On 18 May 1937, Lord Huntingfield, Governor of Victoria (14 May 1934 – 4 April 1939) layed the foundation stone of the last of the missions built in Melbourne. The Mission to Seamen, Port Melbourne opened in December 1937, superceded the original 19th C building and service point in Port.Demolished in the late 20th C by developers the building was of architectural significance and funded originally by Alfred Nicholas who gifted 18,000 pounds. An indicator of the importance of shipping and seafarer welfare as regarded by Industry and business during the interwar years of the 1930s. This photograph is a record of the founding of the building. The stone is now part of the bluestone wall on Beach Road, Port Melbourne. The Mission was given the name: George V Memorial Institute, and the concert hall was given the name Huntingfield Hall.A black and white photograph depicting the laying of a foundation stone. Photograph of two clergymen standing to one side of the Governor of Victoria (1934-1939), Lord Huntingfield, who is holding a trowel in his left hand. A foundation stone, resting on a low brick wall is thought to be the granite foundation stone of the Port Melbourne Mission. A small crowd of approximately 21 people are gathered behind the wall. Back of photograph stamped, "Herald Feature Service Melbourne".port melbourne, beach road, lord huntingfield, art deco, alfred nicholas, foundation stone, trowel, harry a. norris, george v memorial institute, port melbourne mission, 1937

Sponsored by Alfred M. Nicholas the Deco era Mission building facing Beach street built by Architect Harry Norris opened in 1937. The building was then in WW2 requisitioned with the Mission returning to full use of the complex some years after the War ended. The building in later years was relinquished due to decreasing shipping at Port Melbourne and need to consolidate seafarers services in the Central Mission at 717 Flinders St. The building was used as an art centre just prior to demolition in the 1990s. The Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society was instrumental in ensuring the the old foundation stone was preserved in the sea wall opposite the original site. A single brick from the building is also part of the MtSV Heritage Collection. This stone is one of the few items remaining from this building demolished in 1995.Photograph depicting the foundation stone laid on the 18 May 1937 for the new Mission in Port Melbourne.TO THE GLORY OF GOD/AND THE WELFARE OF ALL SEAFARERS / THIS FOUNDATION STONE WAS LAID BY / HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR OF VICTORIA / THE LORD HUNTINGFIELD K.C.M.G. / MAY 18th 1937 / THIS BRANCH INSTITUTE OF / THE VICTORIA MISSIONS TO SEAMEN / WAS ERECTED THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF / ALFRED M.NICHOLAS ESQ. / OFFICE OF HARRY A.NORRIS ARCHITECTSfoundation stone, lord huntingfield, port melbourne, beach street, art deco, brick, harry a. norris, alfred m. nicholas, maurice nicholas

The Mission to seamen provided special services and support for cadets and officers of the merchant fleets. Officers had access to accommodation at the Mission and were encouraged as senior crew to improve pastoral and counselling skills that may benefit crews at sea. Padre Oliver is in his office, holding the book: Clanbrae: A Golfing Idyll by Pentland PeileThis image depicts Chaplain Oliver and three young seafarers possibly all officers / cadets (one is wearing a Merchant Navy badge) at the Mission circa 1944. Unclear if any of these men were related to Frank Ware.Black and white photograph depicting Padre Oliver, holding an open book and three seamen, one in naval uniform standing and two other men seated next to the Padre. A Mission to Seafarers Flag is in the background. mission to seafarers, frank ware, frank oliver, padre oliver, merchant navy, mn, clanbrae a holding idyll, josephine atkinson

This photograph shows one of the many weddings held at the Mission to Seafarers over the years and provides an overview of wedding fashion of the late 1920s. The bridesmaids were Ella Kendall and Molly Walker. In this image a horse and cart can be seen in the background on Flinders St and a Telegraph pole. Dora would continue association with the Mission and as president of the Flying angels in the 1960s-70s she would be awarded the MBE for services to Community presented by the State Governor of Victoria. This photograph shows one of the many weddings performed at the Mission to Seafarers over the years. Cross referencing with the marriage registers, also held in the collection, reveals that this photograph is Amy Dora Walker (known as Dora) of East Malvern marrying Harold Priestley Simpson of Surrey Hills / Mornington on 14 February 1928. Dora's son David Simpson, a former architect still volunteers for the Mission in 2018. Dora is listed on the Women of achievement listing.Sepia toned photograph of bride and attendants in the courtyard of the Mission to Seafarers. The bride's dress is calf length and she has just stepped out of a large car assisted by her Father Mr Walker. The Bride is holding a large bouquet. There are two attendants or Bridesmaids to the right of the photograph, wearing layered calf length dresses, cloche hats and holding a small bouquet. Both are standing outside the Mission to Seamen on Flinders St waiting to assist the bride. small circular Blue ink stamp on rear of photograph: PRINTED BY HARRINGTONS. numerals stamped on the back 3 and 8 hat, flowers, veil, wedding, dress, shoes, motorcar, bridesmaids, dora walker, dora simpson, harry simpson, flinders street, 1928, david simpson, fan album, john reginald weller (1880-1969), arthur walker, molly walker, ella kendall

