SEAMEN'S INSTITUTE FOR THE VICTORIA MISSIONS TO SEAMEN In architectural style, the new Seamen's Institute for the Victorian Missions to Seamen, in Flinders street Extension which is to be opened early in September by Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson, the Governor-General, may be said to resemble the type adopted by the early settlers in California, and known in recent years by the name of Spanish Mission architecture. This character is particularly sympathetic with the object for which the building has been erected, and is exemplified in a marked degree in the unique chapel tower of oblong shape with its four pinnacles and open bell turret, with an almost rustic cross as terminal point: also in the arcaded Eastern Court cloisters, with simple round arch arcading, and in the chapel roof, which is framed of heavy rough-hewn hardwood timber work left as it came from the saw, and erected green from the forest. but so well framed and bolted that no harm can result from shrinkage. The foundations are constructed of reinforced concrete, and in some places are nine feet wide. The ground is very treacherous, and considering the irregular weights of the one story, two-story, and three-story parts of the building, the result achieved in sta bility is eminently satisfactory. The main hall has a vaulted ceiling of reinforced concrete construction, and, spanning 35f., is the widest span of any floor in Melbourne of similar construction. The chaplain's residence is built above the lecture hall, and consists of a most complete, up-to-date dwelling-house of eight rooms. It is fitted with every modern convenience and labor-saving device. The cupboard in the pantry, for instance, has two faces — one in the diningroom and the other in the pantry. Dishes are washed in the pantry, put into the cupboard, and taken out in the diningroom, ready for the next meal. Special rooms are designed for the many and various works carried out for the sailors by the industrious workers of the mission. One room is shelved and fitted for the reception, sorting, and distribution of books, periodicals, and other reading matter that is parcelled up by willing hands and given to sailors as ships leave port, to beguile the weary hours of leisure on the sea. Any old books or magazines, illustrated papers, and the like are always welcome at the insti tute. Reading matter of this kind can easily be saved and sent along in bundles. The gymnasium is not yet built. This is the only part of the building required to complete the block; and when its concrete dome, with open eye at summit like the Pantheon at Rome is erected, the whole effect of the groups of buildings will be most striking. In the entrance hall is a floor of marble mosaic, with a central feature of a mariner's compass seven foot in diameter, well executed by the Adamant Pavement Company, and the gift of Mr George Russell. The architect has designed a copper ship as a finial for the main gable of the building, and it, like the gymnasium, is awaiting the collection of more funds or the generosity of a special donor. The whole of the woodwork of the in terior of the building, including high dados round the walls of halls, stair cases, billiard and other rooms is car ried out in Tasmanian hardwood, fin ished in a dull beeswax polish, and the floors of the entire building, except the lavatories, which are tiled, are also executed in Tasmanian hardwood. Mr Walter R. Butler, F.R.I.B.A., was the architect, and the work was carried out by Mr A. B. Robertson, builder. PICTURESQUE BUILDING AMID SOMBRE SURROUNDINGSThe article gives a valuable description of the Mission at the end of its construction and before its opening.4 columns article with photograph of the front of the Missionlady fraser, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), architecture, spanish mission, california, reinforced concrete, tasmanian hardwood, gymnasium, norla dome, pantheon, adamant pavement company, george russell, compass, finail, weathervane, chaplain's residence, manse, chapel, courtyard, cloisters, main hall, spannig

