Myrniong in Hamilton was built in 1906-07 as a country residence for wealthy Melbourne businessman Leslie Jenner. Mrs Jenner, Gulielina Bertha (Gulie) (1874–1972) was a daughter of Frederick Sargood, of Ripponlea. "Recently Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Jenner threw open their beautiful drawing-room at Mvrniong, Hamilton, for the purpose below. Mr. Leslie Jenner presided, and gave the chaplain from Melbourne, Rev. A. G. Goldsmith, a cordial welcome. The Rev. A. Barber offered prayer, and was followed by Mr. Goldsmith, who, with the aid of limelight views (well managed in the darkened drawing-room), succeeded in giving his audience an idea of the work of the Missions to Seamen in the 93 ports of the world in which its operations are carried on. The Ven. Archdeacon Harris added his personal testimony to the value of the work. A branch of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild (the ladies' organisation of the Victoria Missions to Seamen) was then formed, and the Misses Laidlaw and Eva Brougliton were appointed joint hon. secretaries for Hamilton. This makes the twentieth branch formed in Victoria. Miss Ethel Godfrey and Miss Tracy, Graylings, St. Kilda, are general secretaries of the guild, which numbers between 500 and 600 members."myrniong, hamilton, lhlg, drawing room meeting, leslie jenner, ethel augusta godfrey 1861-1935, alice sibthorpe tracy, miss laidlaw, eva broughton, frederick sargood, gulielina bertha jenner nee sargood, supporters

Small booklet, with colour cover, 24 pages, black and white photographsnon-fictionHistory of the mission since 1856mission to seamen, seamen's mission, bristol, reverend john ashley (1801-1886), reverend alfred gurney goldsmith, john reginald weller (1880-1969), melbourne, hong kong, london

Programme of events for the Grand Nautical Fête at the Mechanics Institute of Williamstown in June 1907 printed in black ink on an orange paper.nautical fete, mechanics institute, williamstown, sir john madden, 1907, sailor's rest, seamen's mission, fundraising

