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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Ceremonial object - Chalice, 1855 or earlier
In 1975, divers from Flagstaff Hill, found an ornate communion set used to celebrate the Eucharist or holy communion by a number of different Christian faiths was recovered from the wreck of the Schomberg. The set comprised a jug, two chalices, a plate and a lid. The lid did not fit any of the other objects and in 1978 a piece of the lid broke off, revealing a glint of gold. As museum staff carefully examined the lid and removed marine growth, they found a diamond ring, which is currently on display in the Great Circle Gallery at Flagstaff Hill. The collection of artefacts from the Schomberg also contains ship fittings and equipment, personal effects, a lithograph, tickets and a photograph from the Schomberg. Most of the artefacts were salvaged from the wreck by Peter Ronald a former director of Flagstaff Hill maritime museum. The Schomberg was a large three-masted full-ship rigged wooden ship built in 1855 by Alexander Hall and Co in Aberdeen, Scotland for James Baines' famous Black Ball Line at £43,103. The vessel was 288 feet (88 meters) in length, with a beam of 45 feet (14 meters), a depth of 29.5 feet (8.99 meters) of 2,284 tons. The mainmast was 210 feet (64 meters) high and she carried 3.3 acres of sail. The vessel was constructed with three skins. One planked fore and aft, and two diagonally planked, fastened together with screw-threaded trunnels (wooden rails). The Schomberg is one of only three clipper wrecks in Victorian waters that operated the England to Australia run. While the other two, Empress of the Sea and Lightning, were built by the famous American shipbuilder, Donald Mac Kay. Schomberg was an attempt to build a faster ship than Mac Kay and a vessel fast enough to break the sailing record to Australia. The Schomberg sailed on her maiden voyage from Liverpool on 6 October 1855, under the command of Captain James Forbes, on its maiden voyage to Australia with a general cargo, jewellery, spirits, machinery, and 2,000 tons of iron rails and equipment intended to build the Melbourne to Geelong Railway and a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. She also carried a cow for fresh milk, pens for fowls and pigs, plus 90,000 gallons of water for washing and drinking. She also carried 17,000 letters and 31,800 newspapers. There were approximately 473 passengers and a crew of 105. It was hoped that Schomberg would make Melbourne in sixty days, setting a record for the voyage, but light winds at the equator dashed those expectations. The ship sighted Moonlight Head in south west Victoria on Christmas Day but through a deadly combination of wind, currents and unmarked sand spits, the vessel gently ran aground on 26 December 1855 on a spit that juts into Newfield Bay, just east of Curdies Inlet, and the present town of Peterborough. Fortunately, the SS Queen was nearby and managed to save all passengers and crew. The steamers Keera and Maitland were dispatched to salvage the passenger's baggage and the more valuable cargo. Other salvage attempts were made, but deteriorating weather made the work impossible, and within two weeks the Schomberg's hull was broken up and the vessel abandoned. The wrecking of the Schomberg caused quite the public stir particularly in light of the fact the vessel was supposed to be, the most perfect clipper ship ever built. Captain Forbes was charged in the Supreme Court under suspicion that he was playing cards with two female passengers below decks when his ship ran aground. Despite a protest meeting, two inquiries and the court proceedings, he was found not guilty and cleared of all charges. In 1975, divers from Flagstaff Hill, including Peter Ronald, found an ornate communion set at the wreck. The set comprised a jug, two chalices, a plate and a lid. The lid did not fit any of the other objects and in 1978 a piece of the lid broke off, revealing a glint of gold. As museum staff carefully examined the lid and removed marine growth, they found a diamond ring, which is currently on display in the Great Circle Gallery at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime museum that also displays ship fittings and equipment, personal effects. Most of the artefacts were salvaged from the wreck by Peter Ronald, former director of Flagstaff Hill.This chalice is significant as an example of an item in common use in the mid-19th century that is still in use today. The Schomberg has historical significance as one of the first luxurious ships built to bring emigrants to Australia to cash in on the gold rush era. And is included on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S612). The collection of Schomberg artefacts held at Flagstaff Hill Museum is primarily significant because of the relationship between these recovered items having a high potential to interpret the story of the Schomberg and its foundering during a storm. The shipwreck is of additional historical significance for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and for its association with the first