Christian Brothers Timeline By willem. 1802 In 1802 (223 years ago) the Christian Brothers was founded by Edmund Ignatius Rice Founded By Edmund Rice 1802 The first school is opened in Ireland on Waterford's New Street 1802 Christian Brothers is founded by Edmund Ignatius Rice 1838 The Founder Edmund Ignatius Rice passed away 1843 The Christian Brothers are invited to assist with school with invitation from Archbishop Polding 1848 With tensions between the English and Irish Catholics the Christian Brothers left to Ireland 1868 Patrick Treacy sets up the first Christian Brothers community in Melbourne by the Archbishop Polding 1868 After leaving Australia the Christian Brothers returned 1875 A school is set up in Brisbane by Patrick Treacy again 1880 Victoria became the first Australian colony to pass a educational act for church schools 1920 Over 100 Brothers are now teaching in 30 schools within Australia 2007 The Province was created to help disadvantaged people in need