The Annual Meeting presenting the Annual Report was held on the 21st of September 1886 at the Melbourne Athenaeum. In the Standard (Port Melbourne, Vic. : 1884 - 1914), Saturday 25 September 1886, page 2 VICTORIAN SEAMEN'S MISSION. This institution held its annual meeting in the Melbourne Athenæum on Tuesday evening under the most favourable auspices. The hall was filled in every part, a very large pro portion of the audience being seamen. The half hour previous to the com mencement of the meeting was very pleasantly occupied bv listening to the capital playing of the band of the Naval Brigade, and precisely at eight o'clock the musicians heralded the entrance of the vice-regal party by playing ' The National Anthem.' Sir Henry and Lady Loch were received by the Mayor of Melbourne (Mr. Stewart), the Hon. F. T. Derham, Captain Pasco, Mr. H. R. Reid (hon. secretary), and Lieutenant - Colonel Templeton, and His Excellency imme diately took the chair. The venerable ex-chaplain, the Rev. Kerr Johnson, was present, but as he did not feel equal to taking part in the proceedings, the Rev. E. T. Miles opened the meeting with prayer. Nothing could have been more cal culated to give a distinctive character to the meeting than the singing of the Sailors' Hymn by the 300 odd seamen present. The rugged yet tuneful voices of the men blending with those of the ladies present, who heartily joined in, gave a most spirit-stirring effect to the beautiful words of the refrain : — Rocks and streams I'll fear no more, When on that eternal shore; Drop the anchor ! furl the sail ! I am safe within the vail. Next followed His Excellency's address as chairman. The Governor threw himself heartily into the pro ceedings, and his remarks, expressive of the utmost sympathy with the sea men of the empire, were applauded to the echo. In fact from the start all the speakers struck the right key-note. The institution was not held up as a charity on which Jack was more or less dependent. According to the gentlemen who one and all welcomed him as a friend, and a right useful friend too, the thing was all the other way. To the sailor it was, they de clared, that they owed all that the colony possessed, and more — the great ness and prosperity of the Empire, He was the sort of man who never turned his back on a fellow creature, or refused to give a hand to a comrade in distress. Therefore it was deter mined that Jack should not come to these shores and think there were none to care for the comfort of his body or the welfare of his soul, and with the object of greeting the sailor on his arrival, of grasping his hand as a friend, beguiling his hours on shore, and saving him from the scores of dangers and temptations which beset a sea-faring man's stay in port, the institution had in '57 been started. Its claims on the Victorian public, not as a charity, but as a means of show ing some recognition of the services of the brave men who man our mercan tile marine, were ably put before the meeting. The Rev. G. D. Buchanan de clared that if the Melbourne merchants contributed to the mission a tithe of the amount they spent in insurance, they would find their goods better looked after by the seamen than by the insurance companies. Captain McCallum, the treasurer, read the following report of the com mittees of the Port Melbourne and Williamstown Rests : — In no part of the Queen's dominions have there been more changes during the last thirty years than in the colony bearing her gracious name ; and it is therefore all the more pleasant to report that the Victorian Mission to seamen, which started so long ago as 1857, still pursues an active career of usefulness, holding out a helping hand to mariners of all nations, without distinction of colour, race or creed. Eight years ago, some of the supporters of the Mission, feeling the want of a Temperance Club, where the crews of the various ships might recreate themselves and enjoy the three ' C's' — Coffee — Comfort — Company, appealed to the public for assistance, resulting in sufficient funds being obtained to justify the establishment of Sailors' Rests at Sandridge and Williamstown. Both these institutions were opened by a distinguished gentleman who has always taken a practical interest in sea men, and who, but for illness, would have been present at this meeting — Sir W. F. Stawell — and the result jof several years' experience fully justifies the statement that these institutions have supplied a felt want — the attendance of visitors reaching now about 30,000 per annum ; whilst so economically are they managed, that the annual cost to the public is less than L150 The thanks of the committee are specially due to those ladies and gentlemen who so kindly made a special and successful effort to supply both of the Bests with new piano fortes, to the great enjoyment of ' Jack ashore.' The instrument which was pre sented to the Port Melbourne institution by Mr. J. M. Bruce, on behalf of the sub scribers, the funds having been collected by his daughter yet in her teens, being espec ially one of great value. Concerts free to all seamen, given by amateur singers, are held weekly on both sides of the bay, and are largely attended and much appreciated. The building at Port Melbourne, which, being of wood, is merely of a temporary character, is free from debt ; but there is a mortgage of L500 on the Williamstown institution, which cripples its usefulness. The committee have regretfully to report that during the year under review they have lost, through the weakness of increas ing years, tbe loving services of the Rev. Kerr Johnston, their venerable friend and chaplain, whose life is, indeed, the history of the Mission, for he has been connected with it from the commencement of the work. Mr. Johnston has proved himself a true disciple of his Divine Master, and the com mittee trust that in the evening of his days he may enjoy that peace and rest which he lias so well earned. The com mittee presented Mr. Johnston, on retiring, with an honorarium of L100. Mr. E. James has been appointed iu Mr. JohuBton'u room, and the committee believe that their choice lias been a fortunate one. The Mission aud Sailors' Bests have been kept afloat by the unwearied and self -deny-ing exertions of the Ladies1 Committee, who have personally collected nearly the whole of the income ; but it may fairly be asked whether, in this great seaport, where last year there entered in at Her Majesty's Customs 1711 ships, manned by 61,256 men, the mercantile community of Melbourne should net take a more active interest in the welfare of the thousands of brave men who, for a few weeks, temporary sojourners on our shores, away from friends and relatives, have a special claim on our sympathy and help. We are of the old land, ' that gem sunk in the silver sea and we can re-echo Mr. Gladstone's recent words to the crew of the yacht Sunbeam, ' The calling which you follow is a noble one, and is calculated to bring forth the highest qualities of our common nature ; ana if it is possible for any occupation to make a man, in the highest and wideBt sense of the word, it is ' the occupation to which your lives are given. How closely it is connected with the the prosperity and fame of tbi» great nation ; how closely, indeed, it is connected with advancement of civilisation, and tiie general welfare of the world, it needs no words of mine to tell yon, for in your work and life you know it well, and feel it truly.' Look ing at what we Victorians owe to the British sailor, the committee earnestly trust that, with the blessings of the Almighty God, increased success will attend the work of the Mission and Rests. Mr. James read the chaplain's re port: — Since my appointment as chaplain to tbe Seamens' Mission, I have met with greater success than I anticipated. I have visited all the ships that have come into port, also many of the vessels on the Yarra, and am pleased with the civil and courteous manner in which I have been received by captains, officers and men, and in most cases my invitations to them to attend our meetings have been most heartily responded to. . The attendance at the services in the Bethel has much improved — on some occasions scarcely sitting room is to be found. The services have proved a great blessing to many Christian seamen ; whilst several who have come into port caring for nothing of a religious nature, have left praying. God fearing men, with the request that those left behind would remember them in their supplications, that they should be kept through all the trials and temptations to which seamen are exposed. The weekly Tuesday evening concerts got up bj the ladies of the committee and others, have proved a great benefit to the Mission, and a source of great enjoyment to the seamen in port. The programmes are excellent; and are spoken of by the sailors as the best they have heard in any port. The Sailors* Rest is provided with a library, the daily papers, and illustrated literature, with games of chess, draughts, dominoes, quoits, and other amusements, which are much taken advantage of during the evenings. Seamen ' are alio provided with writing materials, free, bo that everyone may have any opportunity of writing to their friends; for many an anxious parent is counting the days and hoping for .the time to come when they shall get a line from their sons in the far distant land, and many a son is reminded of his obligation by the opportunity thus afforded. I am much pleased at this time to acknowledge the kindness of the committee, and the great help I have received from them, also from Mr. Douglas, the manager of the Best. I do not think I could have been blest with a better co-worker. I have no hesitation in recommending the seamen to go to the Best, and telling them that they will receive a most hearty welcome, to which they can all testify ; my thanks are due to the voluntary workers, who have given every assistance ft their power, especially to Miss Lloyd, who is an invaluable help, attending in all weathers, and playing the organ at every service. The Sunday School is progressing, and we aie now about to make another addition to the library, of good readable books. The work at Williamstown is also pro gressing well, the Wednesday night concerts being well attended, and the singing and reciting supplied by local talent really good; the sailors contributing largely to the programmes. Captain McCallum is the backbone of the work at Williamstown, well supported by many warm friends of the sailors. The services held every Sunday night are productive of mnch good. The work here, too, is very encouraging, having much improved of late. I am thank ful to God that He has so blessed the efforts of His people, and hope they may be long spared to carry on the work. The Rev. G. D. Buchanan in an eloquent speech proposed the first re solution : — ' That the Reports now read be adopted, and that the following ladies and gentlemen be the Committee for the ensuing year : — SEAMEN'S MISSION. Ladies Committee. — Mesdames Templeton, Campbell, Chamberlin, Elworthy, Lormer, Gourlay, Gowan, B. Johnston, Webb, Young, Plummer, Misses Elwortny, Webb, Gowan, and M. Hastie. Gentlemen's Committee. — Captains Pasco, R. N., Adams, McCallum, J.P., Dalgarno, Garside, Messrs. Courtis, A. J. Smith, Macpherson, H. R. Reid, J.P., Henry Berry, J.P., Revs. Kerr Johnston, and A. R. Edgar.' Captain Pasco seconded, and in formed the audience that Baron Von Mueller had written regretting his inability to attend, but had sent a substantial cheque. (Applause.) A collection was then taken up and liberally responded to, the band mean-time playing airs suitable to the occa sion, such as ' The Death of Nelson' and ' Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep.' The hon. F. T. Derham next pro posed the second resolution : — ' That the success which has attended the working of the Port Melbourne Sailors' Rest justifies this meeting in taking imme diate steps to raise the funds necessary to erect a Seamen's Institute worthy of the in creasing trade and commerce of Victoria.' This was seconded by the Rev. A. R. Edgar, and both were carried by ac clamation. The Mayor of Melbourne moved a vote of thanks to His Excellency, and Sir Henry in the course of his reply said his sympathies were not only with sailors because he had been much brought into contact with them, but because he had been a sailor himself and had had the honour and privilege of serving in Her Majesty's navy. At this the men sprang to their feet and gave three deafening cheers for the Governor and another for Lady Loch, who bowed her acknowledgment and appeared very pleased at the hearty reception accorded to her. During the evening Mrs. Pearce, and Messrs. Walsh, Woods, and Robinson, members of the Liedertafel, contributed songs. The lady, who has sung at the Tuesday evening concerts, sang ' When the Tide comes in' so charmingly that an encore, although against the rule of the evening, was insisted upon, which was responded to by a beautiful rendering of the old ballad ' Robin Adair,' Altogether the meeting was a com plete success, and will doubtless afford the committee fresh encouragement in their well-directed efforts. Printed programme for the 1886 annual meeting taking place in the Melbourne AthenaeumWritten in black ink at the back by WHC Darvall: annual meeting, melbourne athenaeum, 1886, baron ferdinand von mueller, sailors' rest, hugh ronald reid, captain fullarton, captain mccallum, henry loch, captain pasco, reverend kerr johnston