passenger ship, which was designed not only to be the fastest and most luxurious of its day but foundered on its maiden voyage to Australia.Chalice; electroplated silver metal over metal, possibly nickle. The chalice has a wide bowl with an outer layer of intricately cut metal on the underside and a ribbon-like border of grapes and grapevine leaves is etched around it. It is supported by a tall stem with a circular knob partway down its length, and the stem is attached to a round base that is hollow underneath. The decorative pattern around the perimeter of the base is repeated on the knob on the stem. The base also has a pattern of lines around the vertical edge. There is a white sticker attached to the underside of the base. Its inscription is undecipherable. The chalice is part of a Communion set that was recovered from the wreck of the Schomberg. White sticker attached to the base of the chaliceflagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, schomberg, 1855, clipper ship, james baines & co, black ball line, luxury ship, emigrant ship, captain forbes, bully forbes, ss queen, peterborough shipwreck, communion set, religious service, communion service, ceremonial service, mass, chalice -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Ceremonial object - Commemorative Trowel, 1888
Oval black leather box with crimson satin lining containing an engraved silver commemorative trowel with a bone handle."Presented to J. Bartlett Davies Esq. on the occasion of his laying, The Foundation Stone of the Mentone, Memorial, Presbyterian Church August 17th 1889" -
Bendigo Military Museum
Ceremonial object - RELIGIOUS STOLE, Church Stores
Part of the Reverend Chaplain Major Thomas Bruce Williams No 556101 Collection.Plain black Christian religious stole with two embroidered crests consisting of a Maltese cross under a central circle with the motto 'In This Sign Conquer'. The cross is ringed by a floral wreath and topped with a queen's crown. Three folds are sewn into the mid section of the stole.Inside the middle section - supplier's name in gold lettering on a black tag.army chaplains, personal equipment, major thomas bruce williams -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Ceremonial object - Honour Board, Garden City Swimming and Fidelity Club Past Presidents, 1930
Garden City Swimming and Fidelity Club Past Presidents Honour Board 1931-1949 ref no. 2395 for photossocieties clubs unions and other organisations., garden city swimming and fidelity club, j carson, j cleland, t cummings, c losewitz, t porter, t fitzgerald, d law, h evans, j drew, e hildebrand, t guegan, w muir, r wilson, r roy, r brown, g rennie, j thomson, d beadmore -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Ceremonial object - Tablecloth
The tablecloth was used at Methodist Girls' Comradeship and Methodist Girls' Comradeship Rays' Section meetings.MGC055.1 Square white cotton tablecloth with five press studs in one corner. MGC055.2 and MGC055.3 Methodist Girls' Comradeship screen-printed emblems in white and gold on felt. Each has five press studs on the back.methodist girls' comardeship, methodist girls' comradeship rays' section -
Federation University Historical Collection
Ceremonial object, 125th Anniversary Presentation Tray, 26/10/1995
Framed silver coloured tray engraved ot recognise the 125th anniversary of the Ballarat School of Mines.Engraved "Presented to the President and Members of Council of the School of Mines and Industries Ballarat Limited by the State Traiing Board Victoria on the occasion of the Institute's 125th annivesary. Warwick Bisley, Chairman Staste Training Board 26 October 1995.anniversary, 125th anniversary, ballarat school of mines, tray, warwick bisley, state training board -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Ceremonial object - Shire of Marong President Medallion, P Blashki & Sons
The first local government authority for Marong was the Marong Road District (an early form of single-purpose local government), which was proclaimed on 19 August 1860. Its boundary was altered twice in 1862 and on 12 December 1864 it was re designated as a shire. It absorbed Raywood Borough in 1915, and was proclaimed a Rural City in 1990. On 2 December 1994, with the creation of Greater Bendigo City Council, it was abolished by being amalgamated with Bendigo City, Eaglehawk Borough, Huntly Shire, part of McIvor Shire, part of Metcalfe Shire and Strathfieldsaye Shire to form Greater Bendigo City.Manufactured by Blashki and Son this circular medal hangs from a royal blue gosgrain ribbon. The medallion has a gold edging with blue enamel outer band. Centre depicts Australia coat of arms and the Shire of Marong coat of arms.PRESIDENT / SHIRE OF MARONG / DIEU ET MON DROIT / INDUSTRIAshire of marong, marong presidents medal, city of greater bendigo ceremonial item -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Ceremonial object - Vases, pair, Early 20th Century