This letter was written by a representative of the crew of the SS Siltonhall to the Mission to Seafarers in Oct 1929. Their ship caught fire in the Indian Ocean and were rescued by the SS Anthea. The crew was sent to Melbourne and spent some time at the Mission. Article in the Argus, Tuesday 15 October 1929, page 6 "THE SILTONHALL'S SEAMEN. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS Sir, the story of the disaster to the s.s. Siltonhall is still fresh in the public mind. The ship caught fire and she was abandoned and sank in the Indian Ocean. The crew took to the boats and were rescued and brought safely in to Melbourne. They have been with us now for nearly a week now, taking full advantage of the hospitality of the Mission to Seamen Institute.So far they have been provided with the bare necessities of one complete suit of clothing by the shipping authorities. They leave here to return home to England on Wednesday. If anyone will kindly contribute any articles of clothing or boots they will be most acceptable, especially as the men will be going to a cooler climate. Please send them to me. Yours Sincerily, HOWARD S. BAILEY, Chaplain, Missions to Seamen, Australian Wharf, Oct. 14."This letter and photograph indicate the valuable service that the Mission to Seafarers provides to crews of ships wrecked off the Australian coast. The smiling crew of the S.S. Siltonhall evidently appreciated that when they were in desperate need they were cared for. The picture was possibly taken in a nautical context, perhaps at the docks or on board a ship.B/W photograph of group of 22 men. Letter signed T. Bateman from crew of the SS Siltonhall dated Oct. 16th 1929. "Oct 16th 1929. / The members of the crew of the SS Siltonhall, / which caught fire in the Indian Ocean, and / was abandoned on Sept 21st 1929, wish to / thank the 'Missions to Seamen', and all those / concerned, for their hospitality, in the way of / Concerts, Socials, etc., also for boots and clothing / gratefully received. / On behalf of the crew. T. Bateman." photograph, letter, 1929, siltonhall, ship, crew, mission, seafarers, wreck, fire, bateman, melbourne, australia, shipwreck, reverend howard s. bailey, j. bateman

The report was produced by and distributed to members, containing reports from the Committee, Chaplain, the Ladies Harbours Lights Guild, as well as a list of subscriptions and rules for the 1910 period. This copy is the first to feature images of all three main Mission venues established in Port Phillip pre WW1.Annual reports were published by the Mission to Seamen each year, and included reports from all seamen's missions and organisations in Victoria, as well as associated groups, such as the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild. These reports provide documentation of the activities conducted by the Mission, as well recording the people involved.written in pencil: MTS0235 (Front cover)1910, annual report, victorian seamen's mission, williamstown, sailors' rest, port melbourne, siddeley street, central institute, seamen's institute, mission to seafarers, melbourne, administrative document-annual report

Original minutes of formation of Ladies Auxiliary for Foreign Missions in Greensborough. Includes 2 news clippings (dated 1931 and 1934) describing some of the Auxiliary's activities.The ladies present represent founding families in the area. This is an example of the welfare work undertaken by local people.Written on note pad paper in black ink. Paper slightly burnished, creased in both directions (fold marks), small tear on fold. Includes 2 news clippings.Minutes of inaugural meeting containing motion to form a Greensborough Ladies Auxiliary for Foreign Missions.ladies auxiliary for foreign missions, l.a.f.m, britnell, scotland, partington family

Kevin Green grew up in the Methodist Church in Carnegie and entered Queens College in 1954. After ministries in the United Kingdom, he was stationed in Carnegie-Ormond followed by North Melbourne for eight years and Wesley Mission for sixteen years.B&W photograph of Rev Kevin Green walking a dog along the path towards Wesley Mission. "Rev Kevin Green"green, kevin, wesley mission, methodist minister

The original date for the laying of Foundation stone for the first Mission building at Australian Wharf in 1906 had to be changed to the 5th of February 1907 due to industrial action at the Wharves. See scrapbooks and clippings for details. Lord Northcote the Governor General officiated. The invitation marks the establishment for the first time at the Australian Wharf official recognition of the need to establish a Mission for seafarers in this location, some six years after presentation of the letter in 1897 from 22 Captains urging and requesting a respectable and convenient facility. Just ten years later the Mission would have to move to an adjacent site and raise funds for yet another Mission building in 1916. A heavy card with crimped edge with commercially printed invitation in cursive scripts from the Archbishop of Melbourne and the Members of the Committee of the Mission. A blue flying angel Missions to Seamen flag is printed in the top left corner. The invitee name is written in sepia ink as is an altered date. Ink inscriptions: the Rev A.G. Goldsmith and Mrs Goldsmith // ; printed date of Friday 14th of December 1906 is crossed out and superscribed in handwritten ink as: Tuesday 5th of February 1907 lord northcote, governor general, rev gurney goldsmith, foundation stone, australian wharf, the melbourne missions to seamen, victorian seamen's mission, 1907, siddeley street, alfred gurney goldsmith, walter richmond butler

