60 Years of Stories - A Chapel, A Wedding and a Lifelong Connection

On Sunday 18 February 1973, Ross Cleary and Robyn Taylor were married in the St John the Evangelist Chapel — the chapel they knew affectionately known as the “Johns/Ursula Chapel”.

It was possibly the first marriage celebrated in the Chapel. Certainly, it was the first known wedding there between former residents of the two adjoining University Colleges: John XXIII College and St Ursula’s College.

Robyn had lived at St Ursula’s in 1970, while Ross was a Duty Tutor at John XXIII College in 1972. Their paths crossed through the distinctive community that existed between the two neighbouring colleges, a connection that would eventually lead to one of the Chapel’s earliest wedding celebrations.

Their story also offers a charming glimpse into student life at Johns in the early 1970s.

In 1972, a married couple, John and Christine Ryan, had lived at John XXIII College. When Ross and Robyn were considering where they might live in 1973, they thought about taking over the Ryans’ quarters at College to be the second married couple to live at Johns. In the end, another opportunity came their way. A friend offered them a relative’s house in O’Connor for just $10 a week - a bargain even by the standards of the day.

More than 50 years later, the details remain a reminder that College stories are rarely just about buildings or dates. They are about the people who lived here, the friendships they formed, the decisions they made and the moments that became part of their lives.

Ross and Robyn’s wedding is one of those moments.

As John XXIII College prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2027, we are gathering the stories that have shaped our community across six decades. Some are big milestones. Others are small memories that might otherwise disappear - a friendship, a room, a tutor, a tradition, a photograph or an unexpected turn of events.

Together, they tell the story of Johns.

DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE?

Were you part of a memorable moment at John XXIII College? Do you have an old photograph tucked away in an album, a story from your time at College, or a memory that deserves to be remembered?

We would love to hear from you. Email: community@johnxxiii.anu.edu.au

Share your 60 Years of Stories with us and help bring the history of John XXIII College to life for the next generation.

Your story could be the next chapter.