The quatrefoil design similar to other chapel decorative arts, suggests these vases may belong originally in one of the MIssion Chapels. Possibly either the demolished 1937 Building at Port Melbourne or the original Chapel from the early 20th C at the previous Mission Building in Port Melbourne. Possibly donated in the name of Olive Cramer along with an organ lamp and memorial plaque mounted in the Chapel of St Peter.Pair of small fluted heavy brass vases with quatrefoil opening and small footprint. Highly polished outer surface and unpolished inner; each of the undersides seem to be of lead or coarse alloy lined finish.quatrefoil -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Ceremonial object - Ceremonial Spade, n.d
Trophy - Industrial/Commercial Garding AwardCeremonial spade -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Ceremonial object - Commemorative Trowel, Circa 1872
Commemorative engraved silver trowel in a black leather box with a blue silk and velvet lining. Trowel is decorated and has an inscription and hallmark on the front. It has plain bone handle. "Presented to Mrs S.G.King on the occasion on the laying of the memorial stone of the Hotham Hill Wesleyan Church Dec 16th 1872" -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Ceremonial object - Sash - Ancient Order of Foresters, n.d
The Ancient Order of Foresters, which originated in England in the mid 1700s, established its first branch (Court) in Victoria in 1849. Foresters was set up as a non-profit organisation, the founding principles of the Society being to provide financial and social benefits as well as support to members and their families in times of unemployment, sickness, death, disability and old age. The Society is now known as the Foresters Friendly Society and in July 1999 was incorporated as a public company limited by shares and guarantee.Plain green sash, red fringe at either end. *S embroidered in yellow. Remains of red ribbon attached to one, about 1/4 of the way along it. -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Ceremonial object - Realia, Woomera like object possibly Sacred Object Kulpidje
Believed to have come from Hopwood Property near Mt Egerton Near Gordon Western Plains Carved on front, with snaking pattern of groves. Small Hole on one end. Made of wood with curved back. Parallel groves on faceindigenous -
Bendigo Military Museum
Ceremonial object - 67th BATTALION KING'S COLOURS, c. 1912
See catalogue number 1956.2.1) Left hand side of the attached photo. Union flag in King's colours configuration. Fringed with red, white and blue. Two red, white and blue tassels on a cord attached to the top right hand corner. Sewn sleeve for pike on the right hand side. .2) Left hand pike in photo. Wooden pike with a metal ring encircling the handle. Pike surmounted by metal King's crown. battalion colours, king's colours, military banners, flags, 67th battalion -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Ceremonial object - Patch, cloth, embroided
Cloth patch with embroidery of UK and Australian flags and yellow emu. Centre of badge has background of a blue sky and yellow sand with an 'atomic' explosion in red with a white 'mushroom' cloud above it.Embroidery in gold around the badge is "AUTOMIC EX-SERVICEMAN'S ASSN." -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Ceremonial object - Commemorative Trowel
Silver commemorative trowel with turned wooden handle.Were St Methodist Foundation stone laid 31st July 1955 -
Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
Ceremonial object - Astrological calender plate
Copper disk based on traditional Tibetan calendar chart that follows the cycles of time, seasons and planets. An astrological calendar (called Srid-pa-ho), based on traditional Tibetan calendar chart that follows the natural cycles of time, seasons and planets. It is associated with improving the physical and emotional balance, and offers protection from negative influence arising from seasonal, planetary or cosmic phenomena. astrological calendars (almanacs), brass -
Charlton RSL Sub Branch
Ceremonial object - Honour Board, Charlton School Roll of Honour, Post 1919
The Roll Of Honour list the names of teachers and students who served during The Great War. Also detailed are deaths on active service and any military honours recievedLarge wall mounted Honour Roll of teachers and pupils from Charlton School who served in The Great War. "A tribute to the teachers and pupils of this school who served the Empire in the Great War". # made the supreme Sacrafice. -
Bayside Gallery - Bayside City Council Art & Heritage Collection
Ceremonial object - Robe, R.W. Bredin & Son, City of Brighton Town Clerk Robe
Full length black robe with centre opening. Constructed from black polyester cotton fabric with black velvet edging and reverse. Black braid with silk tassels attached to sleeves and at back of robe.city of brighton, robe, ceremonial wear, r.w. bredin & son, town clerk, town clerk's robe -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Ceremonial object - Cruet and lid, 1855 or earlier