A song composition by Helen Ellis, of Kew, first known to have been performed in 1942 at the BBC for the 'Shipmates Ashore Programme it was then published 1943. A copy of this song and one other composition the composer Helen Ellis is held by the National Library of Australia. Promotional text also indicates that the song was performed by the notable Australian singer Peter Dawson. The song "The M.N. ships get through" carries an important acknowledgement of the oft forgotten vital role of the Merchant Navy as carrier of goods and supplies, and especially so in wartime. The publication is of special significance to the MTSV as an example of the many skilled and creative women who have supported the Missions to seafarers.Commercially printed single fold music score for a 2 verse song and chorus. Front cover with blue band at top and lower edge features the Merchant Navy insignia at top left with depiction in half tone blue of a Merchant ship convoy and at right a sketched depiction of head and shoulders of a Merchant Navy officer with binoculars in hand. Music score and full text printed on p.2 and 3. The back cover features text of chorus and a handwritten notation in blue ink with reference to performance of the song on a BBC programme, 'Shipmates Ashore'.Back cover-handwritten notation in blue ink: "Sung by Raymond ?(indecipherable) in the B.B.C. London / 'Shipmates Ashore' programme,1942." This inscription is found after the printed sample of chorus words accredited to Helen Ellis, Central Club, Victoria, Mission to Seamen. See images for design and printing.peter dawson, music, sheet-music, composers australia, merchant navy, mn, helen ellis, ww2, shipmates ashore, bbc, 1942

The building is clearly what is now known as the Mission to Seafarers, however there seems to be a sign on the building describing it as the Mission to Seamen. Depicts actual road outside the Mission, Flinders st which seems to still be undeveloped with wooden? drainage covers still in place suggesting a period for the photograph circa late 1930s to the immediate post WW2 era.The image is part of the century long record of the central location of the Mission at 717 Flinders St. Black and white photograph depicting the Flinders Street building circa 1945. victoria-missions-to-seamen, melbourne-missions-to-seamen, cottage, windvane, flinders street

This early 1880s Mason & Hamlin reed organ was part of the original furnishings of the St Nicholas' Mission to Seamen's Church at 139 Nelson Place, Williamstown, Victoria. It was donated to the Williamstown St Nicholas Seamen's Church by the Joy Club for Fighters around the time of the opening of the church. The front panel displays the front and back of six medallions, showing the year and location of exhibitions that Mason & Hamlin participated in, adding perceived notability and prestige to the value of this organ. These medallions date from 1867 - 1881: Paris 1867, Vienna 1873, Philadelphia 1876, Paris 1878, Sweden 1878 and Milan 1881. MASON & HAMLIN Mason & Hamlin organ manufacturer was founded by Henry Mason and Emmons Hamlin in Boston, Massachusetts in the 1850s, making about 450 organs per year. By 1905 the annual turnover was around 10,000 instruments. The Cable Co. purchased the company in 1911, which in turn was taken over by the American Piano Co. in 1924. By 1927 the production reed organs had ceased. Mason & Hamlin, like many other manufacturers, publicised its instruments at county fairs and exhibitions. They were quick to advertise any awards they won, or even recognition for displaying at these events, by adding matching medallion decals to their products. JOY CLUB FOR FIGHTERS The Joy Club for Fighters was formed in Williamstown in 1940 to raise funds to support Australians fighting in Australia and overseas in World War II. Activities such as dances were organised in venues such as Mechanics' Institutes, and enthusiastically supported. Donations were given to several hospitals and other care facilities, and local fighters, for distribution to the servicemen. Items such as food hampers and cigarettes were amongst the tributes given. THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN (Brief History: for more, see our Reg. No. 611, Set of Pews) The Missions to Seamen, an Anglican charity, has served seafarers of the world since 1856 in Great Britain. It symbol is a Flying Angel, inspired by a Bible verse. Today there are centr4es 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. It was as a Sailors’ Church, also known as ‘Bethel’ or the ‘Floating Church’. Its location was 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. The organ is historically significant for its creation, being circa 1880 and still in use in the 1960s. This organ is significant historically for its origin in the St Nicholas Mission to Seamen's Church in Williamstown, established in 1857 to cater for the physical, social, and spiritual needs of seafarers. It originated in Bristol, England when a Seamen's Mission was formed in 1837. The item is historically significant for its connection to the Joy Club for Fighters, a support charity for Australian servicemen and women of World War II. The connection of this item to the Mission to Seamen and to the Joy Club for Fighters highlights the strong community awareness of the life of people in the armed forces, their dangers and hardships, and their need for physical, financial, spiritual and moral support.Organ; reed organ, mahogany wood with decorative carving and colourful inlaid floral design. Has two pedals that are decoratively covered in floral patterned tapestry. Inscriptions are on the panel above the keyboard. Organ has five octaves and eleven stoppers. Made by Mason & Hamlin, America, circa 1881. This organ is part of our St Nicholas Seamen's Church collection."Mason & Hamlin" and below the music rest "No 113032" and other indiscernible print Medallions, left - right "PARIS, 1878." "SWEDEN, 1878." "PHILA., 1876." "MILAN, 1881." "VIENNA, 1873." "PARIS, 1867."flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, religion, religious service, st nicholas seamen’s church, williamstown, missions to seamen victoria, joy club for fighters, musical instrument, reed organ, mason & hamlin, worship service, worship music