Kate Oliver is the granddaughter of Padre Oliver, and daughter of Rodney Oliver and chose to launch a self published album of children's songs at the Mission on 26 May 2019. She has also provided us with additional information and images of Moira Oliver, her grandmother, a keen photographer.Rev Frank Oliver served at the Mission as senior Chaplain from 1930-1960. Rev Rodney Oliver, his son, served on the MTS board in the late 20th C./21st C. Kate Oliver is his daughter.Album of songs for children released in 2018 the launching took place at the Mission on 26 May 2019.kate oliver, passing clouds, children, wellbeing, frank oliver, rodney oliver, events, concerts, hiring events, padre oliver, reverend frank leslie oliver, moira bird oliver, john rodney oliver, cultural events, padre frank leslie oliver, mindfullness, 2019

The Methodist Home Missions was the department running the work of smaller churches and charitable institutions such as babies' homes, the Epworth Hospital, chaplaincies to hospitals and prisons, aged care homes, alcohol rehabilitation, local missions to depressed areas and the like. A minister was appointed each year by Conference, on deputation, to travel around Victoria to explain and encourage local congregations to support the work of the missions.Methodist Home Missions cardboard envelope with a blue map of Australia and blue and red text. The is a curved slot at the top of the envelope for inserting coins and squares on the back to mark off weekly giving. methodist home missions, methodist inland mission

Appointed to both the Mission to Seamen and the Chinese Church Mission in Little Bourke St Rev'd Wong and his family commenced his appointment at the Mission in 1963. A former head of the 1500 student Kei yen school , Hong Kong he was accompanied by his wife and two sons Timothy and John. Ordained a Deacon in 1953 he became a priest in 1955 and was inducted on arrival in Melbourne by Bishop Sambell. The family arrived on the cargo -liner "Tjiluwah".Rev'd Stephen Wong was the first Asian Port Chaplain appointed and worked at the Mission part-time form 1963-1968. He played an important role in raising awareness among asian seamen and was perhaps the inspiration behind the first Mission brochures to be printed in Chinese characters. Undated / unsourced news clipping featuring head shot photograph of Rev'd Stephen Wong and description of new role at the Mission and was minister of the Chinese church in little Bourke St.stephen wong, timothy wong, padre stephen wong, hong kong

large b & w photograph street view of the Art Deco Mission in Port Melbourneart deco, mission, harry a. norris, alfred m. nicholas, brick, king george v memorial building, beach street, port melbourne, 1937, seamen mission, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, phone booth, bus stop, bill doyle

