Murray Hall is one of CPUT's best residences in Wellington and has a very rich history.  

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Mary Lyon was an American lady who matriculated in 1873. She qualified as a teacher and founded Mount Holyoke College expressly with the view to affording young ladies the opportunity to study further. She believed that people should receive instruction in totality: the method of head, hand of heart.

When Andrew Murray came to Wellington as minister he read the books by Mary Lyon, her theories and methods of instruction. He was inspired to start a similar school in South Africa. He immediately wrote a letter to the head of Mount Holyoke College in the United States and asked for a teacher who would apply the same methods in South Africa. He also sent £60 to cover costs and obtained the services of two teachers, Misses Ferguson and Bliss. In January 1874 the Hugenote seminary was housed in White House- a farmhouse purchased by Andrew Murray. It stood where the present-day Wouter Malan stands.

The aim of the Hugenote seminary was to provide further education for young ladies. In the first year there were about 44 girls from all over the country, but because of a lack of accommodation, 14 girls were lodged in town. Miss Furgeson, who was headmistress of the school, felt very strongly that all the girls should be under one roof. A second boarding house, known as Murray Hall was occupied in 1875 (at that stage it was the first building in the town that had a tin roof – something that was quite new those days).

Murray Hall has used as the Higher Department under Miss Ferguson while the Lower Department under the leadership of Miss Bliss was established. The building served as both school and residence. Gradually there was a need to seminary. This led to the erection of the Goodnow Hall (situated opposite Murray Hall).

Naturally, money was needed for this project. Edward. A. Goodnow an American altruist donated the money for the building of the Goodnow Hall which was occupied in 1886. Hereafter the Goodnow Hall housed the instruction department while Murray Hall and White House were used as boarding houses. More teachers were appointed and at one stage 18 subjects we offered, including Art, Music and Culture with a view to teaching the young ladies about the finer things in life.

We are greatly indebted to Dr Andrew Murray for the establishment of our historical residence which is a much-revered national monument. I am sure that you are aware of the great privilege it is to be part of such a fine tradition. 

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At Murray Hall is love resides, Memories are created, Friends always belong & laughter never ends.

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