In 1975, divers from Flagstaff Hill, found an ornate communion set used to celebrate the Eucharist or holy communion by a number of different Christian faiths was recovered from the wreck of the Schomberg. The set comprised a cruet or jug, two chalices, a plate and a lid. The lid did not fit any of the other objects and in 1978 a piece of the lid broke off, revealing a glint of gold. As museum staff carefully examined the lid and removed marine growth, they found a diamond ring, which is currently on display in the Great Circle Gallery at Flagstaff Hill. The collection of artefacts from the Schomberg also contains ship fittings and equipment, personal effects, a lithograph, tickets and a photograph from the Schomberg. Most of the artefacts were salvaged from the wreck by Peter Ronald a former director of Flagstaff Hill maritime museum. The Schomberg was a large three-masted full-ship rigged wooden ship built in 1855 by Alexander Hall and Co in Aberdeen, Scotland for James Baines' famous Black Ball Line at £43,103. The vessel was 288 feet (88 meters) in length, with a beam of 45 feet (14 meters), a depth of 29.5 feet (8.99 meters) of 2,284 tons. The mainmast was 210 feet (64 meters) high and she carried 3.3 acres of sail. The vessel was constructed with three skins. One planked fore and aft, and two diagonally planked, fastened together with screw-threaded trunnels (wooden rails). The Schomberg is one of only three clipper wrecks in Victorian waters that operated the England-to-Australia run. While the other two, Empress of the Sea and Lightning, were built by the famous American shipbuilder, Donald Mac Kay. Schomberg was an attempt to build a faster ship than Mac Kay and a vessel fast enough to break the sailing record to Australia. The Schomberg sailed on her maiden voyage from Liverpool on 6 October 1855, under the command of Captain James Forbes, on its maiden voyage to Australia with general cargo, jewellery, spirits, machinery, and 2,000 tons of iron rails and equipment intended to build the Melbourne to Geelong Railway and a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. She also carried a cow for fresh milk, pens for fowls and pigs, plus 90,000 gallons of water for washing and drinking. She also carried 17,000 letters and 31,800 newspapers. There were approximately 473 passengers and a crew of 105. It was hoped that Schomberg would make Melbourne in sixty days, setting a record for the voyage, but light winds at the equator dashed those expectations. The ship sighted Moonlight Head in southwest Victoria on Christmas Day but through a deadly combination of wind, currents and unmarked sand spits, the vessel gently ran aground on 26 December 1855 on a spit that juts into Newfield Bay, just east of Curdies Inlet, and the present town of Peterborough. Fortunately, the SS Queen was nearby and managed to save all passengers and crew. The steamers Keera and Maitland were dispatched to salvage the passenger's baggage and the more valuable cargo. Other salvage attempts were made, but deteriorating weather made the work impossible, and within two weeks the Schomberg's hull was broken up and the vessel abandoned. The wrecking of the Schomberg caused quite a public stir, particularly in light of the fact the vessel was supposed to be, the most perfect clipper ship ever built. Captain Forbes was charged in the Supreme Court under suspicion that he was playing cards with two female passengers below decks when his ship ran aground. Despite a protest meeting, two inquiries and the court proceedings, he was found not guilty and cleared of all charges. In 1975, divers from Flagstaff Hill, including Peter Ronald, found an ornate communion set at the wreck. The set comprised a jug, two chalices, a plate and a lid. The lid did not fit any of the other objects and in 1978 a piece of the lid broke off, revealing a glint of gold. As museum staff carefully examined the lid and removed marine growth, they found a diamond ring, which is currently on display in the Great Circle Gallery at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum that also displays ship fittings and equipment, and personal effects. Most of the artefacts were salvaged from the wreck by Peter Ronald, former director of Flagstaff Hill.This object is significant as an example of an item in common use in the mid-19th century that is still in use today. The Schomberg has historical significance as one of the first luxurious ships built to bring emigrants to Australia to cash in on the gold rush era. And is included on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S612). The collection of Schomberg artefacts held at Flagstaff Hill Museum is primarily significant because of the relationship between these recovered items having a high potential to interpret the story of the Schomberg and its foundering during a storm. The shipwreck is of additional historical significance for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and for its association with the first passenger ship, which was designed not only to be the fastest and most luxurious of its day but foundered on its maiden voyage to Australia.Cruet and lid; electroplated silver metal over metal, possibly nickle. The cruet has a wide bowl large handle .The round domed lid has a pattern around the border. The cruet and lid are part of a Communion set that was recovered from the wreck of the Schomberg.warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, schomberg, shipwrecked-artefact, clipper ship, black ball line, 1855 shipwreck, aberdeen clipper ship, captain forbes, peterborough shipwreck, ss queen, schomberg jug or cruet, jug or cruet, schomberg communion set, jug, cruet and lid, cruet, communion set, religious service, communion service, ceremonial service, mass -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Ceremonial object - Commemorative Trowel, c1890