Letter from Stuart Knox to Reverend Alfred Gurney Goldsmith thanking him for the amalgamation of the Victorian Seamen's Mission to the English Mission to Seamen.4 pages document, typed in purple ink.at the back of the fourth page is a handwritten message from WHC Darvall in red ink.amalgamation, 1906, stuart knox, london, william henry charles darvall (1830-1906)

An original group of plans drawn by Walter Butler who was also the architect of the Central Institute, Siddeley Street in 1906 and the Mission to Seamen building at 717 Flinders St that is still in use today. The early Port Melbourne onshore Mission gradually transformed from a 'wooden shack' to a one storey brick building designed by architect Frederick Williams in 1888. The St Nicholas chapel was added in 1915. Walter Butler was commissioned to add a second storey in 1917. The building retained its functions until 1937 when the Art Deco Mission, designed by Morris was built. The building has survived as a structure into the 21st century, and was incorporated as part of a multi-apartment development. Historical architectural record of Walter Butler's work. Walter Butler was a renowned architect and friend of the Fairfax family.Coloured architect's drawings of the proposed plans for Chaplain's Residence at Port Melbourne on heavy parchment. Including elevation drawings, floor plans and cross sections as well as architect's notes and measurements.Embossed architect's stamp in top right and left corners and bottom right corner "Walter R Butler [indecipherable] Melbourne" Printer's stamp on bottom right hand corner of rear "Printed by J. Creffield Propy. LTD. RIALTO, 493-5 Collins St. Melbourne"plans, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), mission to seafarers, chaplains residence, beach street, nott street, port melbourne, mission to seamen, frederick williams

This is a register of weddings performed at the Mission to Seafarers at the Port Melbourne site. The register names all parties involved including bride, groom, celebrant, witnesses, bride and groom's parents and addresses at the time. It also outlines previous marital status, employment details and other personal details. Historical record of marriages performed at the Mission to Seafarers commencing in 1915.Purple stamp in top left-hand corner of a flag with a flying angel. "From the Mission to Seamen Melbourne" Handwritten: Register No. 1, No. 1-11 (Dec. 7th 1915 to July 27th 1921)st nicholas chapel, port melbourne, mission to seamen, seamen's mission, mission to seafarers, marriage, register, wedding, st james, anglican church, dio-marriages, dio-archives

The "letters to Lillie" show the international nature of the Mission to Seafarers. They are an important display of the handwriting style of the time, revealing courting attempts and give us an insight into life in 1925.Lillie Duncan was a member of the Harbour Lights Guild and this letter forms part of a collection of letters sent to her by different seafarers.Letter addressed to Miss L Duncan, 11 Paxton St, East Malvern, Melbourne, Australia from Howard in four parts: Part 1.1 (0008.1) Envelope Part 1.2 (0008.2) First page of letter Part 1.3 (0008.3) Second page of letter Part 1.4 (0008.4) Third page of letter The envelope is blue grey in colour whilst the pages are creamy yellow in colour. Page 1 of the letter begins with the salutation "My dear Lillie, here comes the promised letter...". Page 2 of the letter begins with "...in her birthday book". Page 3 of the letter concludes with "...yours Joe".The envelope is torn across the top for access to its contents. It has two stamps, a circular one in black ink towards the top left of the envelope reading "Durban, 2, May 21, 5.45AM, 1925", and a rectangular one coloured red and white reading "Union of South Africa, Postage, 2d" on the left-hand side of the circle and the right-hand side circle seems to say the same in South African perhaps. It is obscured by 6 large ink lines covering the top portion of the envelope from left to right. Within the circle is a mans head showing his left side profile. He has a beard and short hair. On the right side of the red and white stamp there is a second ink stamp that is also obscured but seems to be the same ink stamp as the first. letter, joe, handwriting, 1925, lillie duncan, lhlg, durban, lillian duncan, ladies harbour lights guild, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, seamen's mission, east malvern, my little melbourne girl

The photograph on the front of the postcard depicts a game of billiards being played in the Billiard Room of the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. The Flinders Street extension building opened for use in 1917 after relocating from Australia Wharf. The billiard pool was likely made by the Alcock company.The scene on the postcard shows the typical use of the Billiard Room at the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne as well as what is presumably the original layout of the room and gives an insight into men's fashion of the time.Sepia toned postcard with photograph of a man in shirt sleeves taking a shot on the billiard table with a second man standing to the left and rear wearing a hat and watching the shot. There are two seated men to the right of the photograph. The man on the left is wearing a suit including hat, the man on the right is wearing a cap and sitting with his arms crossed. There are three pendant lights above the billiard table and bench seating in front of the window.Printed on the bottom of the front of the postcard: "IN THE BILLIARD ROOM. SEAMEN'S MISSION. MELBOURNE, VICTORIA. REAL PHOTO SERIES M.826" Printer's logo on rear of postcard: "VALENTINES/REAL PHOTO SERIES POSTCARD" Printed sideways on left hand rear of postcard: "Published by the Valentine & Sons Publishing Co. Ltd/Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane" Printed in right hand corner rear of postcard: "BRANCHES/SYDNEY/LONDON/DUNDEE/DUBLIN/CAPETOWN/MONTREAL/TORONTO" postcard, windows, floorboards, valentine-and-sons-publishing-co-ltd, billiard room, pool table, billiard table, billiard cue, seamen's mission, mission to seafarers, melbourne, flinders street, bench seat, pendant lighting, bentwood chairs, coat rack, valentines postcards, real series postcards, real photo series, m.826, vienna chairs

