians) founded in the Maitland Diocese from Mountrath, Ireland were in residence. The College was staffed by the Patrician Brothers; Rev Br Dominic O’Neill, Superior. The Patricians departed to the Diocese of Armidale in 1888. For more information on the history of the Patrician Brothers go to their website: patricianbrothers.com
1889 – 1897
1889 – 1897 the College was staffed by the Very Rev Patrick Dwyer (President), and consecutively the Rev John O’Reilly and Cornelius McAuliffe.
6 June 1897
On 6 June 1897 Father Dwyer was consecrated titular Bishop of Zoara and coadjutor of Maitland; he quartered his Episcopal Coat-of-Arms with the crest of the Sacred Heart College.
6 January 1898
On 6 January 1898 the Marist Brothers assumed charge of the Sacred Heart College; The Rev Bros Gonzaga and Sebastian (consecutively), Directors.
1900 – 1950
December 1904
The Sacred Heart College closed in December 1904.
It was then leased as a residence during the construction of the North Coast Railway Line until 1910.
23 May 1910
On 23 May 1910 the Right Rev Dr Dwyer, Bishop of Maitland, blessed and re-opened the renovated buildings of the old College (free from debt) as the Bishop Murray Memorial Home for Girls, staffed by the Sisters of Mercy.
18 August 1918
On 18 August 1918 the Sacred Heart Church, adjacent to the Orphanage, was blessed and opened by the Most Rev Bartholomew Cattaneo, Apostolic Delegate.
1940-50 (Circa)
1940-50 (Circa) completion of the new wing of the Orphanage, which replaced the original (1870’s) buildings on the same site.
1950 – 2000
1972
At the beginning of 1972 it was decided to close Monte Pio and transfer the remaining girls to the Convent at Adamstown.
The Sacred Heart Infant School – Years 1 & 2, continued to operate until the late 1970’s.
February 1973
February 1973 the Edmund Gleeson House of Studies, staffed by the Redemptorist Fathers, opened.
1975
In 1975 the Sacred Heart Presbytery, adjoining the Church, the last remnant of the first building on the site was demolished.
December 1982 – January 1986
At the closing of the Edmund Gleeson House of Studies in December 1982 all operations ceased and the building remained disused from that time until it reopened in January 1986 as a Hotel and Convention Centre.
1985
In 1985 renovations commenced to transform Monte Pio into a motel. The renovation of the original buildings proved a long process as great care and attention was given to maintaining the character of the building. The ultimate result “Monte Pio Court” was awarded the Dangar Award of Merit for renovation of non-residential developments.
January 1986
January 1986 Monte Pio Court and Conference Centre opened.
July 1990
July 1990 Monte Pio Court was placed under Country Comfort management.
April 1991
April 1991 Monte Pio complex was sold to Country Comfort business, known as Country Comfort Hunter Valley.
2000 – present
March 2005
March 2005 Country Comfort Hunter Valley complex was sold to a private owner Mr Calabrese and is now known as Monte Pio Motor Inn.
August 2015
Monte Pio Hotel was officially rebranded to become The Mercure Maitland, Monte Pio and in September 2015 became part of the Accor Group.