Gathering of seafarers and MTS clergy and LHLG members, at Glenfern 1906. Mrs Mary Danne daughter of Reverend Kerr Johnston was a widow at the time and was renting Glenfern, the property once owned by the Boyd family, and started a private primary school she called Newington College. A member of the Mission's committee from 1905 to 1926 when she passed away, a bras plaque was made in her memory and placed in the chapel of the Flinders Street Mission. (see item 0690) In the Standard published on Saturday 17 November 1906, page 4 we could read: "In connection with the Victoria Missions to Seamen a successful and pleasant outing, was given to the sailors in port on King's Birth day. Mrs. Danne, of "Glenfern," St. Kilda, threw her house and grounds open tor sports and tea. Cricket, football and sports were enthusiastically pursued, and ample justice was done to the substantial tea provided by Mrs. Danne and her friends. The Misses Danne, Miss Godfrey and other ladies were untiring in their attentions. Mr. Axell, first officer of brig Fairy Rock, in a few appropriate words thanked Mrs. Danne and the ladies, on behalf of the sailors, for their kind hospitality. Snapshots of the party were taken by Mrs. Goldsmith. Mr. C A. Holmes and Mr. Cedric Campbell acted as stewards and starters for the races. On the invitation of the chaplain (Rev. A G. Goldsmith*) ringing cheers were given for Mrs. Danne and the ladies. Before the party broke up Mrs Danne addressed a few kind words to the men and gave them all a shake of the band at the gate. The rest of the evening was spent at the Institute, Beach street, where games and competitions were carried on to the accompaniment of vocal and instrumental music. The prizes won at the sports etc., were distributed, and after singing the National Anthem the party broke up."Thanks to the article in the Standard, Saturday 17 November 1906, page 4, we learn that some of the early sepia photographs were taken by Mrs Gurney Goldsmith herself.Small monochrome photograph depicting a group of seamen and ladies with the Mission's Flagstaff.1906, glenfern, st kilda east, picnic, lhlg, king's birthday, edward vii, mary alice isabelle danne nee johnston, 1851-1926, reverend kerr johnston, 1812-1887, boyd family, sailors, seamen, seafarers, bowler hat, cap, boater hat, snapshots, camera, photographer, sports, cricket, football, ethel augusta godfrey 1861-1935, mr axell, fairy rock, charles arthur holmes (-1947), mrs gurney goldsmith, anne treverton goldsmith (nee lobb), cedric campbell

The newspaper clipping (item F251-2) reads: "Sister Enid of the Methodist Mission in Prahran has won this week's Bouquet for a Lady. And as the bouquet was given to her by the mission's superintendenet, Rev. Frank Hartley, she said, 'This is the biggest surprise I've ever had.' Sister Enid has been a mission sister for 23 years. As Miss Alice Blenkinsop she trained at Melbourne Central Mission, and later worked in the slums of Collingwood and at the Wesley Mission in Hobart. She has also been a court probation officer. On Thursdays Sister Enid runs the Friendship Club for elderly women and pensioners at Prahran. Children have a special place in her heart. 'We used to mother the poor little dears during the depression, take them on holidays and form clubs where they could be together,' she said. She is training a children's choir for the Christmas carol service at the mission."Shows her standing behind a chair with a painting behind her."Sister Enid Wesley Prahran Mission Hobart 1940s, 1950s 1960s. Alice Blenkinsop. Happy birthday to Win, with my love, Alice"blenkinsop, alice, sister enid

Alison Kelly took these photographs while resident and involved with the Mission Arts Centre. She passed them on to Pat Grainger when she left the area. Pat Grainger subsequently donated them to the Society.Alison Kelly collection: Five volumes of photographs of the Mission Arts Centre, the 'Bayside' site, and Port Melbourne, 1987 to 1991town planning - proposals shelved - bayside, piers and wharves - station pier, piers and wharves - princes pier, built environment - civic, built environment - domestic, beacons, environmental issues, missions to seamen, centenary bridge, built environment, public housing, sandridge city development co pty ltd, scdc, brian couldrey, alison kelly