The scene on the postcard depicts the Spanish courtyard (or Cloisters) as a space within the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. The view to the courtyard is from the Celia Little Room. The Spanish mission design was inspired by a need to make the 1917 Mission complex at Flinders st extension distinctive and easily found. (ref Church and Sailor journal) This scene shows the way in which the courtyard leads into the Chapel and that it is a large space for varied uses.Sepia toned scene on front of postcard depicting "The Cloisters" or Spanish Courtyard at Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. There is ivy growing up the pillar to the right of the scene, tall plants in the garden bed in the corner of the courtyard and pots with plants placed between the archways to the rear of the photograph.Label on front of postcard: "No. 9 THE CLOISTERS, MISSIONS TO SEAMEN, MELBOURNE, VIC." Reverse of postcard: "POST CARD/A Real Photograph Produced in Australia" There is also a divided line down the centre of the reverse for writing a message.plants, cloisters, ivy, pillars, archways, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, st peter chapel, spanish courtyard, melbourne, flinders street, valentine's postcards, real photo series

The Siddeley Street institute, designed by renown architect Walter Butler was built in 1907. The foundation stone was laid in February 1907 by Lord Northcote and the institute was opened in December the same year.The Siddeley Street Seamen's Institute is the first central structure to be built in central Melbourne on the banks of the Yarra River as the shipping was moving from Hobson's Bay to the city centre. Originally planned and budgeted for in the mid 1880s and petitioned by Ships masters in 1897 this was a long awaited project for the Mission.Sepia toned photograph depicting the Siddeley Street facility under construction. There are two women dressed in white wearing picture hats and carrying either cloaks or coats to the right of the photograph and a group of five men standing in a row beside them. They are all standing in front of the entranceway with arched windows to either side all of which is covered in scaffolding.Pencil mark on reverse of photograph: "2"siddeley street institute, australian-wharf, 1907, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), seamen's institute, seamen's mission, ladies, lhlg, officers, seamen, sailors, seafarers, mission to seafarers, scaffolding, anne treverton goldsmith (nee lobb

Seafarer playing snooker in the Billiard Room.This photograph shows that the room marked "Billiard Room" in gold lettering on the door, was once used exclusively for that purpose, although no longer. Billiards was once a very popular pastime for visiting seafarers. The billiard table has long since gone and the room is now used as a karaoke and music room. There is still the option of playing pool or table tennis but these have been moved out in the main hall.Black and white photograph of a man leaning across the billiard table in the Billiard Room of the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. The man is aiming to take his shot. There are curtains covering the windows in the background and pendants lights handing down over the table. There is a couch against the rear wall of the Billiard Room.Pen on reverse of photograph: "2" enclosed in a circle.couch, curtains, pendant-lighting, billiard, billiard room, balls, pool, seamen, sailors, seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seafarers, flinders street, melbourne, billiard table, billiard cue

