There are occasions which impress themselves deeply on the consciousness and which leave a lasting memory. One such was the 2023 William Carey Assembly, held on 26 July.
Carey’s story has been told many times. There is a wealth of material written about him. His life and influence have been recorded exhaustively by parsons, linguists, scientists, botanists, educators and administrators throughout the 189 years since his death. It is a remarkable story that has been told: one of exceptional service to God and to humanity. The assembly that took place in the Memorial Great Hall in the School’s centenary year, however, carried all present beyond a sterile recording of the facts of Carey’s life: breathtaking though they may be.
Former student David Webb OAM (1968) spoke with conviction, candour and passion about a life of dedication to people’s welfare. He is in a rare position to do so as Associate Professor of Urology at the University of Melbourne and as a medical scientist of international standing. Professor Webb captured the spirit of Dr Carey’s life and his inspiration. He evoked the essence of the triumphant spiritual, academic, moral and practical contribution that Carey made in India and around the world; and he did it with humour, erudition and palpable emotion as he reflected on human aspiration and achievement.
The engagement of all in the MGH that day was a trenchant testimony to the life of the man for whom our School is named, but it was more than that: it was a clear indication that Carey’s torch continues to burn brightly.
David Morgan OAM (1961)
Former Carey student and teacher
Feature image (L–R): Bruce Murray (1960 and the 2022 Carey Medallist), David Webb OAM (1968) and David Morgan OAM (1961)