Also known as the King George V memorial building this branch of the Mission to Seamen opened in 1937 as a replacement for the old Mission in Port Melbourne. The Foundation stone was laid by the Victorian State Governor and a photograph of the event is also held in the MTSV collection. The Art Deco style building was commissioned by merchant and philanthropist, Alfred Michael Nicholas (1881-1937) and designed by prolific Melbourne-based architect Harry A. Norris (1888-1966) in 1937 best known for his commercial work in Melbourne city centre. NB PMHPS Kindly allowed MTSV heritage to take scans of the Kelly series notes in their collection for reference in 2019.One of the few full colour images of this building originally classified by the National Trust and now demolished. An example of architect Harry Norris' work 1937. All that remains are a ceramic plaque, a brick and several items of chapel artefacts. Alison Kelly, a photographer, was part of the group supporting the Port Melbourne Seamen's Mission in the 1980s and 1990s. She took a series of photographs of the building now held by the Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society.Full colour Postcard featuring colour image of a large red brick building in a 1930s era Architecture. There is a green wrought iron gate ajar in the foreground with the word SEAMAN spelled out. MISSIONS TO SEAMEN can also be seen spelled ut in white across and down the central clock tower of the building and this is surmounted with a white flagpole.On verso: Printed: "Heritage Series / POST CARD " at right angles in small print from lwr edge to upper: "PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON KELLY PORT HERITAGE SERIES NO 6". At Lwr left crnr printed:" Missions to Seamen Building, Port Melbourne/ Designed in the Modern style by architect Harry Norris,/ this 1937 National Trust classified structure was until 1972 / an entertainment and spiritual centre for seamen, with / important roles during the war [WW2] and immigration periods"king george v, memorial chapel, harry a. norris, brick, art deco, alfred m. nicholas, beach street, mission to seamen, alison kelly, 1937, arts centre, seamen mission, mission to seafarers, port melbourne

One of three images featured in an article, published in the Argus in 1952, about the lonely life of a sailor and the entertainment at the Mission to Seamen Melbourne. The legend for the picture mentions : "John N. Thompson, a teenager from North Shields, England, plays table tennis."An identifiable image of a visiting seafarer at the Mission to Seamen, Melbourne in the 1950s. In the background we can see some photographs of crews and ships that are still in the collection.Black and white gloss photographic print depicting a young man in suit playing table tennis in the Mission to Seafarers on verso: indigo blue ink stamp : COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH .../ .../ The Argus MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA / Negative no [in pencil] AG991(B) Reference No [ blank] At lwr right corner in pencil: "PH-8"table tennis, seafarer, shore leave, ping pong, sports, games, mission to seamen, seaman's mission, mission to seafarers, john n. thompson, north shields, england, sailors, costume, flinders street, ship crew, argus

Photographed by Alison Kelly while she was joint caretaker of the building during the Mission Arts Centre days 1987 to 1991From album of photos mostly by Alison Kelly: Port Melbourne Missions to Seamen, view from roof to Commonwealth Engine works and Telecom, city in distancemissions to seamen, built environment, alison kelly

Photographed by Alison Kelly while she was joint caretaker of the building during the Mission Arts Centre days 1987 to 1991 Port Melbourne Missions to Seamen building, colour view of clocktower, southern and eastern faces - window pane missing. From album of photos mostly by Alison Kelly:missions to seamen, built environment

Small b & w photograph depicting 1930's Mission to Seafarers building at Port Melbournemission, port melbourne, art deco, harry a. norris, alfred m. nicholas, brick, beach street, huntingfield hall, king george v memorial building, seamen mission, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, 1937, phone booth, phone box, bill doyle

A Small book containing some memories of the People of the congregations of the Glenorchy Uniting Church. Churches of the Glenorchy Home Mission circuit.A Small book - Cream Cover. a Photograph of the Glenorchy Church on front cover. An older Photograph on back cover.Glenorchy Uniting Church. Some Memories of the people And the Churches of the Glenorchy Home Mission Circuit. Compiled by Ruth Pickering.stawell religion, uniting church

