History of Kirkpatrick House Trust

Established in 1926

Over 500 young women have received a
Kirkpatrick Scholarship

The Kirkpatrick Scholarship

Kirkpatrick House Trust began with a bequest from the late Samuel Kirkpatrick. At the time of his death in 1925, Kirkpatrick was Managing Director of the K Jam factory in Nelson and a prominent Freemason in the Nelson-Westland District.

The Kirkpatrick Estate funds education for the daughters of families facing hardship. All girls must be sponsored by a Masonic Lodge.

The Public Trust became responsible for the Estate assets and a Board of Governors manages the Trust’s operations. This Board consists of representatives from Southern Star Lodge, Trafalgar Royal Arch Chapter, and the four masonic constitutions (NZ, English, Irish, Scottish) operating in New Zealand.

Kirkpatrick House originally catered for up to 22 girls at one time, and hundreds have passed through its portals. In 1991 the Government withdrew subsidies for this type of home and this forced the sale of the Kirkpatrick House property. The Kirkpatrick girls then went to board at CJ House at Nelson College for Girls.

The Kirkpatrick Board of Governors is always interested to hear about potential candidates for this scholarship programme.

500 scholarships since 1926

Kirkpatrick House originally catered for up to 22 girls at one time, and hundreds have passed through its portals. In 1991 the Government withdrew subsidies for this type of home and this forced the sale of the Kirkpatrick House property. The Kirkpatrick girls then went to board at CJ House at Nelson College for Girls.

In all, some 500 young women have received the benefit of a Kirkpatrick Scholarship since 1926. This equates approximately to a total of 1600 school years or $24,000,000 in today’s money.

Now funding up to 6 girls per year

These days the Trust funds secondary school girls from Year 9 through to Year 13. This support provides school uniforms, educational aids, travel costs and pocket money. The KP girls are encouraged to participate fully in school activities and develop any special talents.

The Public Trust still manages the investments from the original Kirkpatrick’s Estate and passes the returns on to the Board of Governors. Since 1926, the Board has directly received income from bequests and annual donations from Lodges around NZ. The income from these two sources, is sufficient to cover the cost of six girls per year.

The Kirkpatrick Board of Governors is always interested to hear about potential candidates for this scholarship programme.

Know someone who would benefit?

The Kirkpatrick Board of Governors is always interested to hear about potential candidates for this scholarship programme.

Apply