Oval dark red leather oval box with blue satin lining containing an engraved silver trowel with a turned, patterned bone handle."Presented to W. R. Little Esq. on the occasion of his laying a memorial stone in the Wesleyan Church, Moonee Ponds 16th September 1890 A.E. Duguid. Architect."weleyan church, moonee ponds, little, w.r. -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Ceremonial object - Chalice cover, 1907 to mid 20th century
This item is part of the collection of Ecclesiastical Linen once used by St. Andrews Anglican Church on the corner of the Esplanade and 14 Drummond St, Dennington, Victoria. The first Anglican service was conducted on December 22nd, 1907. The church was decommissioned in January 2003. This item is part of the Ecclesiastical Linen collection, which is significant for its examples of handworked embroidery and drawn-thread work from the early 20th century. The items are also examples of a collection used for religious services during this period. The Ecclesiastical Linen is also significant for its association with the early development of the local township of Dennington and the importance the the community of setting aside land in the 1850's for the purpose of religious worship. The Ecclesiastical Linen is also significant for its connection to St Andrews Anglican Church, Dennington. The church was funded and attended by the local community in the early 1900's and is now listed on the Victorian Heritage Database (VHD 118083) as a building of historical and social significance. Chalice cover, part of a set of Ecclesiastical Linen once used in St. Andrew's Anglican Church, Dennington, Victoria, between the years 1907 and 2003. The hem of the fine white linen rectangle has been hand stitched.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, st andrews anglican church dennington, dennington church, warrnambool church 1907, ecclesiastical linen, communion linen, hand worked linen, religious service, religious ceremony, ceremonial linen, chalice cover, needlework, fine linen -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Ceremonial object - Robe, Late 20th century
Navy ceremonial robe with lapin fur collar and cuffs and three lines of gold braid along hem. Blashki & Sonscity of greater bendigo ceremonial item -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Ceremonial object - Clothing, 'Jabot' style collar and cuffs Moorabbin City Council Mayoral Robes, c1960
In clothing, a collar is the part of a shirt, dress, coat or blouse that fastens around or frames the neck and may be permanently attached to the main body of the garment (e.g. by stitching) or detachable. Today's shirt collars descend from the ruffle created by the drawstring at the neck of the medieval chemise, through the Elizabethan ruff and its successors, the whisk collar and falling band. Separate collars exist alongside attached collars since the mid-16th century, usually to allow starching and other fine finishing. Jabots made of lace and hanging loose from the neck were an essential component of upper class, male fashion in the baroque period. During the Edwardian period, and sporadically thereafter, ornamental collars were worn as a form of jewellery. Names for specific styles of collars vary with the vagaries of fashion. Jabots survive in the present days as components of various official costumes, as are those worn by judges and counsel throughout Australian courts and town mayors. 2018 Kingston City Council Mayor Steve Staikos asked CMHS to loan the Former Moorabbin Mayoral Robes and Jabot for display at KCC Office Cheltenham. These Moorabbin Mayoral Robe with Jabot are now displayed along with those of the former City of Chelsea Robe and the former City of Mordialloc Robe at Cheltenham . KCC possesses the original Mayoral Chains of each former Council and they are displayed on each Robe for the annual Opening Meeting of KCC in February. This set of a 'Jabot' style collar and cuffs was part of the ceremonial Mayoral Robes c1960- 94 for the City of Moorabbin 1934-94. This is the last City of Moorabbin Mayoral Robe and was worn by Mayor Ron Brownlees, (prior to amalgamation with the City of Glen Eira and City of Kingston in 1994), and donated to the City of Moorabbin Historical Society in February 2007 by the City of Kingston. The City of Moorabbin developed from the Moorabbin Roads Board of 1862, becoming The Shire of Moorabbin in 1871 and the City of Moorabbin in 1934. November 2018 At the request of the Mayor Cr Steve Staikos this Jabot Collar and Cuffs is now on display with the Mayoral Robes at Kingston City Council Offices Nepean Highway Cheltenham . A detachable , white, nylon, 'Jabot' style, standing collar with a pleated, ruffled, and lace-trimmed frill down the front and 2 matching cuffs that was part of the City of Moorabbin Mayoral Robes c1960 - 94 It has a tear in corner. clothing, collars, ornamental collars, civic robes, mayoral robes, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, lacework, dressmaking, fashion, formal wear, city of moorabbin. moorabbin shire, moorabbin roads board, brownlees ron, city of glen eira, city of ikngston -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Ceremonial object - Pair of candelabras, unknown