This commemorative plaque was made for the round, stained glass window titled “Christ showing the helmsman the way” that was originally installed at the St Nicholas Seamen’s Church in Williamstown. The window was donated as a memorial to the members of the Merchant Navy whose lives were lost in the Second World War, 1939-1945. The donor was the Williamstown Lightkeepers Auxiliary, an independent ladies association working with the Williamstown Missions to Seamen (re-named the Mission to Seafarers in the year 2000). The window was officially dedicated on December 14, 1947 by Geelong's Anglican Bishop, Rt. Rev. J.D. McKie. In the early months of 1948 this bronze plaque was also placed in the chapel above the altar. The Williamstown St Nicholas Seamen’s Church ceased operation in 1966. In 1979 the Victoria Missions to Seamen donated this round, stained glass window and the memorial plaque to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, along with many other items and furnishings. These items have been used to simulate the Williamstown Mission and Chapel as much as possible. THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN The Missions to Seamen was an Anglican charity that served seafarers of the world since 1856 in Great Britain. It symbol is a Flying Angel, inspired by a Bible verse. Today there are centres in over 200 ports world-wide where seamen of all backgrounds are offered a warm welcome and provided with a wide range of facilities. In Victoria the orgainsation began in Williamstown in 1857 as a Sailors’ Church, also known as ‘Bethel’ or the ‘Floating Church’ in an old hulk floating in Hobson’s Bay, Port of Melbourne. It soon became part of the Missions to Seamen, Victoria. In the year 2000 the organisation, now named Mission to Seafarers, still operated locally in Melbourne, Portland, Geelong and Hastings. The Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild was formed in 1906 to support the Missions to Seamen in Melbourne and other centres such as Williamstown. Two of the most significant ladies of the Guild were founder Ethel Augusta Godfrey and foundation member Alice Sibthorpe Tracy (who established a branch of the Guild in Warrnambool in 1920). The Guild continued its work until the 1960s. In 1943 a former Williamstown bank was purchased for the Missions to Seaman Club. The chapel was named St Nicholas’ Seamen’s Church and was supported by the Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild, the Williamstown Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary and the League of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Friends. It ceased operation in 1966. A Missions to Seamen Chapel and Recreation Room was a significant feature of ports during the late 1800s and into the 1900s. It seemed appropriate for Flagstaff Hill to include such a representation within the new Maritime Village, so the Melbourne Board of Management of Missions to Seamen Victoria gave its permission on 21st May 1979 for the entire furnishings of the Williamstown chapel to be transferred to Flagstaff Hill. The St Nicholas Seamen’s Church was officially opened on October 11, 1981 and closely resembles the Williamstown chapel. This plaque is significant for its connection with the round Sanctuary window above the altar in the chapel at Flagstaff Hill. The window was originally installed at the chapel of the St Nicholas Seamen’s Church in Williamstown in 1947, and is listed on the Victorian War Heritage Inventory No. 196973 as an object of significance. The plaque is also significant for its recognition of the members of the Merchant Navy who lost their lives in service to our country during World War II. The plaque is important for its connection with the Williamstown Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary and Missions to Seamen, which were dedicated to supporting seafarers from all over the world. The funds the group raised helped to furnish the St Nicholas Seamen’s Church in Williamstown, including the Sanctuary window, pews, carpets and hangings. These items are now part of the St Nicholas Seamen's Church Williamstown Collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Warrnambool. Plaque: rectangular brass commemorative plaque. Each corner has a round hole. Inscription impressed into the metal and filled in with black paint. It is now part of the Williamstown Missions to Seamen Collection. “IN MEMORY OF THE MEMBERS / OF THE MERCHANT NAVY WHO WERE LOST / IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR 1939-1945 / FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH / THE WINDOW ABOVE THE ALTAR / WAS ERECTED BY THE WILLIAMSTOWN / LIGHTKEEPERS AUXILIARY / 1947.”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, mission to seamen williamstown, st nicholas seaman’s church williamstown, missions to seamen victoria, mission to seafarers, lightkeepers auxiliary, ladies harbour light guild, 139 nelson place williamstown, religion, religious service, sailors rest, bethel sailors’ church, bethel floating church, e. s. & a. bank williamstown, christ directing a sailor, christ showing the helmsman the way, quartermaster’s hand on the wheel, stained glass window, church window, religious window, sanctuary window, memorial window, war memorial window, victorian war heritage inventory, victorian heritage database, merchant navy ww2, 1939-1945, anglican church, bishop mckie, flying angel club, williamstown lightkeepers' auxiliary, ladies' harbour lights guild, commemorative window, memorial plaque, merchant navy, ww ii