This document reveals the way in which Mission to Seafarers grew in response to demand. With increased shipping to Australia for all purposes, the need for the then existing Mission to grow to be conveniently located and to accommodate seafarers became increasingly evident. This document also shows the formal nature of documents and petitions in the 1890s and documents the names of twenty-two contemporaneous ships and their respective captains. The Anna, Dharwar and Mermerus arrived in port at the end of July 1897. The Carmanina arrived on the 21 October 1897. The Loch Katrine, at the end of the list, arrived on 5 November 1897. The letter was published in the Argus, 22 December 1897: "APPEAL FOR SEAMEN. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS. Sir, I beg that in the interests of the Victorian Seamen's Mission you will be kind enough to publish the appended testimony of the ship masters who for many years have been trading to this port, and therefore have had many opportunities of judging the effects of his work. The mission has much need of monetary assistance, and, should any of your numenous leaders deem it worthy of support, the committee would feel most grateful for any help that may be given in this direction. It has been the pleasure of the committee as far as possible to supply the crews of all outward bound steamers and sailing vessels with literature for their use on the voyage. My former appeals through your columns for leading matter have always been liberally responded to, and I trust that should any of our booksellers have any surplus stock of periodicals, religious and secular, illustrated or otherwise, at the end of the year, they will kindly remember the Victorian Seamen's Mission and the sailors. Private individuals also who may have stacks of literature by them, if they would kindly send some to the Seamen's Institute, Beach street, Port Melbourne, would cause the cheering of many a dark and lonely hour in the seamen's life. From 900 to 1.200 parcels have hitherto been given to the sailors and firemen annually by this mission, and we should be extremely grateful to those who would place us in a position to continue such donations in the future. Yours, &c. , E. JAMES, Chaplain to the Mission. Seamen's Institute, Beach street, Port Melbourne, Dec. 10." -------------------------------------------------- "To the Executive Committee of the Victorian Seamen's Mission, Melbourne. "Ladies and Gentleman, "We, the undersigned captains of several ships now lying at the Melbourne wharves think it most desirable that the Victorian Seamen's Mission, being the mission that has for so many years shown a most part their interest in the spiritual, moral, and social well-being of the seamen of all nationalities, shall him on the banks of the Yarra an institute such as that at Port Melbourne, where sailors of every grade could profitably and pleasantly spend their evenings. At almost every other seaport in the world such institutions are being provided for seamen, and we are satisfied from our opinion of the Melbourne public that the matter needs only to be prominently brought under their notice to be accomplished. We are confident that the good work of the mission is being hampered by its not having such a place near the shipping at the Melbourne wharves. Our crews are at present placed at a great dis advantage through not having an institute more convenient to the scene of their labours than that at Port Melbourne, which, on a very wet or a very hot, is not easily reached. If a site could be obtained immediately above the Gasworks but on the other side of Flinders street extension, that is to say, on the lower part of the land on which the Harbour Trust offices are built, it would be most convenient for the shipping on both the north and south side of the river. Trusting that it may be possible to do some thing to meet this long felt want, We suscribe ourselves, Yours respectfully, Geo.H Steven, master ship Dharwar; Thos. Curd, master ship Narcissus; James Horne, master ship Loch Garry; T.Tait, master ship Loch Ryan; T. Nilsen, master ship Hebe; G. Ch Christian, master ship Anna; R.E. Peasley, master ship Seminole; Wm. Martin, master ship Loch Ness; T.C. Martin, master ship Loch Tay; W.H. Bennett, master ship Loch Vennachar; J. Raglan Brodie, master s.s. Warrnambool; James E. Coles, master ship Mermerus; J. H. Walker, master ship Hinemoa; R.J. Johns, master ship Ariel; D. Gorchem (sic. Gerckens), master ship Matador; H. Petersen, master ship Nesaia; Wm. J. Reid, master s.s. Star of New Zealand; A. F. Svhanstrom, master ship Hermes; Alex. Smith, master ship Sophocles; W. Y. Bunn, master ship Carmanian; William Anderson, master ship Loch Katrine."This petition is historically significant as it is documentary evidence of the need for a new facility for seafarers signed and presented by the captains of 21 ships, including several of the sister ships of the Loch Ard. The need for a new facility was a result of changes in shipping and the use of the Melbourne ports in the 1890's and this document supported the pressure on the Harbour offices to finally release land for an appropriate building in the early 20th C.Mounted hand-written petition to the Executive Committee of the Victorian Seaman's Mission Melbourne. The letter petitions the Executive Committee to create a facility on the wharves, "where sailors of every grade could profitably and pleasantly spend their evenings." This portion of the letter takes up three quarters of the document. The remainder has two lists, one of twelve captain's signatures and the other of the names of their ships. The list is continued on the reverse side with an additional nine signatures and corresponding ship names.In cursive handwriting: To The Executive Committee of the Victorian Seamans Mission', / Melbourne / Ladies and Gentlemen / we the undersigned captains....... We subscribe / ourselves respectfully, Captain signatures and names of ships ( NB Ship names in upper case for this entry ): Geo H. Stevens - DHARWAR / Thomas Curd - NARCISSUS; / James Horn - LOCH GARRY / T.Tait - LOCH RYAN ; / T.NIlsen - Hebe ; / G.C. Christians - ANNA ;/ R E Peasley - SEMIOLE ; / William Martin - LOCH NESS ; / T C Martin - LOCH TAY;/ W H Bennett - LOCH VENNUACHAR; / RJ Raglan Brodie - SS WARRNAMBOOL; ; / James E. Coles - MERMERUS; / ( signatures continue overleaf) J H Walker - HINEMORA ; / R J Johns - ARIEL; / D Gorchem - MATADOR; / H Petersen - NESAIA;/ William J Reid - STAR of N. ZELAND [sic] ; / TJ Sohanstrom - HERMES;/ Alex Smith - SOPHOCLES; / W Y Bunn - CARMANIAN;./ William Anderson - LOCH KATRINE;/ Handwritten in red ink on the front of the parchment: "8182" NB The second digit in the number sequence appears to have been written over and could also be a "9", an "8" or a "3". paper Watermark "HERCULES". Prior to conservation and taped to the glass on the reverse side of the parchment was a small piece of paper reading: "Letter written in 1897 and signed between the last week of October and the first week of November." T and C probably stands for Trade and Customs and 8382 is the file no." (H8.4 x W11.8)victoria, melbourne, ships, petition, australia-wharf, captains, signatures, 717-flinders-street-docklands, maritime welfare services, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, mermerus, captain coles, sir john coode, loch line, loch ness, loch gary, loch ryan, ss warrnambool, loch tay, loch vennachar, matador, nesaia, d. gerckens, h. petersen, a.f. svhanstrom, hermes, ariel, loch katrine, william anderson, dharwar, narcissus, hebe, anna, hinemoa, sophocles, carmanian, captains' petition

As a wedding photograph, this photograph shows the fashions of the time, which can be traced back to the 1930s, based on the length and style of the dress. This photograph shows one of the many uses of the Mission.This photograph shows one of many weddings held at the Mission to Seafarers. The image is relevant to the Mission and the services of the affiliated Anglican Church.This is a copy of a black and white photograph of wedding party in the courtyard at Mission to Seafarers. The bride is wearing an ankle length gown with peep toe shoes and a floral headpiece with veil. The groom is in full naval uniform.Pin hole through the top centre of the photograph.hat, coat, uniform, veil, wedding, dress, suit, courtyard, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, wedding dress, flinders street, melbourne

Dora Walker was a student of Milverton school, one of the Ladies Schools, a branch of the Ladies Harbour Light's Guild. Amy Dora Walker (known as Dora) of East Malvern married Harold Priestley Simpson of Surrey Hills on 14 February 1928. The bride's maids were Ella Kendall and Molly Walker. The article in the Herald of the day describes the event: "WEDDING AT SEAMEN'S CHAPEL Reception at Hotel Windsor The pretty little chapel at the Sea men's Institute was packed with interested friends this afternoon, when Miss Dora Walker, one of the Mission's most enthusiastic and efficient voluntary helpers, chose it as the setting for her marriage with Mr H. P. Simpson, son of Mr and Mrs J. H. Simpson, of Mornington. A group of her fellow workers decorated the chapel with lovely pink and white gladioli, carnations and roses. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. J. R. Weller, chaplain of the Mission, and the bride was given away by her father, Mr A. W. Walker, of Manning road, East Malvern. She wore a lovely ivory georgette frock, the finely tucked skirt being fashioned with a deep transparent hem of Chantilly lace. Over it fell a beautiful Honiton lace veil mounted on tulle and arranged to give the ef fect of a train. Fragrant white roses composed her bouquet. Two attendants followed her down the aisle — her sister, Miss Molly Walker, and Miss Ella Kendall — both wearing dainty shrimp pink georgette frocks and large crinoline straw hats in the same shade with a dainty edging of tulle. They carried bouquets of pink cactus dahlias nnd delphiniums. Mr Louis Buscombe was best man, and Mr George Thompson grooms man. After the ceremony Mr and Mrs Walker entertained about 50 guests at the Hotel Windsor."A member of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild, Dora is one of the few ladies who married at the Mission.Sepia toned photograph of bride and attendants in the courtyard of the Mission to Seafarers. The bride's dress is calf length and she is standing with her veil draped in front of her, holding a large bouquet. There is one attendant to the right of the photograph, wearing a layered calf length dress and holding a smaller bouquet. Both are standing in front of one of the columns in the courtyard which has ivy growing over it.Blue ink on rear of photograph: 4 49hat, flowers, veil, wedding, dress, ivy, columns, shoes, dora walker, dora simpson, milverton school, ladies school, lhlg, mrs h.p. simpson, mrs harry simpson, courtyard, amy dora walker, ella kendall, molly walker, reverend j.r. weller, david simpson