During demolition of the 1937 Missions to Seamen building in October 1995, this stone was removed intact by developers Mirvac Victoria, and placed in the care of the PMH&PS. It is now located as part of the seawall around the car park in Beach St opposite Nott St. There is a photo of the item on the database, taken in the 1990s while the stone was stored at St Joseph's school in Stokes St..01- Cornerstone 1888, originally laid at the Victorian Seamen's Institute corner Nott and Beach Street (Fox Hay building today). Was relocated to interior wall near the chapel doors when the new Mission building at corner of Beach Road and Swallow Street was built in 1937.Engraved in gold lettering on a black background: This memorial stone was laid by His Excellenvy Sir Henry B Loch GGMGKCB, Governor of Victoria on Wednesday the 5th day of September AD 1888missions to seamen, henry b loch

The Geelong Rest located at 3 Moorabool Street was created in 1895. The building depicted in the photograph ( taken from the Western Beach Road) is known as the King Edward VII Sailors' Rest building; it was designed by architect Percy Everett and replaced the older building in 1912. In 1901, it became the Geelong branch of the Mission to Seamen. The building is still standing on the waterfront in Geelong and has a commercial use.Medium b & w photograph depicting the front facade of the Sailors' Rest in Geelong.geelong, sailors' rest, seafarer, king edward vii sailors' rest building, 1912, percy everett, kombi

The visitor book provides an insight into the nationalities of visiting seafarers. This visitor book was effectively ended in 1999 but a few sailors added their names in 2002.The logbook provides an insight into which ships and the origins of their crews were visiting Melbourne in 2007. On the cover the words: "Visitors book", "The Mission to Seamen" are written in black ink. There is a white note taped to the cover on which the words: "Melbourne Visitors Log 20-05-96 to 27-04-2002" are written. A second note was later added covering the date 27/4/1996 to 27/1/1999sailors, seamen, seafarers, ship, nationality, seamen mission, mission to seafarers, flinders street, crew

Founded in 1856, the Mission adopted, as its symbol, a flying angel inspired by a verse from the Book of Revelation (14:60) “Then I saw a flying angel in mid-heaven, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those on earth, to every nation and tribe, language and people” The mission to Seamen became the Mission to Seafarers at turn of the 20th to 21st century. A new logo and graphic of the Angel of the revelation was produced.The change from seamen to seafarers recognised that many seafarers are not exclusively male. Cooks, spouses, cadets, officers have increasingly come from a broader range of gender.Commissioned blue flag with Mission to Seafarers insignia. Mounted on long wooden pole with pointed ferrule at end, corded artificial silk with two tassels. 'MISSION TO SEAFARERS'flag, missions to seafarers, blue, ferrule, tassels, wood, pole

Sir Reginald Alexander Dallas Brooks (1896–1966), State Governor of Victoria 1949 - 1963 was the Patron of the Mission and guest speaker at a special fundraising dinner held to commemorate the centenary of a mission to seamen in Victoria. The image depicts the State Governor flanked by Archbishop of Melbourne and E.B.Coles, Chairman of the Mission, presenting a cheque as donation, at the centenary dinner. The photograph was published in the 1956 Annual Report (page 5).The Centenary dinner held in 1956 marked a key milestone in the maintenance of services to seafarers in Victoria. The State Governor presence as special guest and speaker helped to launch a key fundraising drive that was much needed.large rectangular b/w photograph in landscape format depicting three men on the left a clergyman, centre a man with a moustache in a dark suit and on right man in a light suit and wearing spectacles seems to be presenting a cheque.mission to seafarers, donors, state governors, sir reginald alexander dallas brooks, centenary, 1956, e.b. coles, centanery appeal, g.j. coles

