The building in which both Harper and Julius Houses co-exist was originally the “New Classrooms” designed by Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort and completed in 1886.  It was not until 1931 that the buildings were converted downstairs to accommodate Houses, while the upstairs remained as classrooms.  In 1962 and 1981 further renovations completed the distinction between the two Houses.

Harper House, was originally known as  “South Town” as it was a dayboy house into which all the boys who lived in the southern part of Christchurch were placed. It was  named in 1924 after Henry John Chitty Harper, first Bishop of Christchurch, (1856-1890) and second Warden of the College.  Many of Harper’s sons attended College, and the original Diocesan Office and Synod Hall were on the site of the present Dining Hall and Hospital.

The Harper House Old Boys' tie shows the original symbol which was used by Christ’s College, the gold cross surrounded by a blue shield.  It can be seen in the “Harper” window at the east end of the Chapel.  The heraldic version of this cross is in the College Crest. The motto Semper Floreat translates as “ May he always flourish”.