This organ was gifted by the Bethel Community in 1890 to the then Victorian Seamen's Mission, originally founded by the Bethel Union in 1857. The gift was intended to assist with worship. Despite all appearance, this organ is not a pipe organ but a reed organ that works in a similar manner to an accordion. In May 1890, the sum of seventy pounds was put towards the purchase of the organ. The sum being raised via subscriptions. The organ was inaugurated in September 1890. Jabez Carnegie (1832-1892), importer of piano and organs in Melbourne, had made a trip to Europe and Canada in 1887 and had secured the agency of Bell organs. W. Bell & Co were a Canadian organ and piano manufacturer, considered the premier organ manufacturer of the time. W Bell & Co changed its name to Bell Organ and Piano Co in 1888 meaning this organ had to be manufactured prior to the name change. The organ was first used in the mission main room from 1890 to 1915 when the St Nicholas chapel was built at the back (see item 0548. It was transfered to the new Port Melbourne mission in 1937 (link on postcard from State Library Victoria). In 1972, it was transferred to the Holy Trinity Church in Bay Street after the closure of the Mission In the late 1980s during a National Trust campaign to save the building, the organ was sold by the Anglican Men's Society to the Trust's organ committee, who carried out some restoration work and returned it to the former Missions to Seamen chapel. In 1991 the Office of Major Projects had control of the whole 'Bayside' development site. With the Mission to Seamen Building emptied and proposed for demolition, the Office of Major Projects removed the organ and placed it in storage in various locations - finally, in the Museum of Victoria store in Abbotsford. In 1995-6, enquiries by Jim Hillis resulted in the return of the organ to the control of the Port Melbourne HIstorical & Preservation Society. As the Society had no suitable location for the organ, several churches and schools in Port Melbourne were approached to take the organ with no results. The nearby suburbs were suggested next. Finally the Melbourne Maritime Museum (Polly Woodside) was approached and agreed to place it in their Museum on a long term loan. In 1997 it was on display in no 5 shed South Wharf (23/3/1997). In 2006, the Polly Woodside South Wharf site was to be re-developed, and they could no longer retain the organ. Accordingly, on 4 May 2006, the organ was transferred to the Mission To Seafarers building in Flinders Street Extension as an indefinite loan (refer OL 022) The PMHPS deaccessioned it to finally transfered it in 2018 to MTSV.(See also acquisition details re 21st C finalisation of acquisition) This organ is a tangible reminder of the longevity of the Mission to Seafarers, a link with the original Bethel Union which was instrumental in 1856 calling a public meeting and inviting subscriptions by various non-conformist churches to found a mission to Seamen. Rev Kerr-Johnson delivered the first service in 1857 aboard the Emily. The Mission to Seafarers has been in operation ever since and continues to operate to the same purpose today.Large reed organ that looks like a pipe organ with fifteen elaborately painted pipes bearing a floral motif. The body of the organ is elaborately decorated in carved wood. It has 17 knobs above the keyboard both which can be concealed when the keyboard cover is lowered. There are two foot pedals at the bottom of the organ with "Mouse Proof Pedals" cast into the framing iron. list of stop names: Viola 4Ft Diapason 8Ft Dolce 4Ft Violetta 2Ft Sub Bass 16 Ft Octave Coupler Vox Humana Forte Picciolo 2Ft Hautboy 8Ft Aeoline 8Ft Cremona 16Ft E---bone 16Ft Echo 8Ft Celeste 8Ft Melodia 8Ft Flute 4FtMaker's mark in gold lettering above keyboard: W. Bell & Co Brass plaque on front board: Presented to/The Victorian Seamen's Mission/by/Congregation worshipping in Bethel/& friends./1st September 1890 Behind the stops a wooden plaque: J. CARNEGIE & SONS, SOLE AGENTS FOR VICTORIA MELBOURNE organ, worship, bethel, pipes, reed, bethel union, pipe top, jabez carnegie, w. bell & co, port melbourne, mission to seafarers, seamens' mission, mission to seamen, guelph, ontario, canada, pmhps, polly woodside, harmonium, reed organ

This book has been compiled by W H C Darvall, the Honorary Secretary at the Mission,( turn of 19th- 20th C.) A chronological recording of key dates and events in relation to the workings of the Mission to Seafarers (Victorian Seamen's Mission). The book also includes a number of clippings from newspapers or journals and concludes with an invitation to attend a special meeting of the Mission to discuss a proposed amalgamation with the Victorian Branch of the London Missions to Seamen, 15 November 1905. The author Mr Darvall arrived in Australia as a migrant 1853, served as the first Town Clerk of Beechworth 1856-1870. A solicitor in Collins St 1870s onward, he died in 1906.In diligently recording "matters of interest" to the Mission, Darvall has provided us with a significant point of reference from the establishment of the Victorian Bethel Union, afloat in 1850s through to the proposed amalgamation with the Missions to Seamen finalised in 1906. Many of the events were compiled retrospectively drawing on Annual reports and minutes but many were recorded contemporaneously from the 1890s. The Chronology serves as a means of verifying events through other sources such as minute books, annual reports and so on. It also provides us with the names and functions of people who had significant roles within the Mission from its earliest days in the 1850s through to the amalgamation of 1906.Label adhered to front cover, handwritten in ink: "The Victorian Seamen's Mission/An epitomised History/of/Matters of interest connected therewith/compiled by/ W.H.G. Darvall / Honorary Secretary" Label adhered to inside cover, printed label reading: "No.....Date....18.../A & W Bruce/Manufacturing Stationers,/65 Bourke Street West,/Melbourne/in re-ordering this book it is necessary to state the no. only"minutes, clippings, proceedings, william henry charles darvall (1830-1906)