candelabra, st peter chapel, services -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Ceremonial object - Shire of Huntly Medallion
Shire of Huntly stirling silver hand engraved drop suspended from a ling blue masonic ribbon. Front; SHIRE OF HUNGLY / 1886 / UNITA FORTIOR. Verso; PRESENTED TO THE SHIRE OF HUNTLY / BY CR. THE HON. M. A. CLARKE / 12TH AUGUST 1981shire of huntly, city of greater bendigo ceremonial item -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Ceremonial object - Tablecloth
The tablecloth was used at Methodist Girls' Comradeship and Methodist Girls' Comradeship Rays' Section meetings.Square blue cotton tablecloth with a white and gold embroidered Methodist Girls' Comradeship emblem in on corner.methodist girls' comardeship, methodist girls' comradeship rays' section, ann conan -
Bayside Gallery - Bayside City Council Art & Heritage Collection
Ceremonial object - Robe, David Lack Pty Ltd, Town Clerk Robe
Plain black three-quarter length ceremonial robe, centre front opening, pleated/gathered around collar. Pleats on three quarter length sleeves; pleats kept in place by 3 sets of vertical ribbons (10cm in length) with a plastic button at each end.robe, ceremonial wear, town clerk, town clerk's robe, bayside, city of bayside, sandringham, brighton, david lack -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Ceremonial object - Robe, Unknown
Full length black robe with large blue lapels. Sleeve detail includes buttons and matching blue ribbon.city of greater bendigo ceremonial item -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Ceremonial object - Ceremonial trowel, John Round and Sons Ltd, c. 1907
This trowel was used by Her Excellency Lady Stanley in the absence of her Husband the State Governor of Victoria due to illness , at a ceremony in 1916 to lay the foundation stones of both the main Mission to Seafarers building designed by architect Walter Butler . A substantial photo story of the event appeared in a local newspaper. The trowel was discovered to exist around the centenary of the building owned by the Moss family in Toronto Canada who returned it to the MTSV in mid 2019 via Professor Uma Kothari, of Manchester University, and the Ross family who met at the Chapel of Mission to Seafarers, London for the presentation. This re-discovery and gift of this decorative arts object provides a link with the historic and ceremonial occasion of the laying of foundation stones for the first phase of the Mission to Seamen ( the chapel and main complex ) which opened in 1917 and has operated continuously at 717 Flinders Street. Significantly patron of the LHLG at the time, The State Governor's wife, Lady Stanley actually officiated and a record of this can be seen in contemporary press coverage in 1916. Ceremonial trowel : decorative carved ivory handle with silver diamond-shaped spade is decoratively engraved with floral and fernery designs above an engraved detailed inscription.Upper surface of trowel engraved: THE VICTORIA SEAMEN's INSTITUTE /MELBOURNE / To commemorate the Laying /of the/ FOUNDATION STONE / OF THE NEW BUILDINGS /BY / HIS EXCELLENCY / The Hon Sir Arthur L Stanley / K.C.M.G. / GOVERNOR OF VICTORIA / Nov.14th 1916 underside surface of trowel engraved stamped with: hallmark and maker's mark ( semi obscured and worn).trowel, state governors victoria, foundation stone, chapel of st peter, walter richmond butler, gillian ross, kenny ross, sir arthur lyulph stanley (1875-1931), lady margaret stanley (1875-1964), flinders street, central institute, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, israel neiman, toronto, canada -
Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
Ceremonial object - Prayer wheel, hand-held
A prayer wheel is used in Tibetan Buddhism for personal worship. Tibetans believe that spinning the prayer wheel which as thousands or millions of mantras inside is equal to saying that many mantras, while being done in a fraction of the time. This helps accumulate merits, purify negative karma and obstacles on the path to enlightenment. This wheel has a hollow metal cylinder attached to a rod handle, made of ivory (with carved elephants), inlaid with coral and turquoise. Inside the cylinder is a tightly wound scroll printed with numerous mantras and wrapped around a spindle. The cylinder is embossed and decorated with inlaid coral and turquoise. A chain with a small weight at the end (made out of copper alloy) is affixed to the cylinder, allowing it to be spun by a slight rotation of the wrist. tibetan buddhism, holy objects, worship devices