The Vision Begins
Year: 1936
John Banks donated the Collaton and Irene farms to the Anglican Diocese of Southern Rhodesia. Under Bishop Edward Paget, plans were initiated to establish a mission centre that would serve education and community development.
Founding of Cyrene
Year: 1939
Canon Edward Paterson Arrives
Canon Edward (Ned) Paterson arrived and assumed responsibility for developing the mission. He introduced a vision that combined agriculture, technical skills, Christian values and artistic expression. He named the mission “Cyrene” after Simon of Cyrene.
Cyrene School Opens
Year: 1940
Official Opening of Cyrene Boys High
The school officially opened as a boys’ institution focused on practical education, farming, leadership development and self-reliance. Art became a compulsory subject for every student, a pioneering concept at the time.
Founding of Cyrene
Year: 1939
Canon Edward Paterson Arrives
Artwork and carvings produced by Cyrene students began gaining recognition and commercial success. The school’s unique approach to art education attracted growing attention both locally and internationally.
Recognition of Cyrene Art
Year: 1944
The Cyrene Chapel
Canon Edward (Ned) Paterson arrived and assumed responsibility for developing the mission. He introduced a vision that combined agriculture, technical skills, Christian values and artistic expression. He named the mission “Cyrene” after Simon of Cyrene.
Royal Visit to Cyrene
Year: 1947
The Queen and the Royal Family
King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and members of the royal family visited Cyrene Mission. The visit brought international recognition to the school and its artistic achievements.
Cyrene Art Reaches the World
Year: 1949
Cyrene Chapel recognized as a Historical sitee
Cyrene artwork was exhibited internationally, including in London. The exhibitions showcased the creativity of Cyrene students and established the mission’s reputation beyond Africa
End of the Paterson Era
Year: 1947
Edward Ned Patterson moved back to his home
After fourteen transformative years, Canon Paterson left Cyrene. His educational philosophy, artistic legacy and vision continued to influence future generations.
Present Day
Year: Current
Cyrene thrives
Cyrene remains a symbol of educational excellence, faith, leadership and brotherhood. Through its alumni and community, the values established by its founders continue to shape future generations.
Growth Under Canon Robin Ewbank
Year: 1953–1975
Following Paterson’s departure, Cyrene evolved into a recognised Form 1–4 secondary school for boys. Under Canon Robin A. Ewbank’s leadership, the school expanded its academic and institutional foundations.
Chapel Murals Survive Fire
Year: 1962
A fire damaged parts of the mission, but the famous Cyrene Chapel murals survived. Their preservation strengthened the chapel’s importance as a unique centre of African Christian art.
Relocation During the Liberation War
Year: 1978
As the liberation struggle intensified, Cyrene was forced to relocate to Bulawayo. The original mission site was taken over by the Rhodesian military and renamed Fort Godwin.
Return to Cyrene
Year: 1980
Canon Edward Paterson Arrives
Following Zimbabwe’s independence, the school returned to its historic home and began rebuilding its facilities, traditions and educational programmes
A New Era of Rebuilding
Year: 1982
Father Neil D. Pierce assumed leadership and guided a period of reconstruction and development that strengthened Cyrene’s academic and boarding infrastructure.
Chapel Declared a National Monument
Year: 1987
The Cyrene Chapel received National Monument status, recognising its cultural, historical and artistic significance to Zimbabwe.
Cyrene Art Legacy Continues
Year: 1990
The school hosted artistic workshops and remained an important influence on Zimbabwean visual arts, helping preserve the traditions established by Paterson and the pioneering Cyrene artists.
Strengthening Academic Excellence
Year: 2000
By the turn of the century, Cyrene had established itself as one of Zimbabwe’s respected Anglican boarding schools, attracting students from across the country.
National Debate Champions
Year: 2017
Cyrene Victory
Cyrene High School earned national recognition when its debate team won the National Association of Secondary School Heads debate championship.
Old Boys Rally Behind Cyrene
Year: 2020
Cyrene thrives
Former students mobilised to support the school through infrastructure rehabilitation projects, including repairs to damaged hostels and other critical facilities.
Improved Boarding Facilities
Year: 2021
COBA supported the construction and upgrading of hostel ablution facilities, helping improve student welfare and health standards.
Solar Power Project Completed
Year: 2022
COBA completed the first phase of a solar energy project, providing reliable electricity to classroom blocks and improving learning conditions.
Celebrating Student Achievement
Year: 2023
Speech and Prize Giving Day highlighted academic excellence, leadership and outstanding student performance, reflecting Cyrene’s continued commitment to holistic education.
85 Years of Excellence
Year: 2025
Under the theme “At 85, Still Embracing Change, Adapting, and Thriving Through an Evolving Environment,” the school celebrated continued academic success while planning expansion projects, including girls’ accommodation, curriculum enhancement and infrastructure development
“A school is built not only by its buildings, but by the people whose vision inspires generations.”
Founder and Mission Leader
Arriving in 1939, Canon Paterson transformed Cyrene into a pioneering centre of education, agriculture, faith and African art. His vision continues to influence the school’s identity today.
Bishop of Matabeleland
Played a key role in establishing Cyrene Mission and supporting the vision that would become one of Zimbabwe’s most significant educational and cultural institutions.
Mission Leader
Succeeded Canon Paterson and guided Cyrene through a period of growth and institutional development.
Benefactor and Land Donor
Donated the Collaton and Irene farms, providing the land upon which Cyrene Mission was established.
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