This scrapbook holds numerous newspaper clippings, advertisements and other informative pieces about the events and functions held at and by the Victoria Missions to Seamen (Mission to Seafarers). Signatures of seamen from the RMS Orsova in 1920 1906: Death of Mr Darvall 1907: Opening of the Siddeley St Institute by the Governor / Photograph of the trowel for the playing of the foundation stone. This scrapbook outlines the many events, concerts, important visits and social occasions held at and by the Mission during this time frame. It includes the names and activities of many prominent Melburnians and shows the vivacity of the work at the Mission.Gold leaf lettering on spine: "SCRAPBOOK/NO 1/ VICTORIA/MISSIONS TO SEAMEN"scrapbook, clippings, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, events, orsova, flyers, news cuttings, news clippings, ships, william henry charles darvall (1830-1906), siddeley street, violet teague, ac swinburne

This scrapbook. although much smaller than others in the collection, contains newspaper clippings, notes and correspondence relating to the work at the Mission.This scrapbook outlines the many events, concerts, important visits and social occasions held at and by the Mission during this time frame. It includes the names and activities of many prominent Melburnians and shows the vivacity of the work at the Mission.Small red sticker on inside of reverse cover: "NORMAN BROS./Stationers, Printers,/and/Artists' Material Importers/52-58 Elizabeth St."scrapbook, newspaper cuttings, seamen's missions, mission to seamen, newspaper clippings, events, melbourne

Whilst the crucifix appears to be the result of two separate items being fused together it is probable that this artefact was used in one of the Missions at Port Melbourne or possibly aboard a ship.The Mission to Seafarers began its life as an Anglican based charity and continues to be so today. However, throughout the years it has always offered an ecumenical approach to offering social, spiritual and physical comfort to seafarers. Wooden crucifix with ornate brass Jesus on the cross affixed to front. The brass cross is very ornate with floral motifs and scroll work. It appears that the wooden crucifix and brass crucifix were originally two separate items and several nails have been used to affix the brass ornament to the wooden one. Brass plaque on wooden crucifix: "INRI" Brass inscription on brass crucifix: "INRI"religion, wood, brass, anglican, jesus, crucifix, ecumenical-tradition, st peter chapel, mission to seafarers, flinders street, seamen's mission

This book of rules for members of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild was created to cement the 'unwritten rules' that guide the way the ladies support seafarers at the Mission to Seamen (Mission to Seafarers).The Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild was instrumental in securing funds to construct the current building at 717 Flinders Street. They were also dedicated volunteers who organised many social functions and events to offer visiting seafarers an opportunity to relax, have fun and socialise away from the ship.Small brown paper book consisting of one page folded in half. On the front is the title. 'The Victoria Missions to Seamen/Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild/Rules for Working Members/1939'. The inside left page details the rules for members of the Guild. The inside right page details what members of the Guild should not do. The back page is blank.lhlg, rules, ladies harbour lights guild, working members, 1939

Provides an overview of membership names and dates of subscribers to the LHLG at the Mission Provides a record of and insight into patterns of membership of the MtS LHLG in the early 20th C.Typewritten in black ink: Ladies Harbour Lights Guild / Working Members Handwritten in blue ink: A. Sibthorpe Tracy / Hon. Treasurerlhlg, membership, register, ladies, ladies harbour lights guild, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, fundraising, charity, philanthropy, alice sibthorpe tracy, treasurer, working members, subscriptions

seamens' mission, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, registers, funerals, chapel, dio-funerals

Small grey booklet including the report from the Executive Committee, the Chaplain's report, Treasurer's report and a list of subscriptions for 1882. The report encompasses both the Victorian Seamen's Mission and Sandridge (No. 1) Sailors' Rest.The 1882 annual report outlines all the major activities involving the Mission over the course of the year as well as included names of those involved, participating, making decisions or donating time or money. The Danne family had a long standing involvement in the Mission from the latter decades of the 19th Century onwards. Handwritten in pen on top left hand corner: "Rev N.J. Danne"sandridge, sailors' rest, 1882, annual report, victorian seamen's mission, port melbourne, reverend n.j danne, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, administrative document-annual report

This photograph is representative of the relationship between the Mission to Seafarers Victoria and the Anglican Church. The image also historically depicts the courtyard at the Mission to Seafarers Victoria from approximately the early 1950s.Reverend Frank Oliver served as Chaplain at the Mission to Seafarers Victoria for almost thirty years. The photograph shows the historical ties between the Mission and the Anglican Church towards the end of Oliver's chaplaincy in the 1950s. Standing in back row on the left is Rev Alex Crigan, Assistant Chaplain. Black and white photograph with a white border. Pictured are 18 men, 15 of which are wearing white collars of the church. They are positioned in two rows; the back row consists of ten men, the front row has eight men. All the men in the front row have their arms crossed, and many in the back row appear to have their arms behind their backs. The men are situated in the courtyard of the Mission to Seafarers Victoria, in front of the pillars with hanging vine leaves.In blue ink (written by Padre Oliver): On the top section of the white border in blue pen reads: "5", "3", "4". "6":, "7", "8", "9", "2". Whilst the lower line of the white border reads; "11", "12", "!", "!0". These number correspond to the names and numbers on the reverse side of the photograph. This reads: "1.Cyril Brown (Gen. / 2. Peter Smith (L/R - Melb.) / 3. Roberts (T.ville) / 4. Palmer (? Hobart) / 5. Alex Crigan (Melb) / 6. Bob Clarke (L/R . W'town) / 7. John Beaverstock (L/R Melb) / 8. Joe Forstes (Melb) / 9. Nichols, Vicar. H Trinity, Port Melb. (Late Chap, T'ville) / 10. Williams (Wellington) / 11. Max (Cowle), (Port Melbourne) / 12. F.L. Oliver (Melb.). Below this is a hand-drawn line that leads to the name "COWLE" melbourne, ties, men, williams, nichols, reverend, hobart, pillars, suits, courtyard, brickwork, chair, creeper, cyril-brown, peter-smith, roberts, palmer, townsville, williamson, vicar, h-trinity, port-melbourne, wellington, alex crigan, missio to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, conference, flinders street, padre oliver, frank leslie oliver, anglican church, alec crigan, bob clarke, reverend c.j. brown, cyril j. brown, max cowle, john beaverstock, joe forster, chaplain conferences, chaplains group

The reports were produced and readily distributed annually to a number of organisational stakeholders and included reports from the Committee, Chaplain, extracts of letters, Ladies auxiliary and a list of subscribers. In the Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Saturday 24 February 1900, page 15: VICTORIAN SEAMEN'S MISSION The annual meeting of the Victorian Seamen's Mission was held in the institute at Port Melbourne last night. There was a fair attendance, the large proportion being ladies, and the chair was occupied by Sir Frederick Sargood MLC. Mr Hugh R Reid, the president of the institute, was also president. The annual report, which was lead and adopted, stated that the Seamen's Institute at Port Melbourne, and also the Sailors' Rest at Williamstown, had sustained their reputation for usefulness and attractiveness. The attendances had been very large at each place and 114 seamen had taken the pledge at the Port Melbourne Institute. Regreat was felt that owing to the preliminary steps having met with opposition in Parliament the building of the long contemplated additional institute near the Melbourne wharves was deferred but the project had not been abandoned. Large parcels of literature had been distributed gratuitiously among ships' crews and the concerts held for the entertainment of seamen had been very successful. The mission had been in existence for over 40 years. It aimed at promoting the temporal and spiritual welfare of seamen. It had been the means of completely eradicating "crimping" and the sailors' "boarding masters" curie, and otherwise removing many of the abuses which still exist in other ports. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, referred to the great benefits which seamen derived from the institute. He was particularly struck by the fact that during the past year close on 2,000 letters had been written by visiting seamen from the institute namely, 1,720 at Port Melbourne, and 261 at Williamstown. It was also a very note-worthy feature, which perhaps the residents of Williamstown might be able to explain that, whilst out of 49,567 attendances at the Port Melbourne institute 114 had taken the pledge there, there was not a single instance on record of the pledge having been taken at the Sailors' Rest, Williamstown, out of 8,218 attendances. (Laughter) Referring to the projected new institute near the wharves, he was amazed to find that its construction had been, according to the report, orefused by some of the labour members. He did not know the details of the matter, but was of opinion that there was no institution more deserving of the support of labour members than the one advocated. In his opinion, the representatives of labour should disown the action of their delegates in Parliament in this matter. (Cheers ) Selections of vocal and instrumental music were given during the evening.These reports were produced annually and include a number of smaller reports from the Executive Committee, Chaplain and auxiliary. They sometimes included photographs and a list of subscribers and amounts pledged. These reports provide an organisational overview as well as many stories of the people who populated the Mission to Seafarers.Handwritten in ink on top right hand corner: "F T Derham [indecipherable]" Handwritten in ink on bottom left hand corner: "Melbourne Sailors' Home"annual report, 1899, victorian seamen's mission, port melbourne, williamstown, sailors' rest, seamen's mission, mission to seafarers, seamen's institute, sailors' home, f.t. derham, reverend ebenezer james, whc darvall, frederick sargood, hugh r. reid, administrative document-annual report

As the current Mission to Seafarers was originally called "The Missions to Seamen", this photograph shows an original flag with the Flying Angel Club logo on the front. The Flying Angel Club has been a universal environment for seafarers at every major port, and a place they can recognise as a place of respite from the seas.This is an example of an original Missions to Seamen flag dated between... and ... Partially faded black and white photograph of The Missions to Seamen flag. The photograph has a white border, and the pictured flag reads "THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN" with the Flying Angel logo in the centre.On the reverse side of the photograph is a stamp which is positioned at the top right and is upside down; it reads "H353". The photograph has discolouring around the edges (on both the front and reverse sides of the photograph), which is more extensive on the left side. There is also a large tear to the bottom left of the photograph which has taken away part of the image.flag, mission-to-seafarers, missions-to-seamen, flying-angel-club

The photograph portrays the main hall of the Mission to Seamen as it was used c.1950.The photograph is documents a moment in history that reflects how the main hall of the Mission to Seamen was used around the 1950s. The photograph also portrays one of many events held by the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild as one of the services provided for visiting seafarers.A black and white photograph inside the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne main hall. In the foreground there are two couples; on the left side of the photograph the couple are facing the left side, a man in a suit, vest and tie and a lady to the right in a mid-length skirt, jumper and short hair. The couple on the right of the photograph are facing each other - the lady has her back to the camera, and the man facing more toward the camera, he is also in a suit and is balding. A couple are standing in the mid ground, central in the photograph; a lady is on the left in a light coloured cardigan, mid length skirt and short dark hair; the man on the right is wearing a dark suit and tie, and a light coloured shirt. There are a number of people in the background that are partly concealed by the couples in the mid-foreground. An archway is visible to the left, that leads to the 'cafeteria', and an arch window can be seen on the right side of the photograph in the background, The hardwood floorboards are visible, as is the wainscote (wood panelling) on the walls in the background. A clock is situated right of centre on the back wall.collar, clock, vest, window, suit, 1950s, main-hall, tie, wainscote, cardigan, jumper, skirt, arch, bald, lhlg, dance, socialising, events, entertainments, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, seamen mission, flinders street, ladies harbour lights guild, hardwood, floorboards, wood panelling

This image shows of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild events held in the 1950s.The Ladies Harbour Lights Guild organised many functions at the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. As well as providing dance partners, members of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild provided other services such as serving behind the refreshments counter in the main hall. The photograph is an historic document of the operations at Missions to Seamen and the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild in the 1950sA black and white photograph, with a white border. The photograph shows two ladies behind the refreshments counter, looking out toward the dance held in the main hall. The lady central in the photograph is standing with her arms folded, looking towards the stage-end of the main hall. The lady behind is mostly concealed by the central lady, only part of her torso and skirt can be seen behind the central lady; the lady in the background appears to be leaning forwards against the counter.A man is leaning on the counter to the right of the photograph; his back is facing the camera, and his head is turned toward the ladies behind the counter, or perhaps to the dancers in the background in front of the refreshments counter.dance, mission-to-seafarers, missions-to-seamen, ladies-harbour-lights-guild, main-hall, refreshments-counter, harbour lights guild, hlg