Sir Reginald Alexander Dallas Brooks (1896–1966), State Governor of Victoria 1949 - 1963 was the Patron of the Mission and guest speaker at a special fundraising dinner held to commemorate the centenary of a mission to seamen in Victoria. The image depicts the State Governor flanked by Archbishop of Melbourne and E.B.Coles, Chairman of the Mission, presenting a cheque as donation, at the centenary dinner. The photograph was published in the 1956 Annual Report (page 5).The Centenary dinner held in 1956 marked a key milestone in the maintenance of services to seafarers in Victoria. The State Governor presence as special guest and speaker helped to launch a key fundraising drive that was much needed.large rectangular b/w photograph in landscape format depicting three men on the left a clergyman, centre a man with a moustache in a dark suit and on right man in a light suit and wearing spectacles seems to be presenting a cheque.mission to seafarers, donors, state governors, sir reginald alexander dallas brooks, centenary, 1956, e.b. coles, centanery appeal, g.j. coles, ship model, flag, microphone, radio, radio 3xy

Sir Reginald Alexander Dallas Brooks (1896–1966), State Governor of Victoria 1949 - 1963 was the Patron of the Mission and guest speaker at a special fundraising dinner held to commemorate the centenary of a mission to seamen in Victoria. The image depicts the State Governor flanked by Archbishop of Melbourne and E.B.Coles, Chairman of the Mission, presenting a cheque as donation, at the centenary dinner. The photograph was published in the 1956 Annual Report (page 5).The Centenary dinner held in 1956 marked a key milestone in the maintenance of services to seafarers in Victoria. The State Governor presence as special guest and speaker helped to launch a key fundraising drive that was much needed.large rectangular b/w photograph in landscape format depicting three men on the left a clergyman, centre a man with a moustache in a dark suit and on right man in a light suit and wearing spectacles seems to be presenting a cheque.mission to seafarers, donors, state governors, sir reginald alexander dallas brooks, centenary, 1956, e.b. coles, centanery appeal, g.j. coles, the hotel australia, microphone, radio 3xy

Sir Reginald Alexander Dallas Brooks (1896–1966), State Governor of Victoria 1949 - 1963 was the Patron of the Mission and guest speaker at a special fundraising dinner held to commemorate the centenary of a mission to seamen in Victoria. The image depicts the State Governor flanked by Archbishop of Melbourne and E.B.Coles, Chairman of the Mission, presenting a cheque as donation, at the centenary dinner. The photograph was published in the 1956 Annual Report (page 5).The Centenary dinner held in 1956 marked a key milestone in the maintenance of services to seafarers in Victoria. The State Governor presence as special guest and speaker helped to launch a key fundraising drive that was much needed.large rectangular b/w photograph in landscape format depicting three men on the left a clergyman, centre a man with a moustache in a dark suit and on right man in a light suit and wearing spectacles seems to be presenting a cheque.mission to seafarers, donors, state governors, sir reginald alexander dallas brooks, centenary, 1956, e.b. coles, centanery appeal, g.j. coles, microphone, radio 3xy

Early photograph of the courtyard showing the absence of bricks on the pavement and the plants used in the gardens.The photograph taken by Reverend Weller was published in the Annual report for 1927.Small balck and white photograph depicting the plants, the arches and the side entrance of the St Peter chapel in the courtyard of the MissionHandwritten in. white ink below: The courtyard showing side entrance to the chapel Althought the photograph is glued on a photographic album page we can see on verso a purple stamp: Herschell's Print / Pathe Agents / Another stamp in blue ink: THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN / handwritten in red ink and in pencil some instructions for printingweller album, courtyard, plants, pavement, porch

Colour photograph: night view of Seamen's Mission from Station Pier, c1992built environment, missions to seamen, david thompson

In the minutes of the 21st meeting of the Victoria Mission to Seamen, held at the Harbour Trust Board Room on Thursday, 8th October 1925 , the Treasurer, Mr Perry reported that he had obtained a fresh lease of land of the Central Institute with an extra piece of land to be used for the future tennis court. The lease started on the 1st of January 1926 and was for 21 years. The tennis court was funded by the Hawtorn branch of Ladies Harbour Lights Guild.The tennis court was a feature of other missions overseas and it seems seamen were asking for one in Melbourne. It was in use until the mid fifties.Small silvertone photograph depicting four men working with horses are preparing the ground of the future tennis court. Behind is the Mission to Seafarers (chapel side) and the docks on the Australian Wharf. The photograph is glued to the photographic album with the caution belowBelow in white ink: Making the tennis courttennis court, weller album, 1926, garden, trees, horses, flinders street

As we celebrate #InternationalWomensDay, did you know that to reflect its role as an international organistaion caring for all seafarers regardless of gender, our name was changed from the Mission to Seamen in 2000? Pictured here is Cadet Hamer with one of Catherine Bell’s mugs from The Sea-fairer Sex (2017) - an installation that explores the global history of women in seafaring recorded in newspaper articles and sourced from the State Library of Victoria. #IWD2018women, cadet hamer, seafaring, 2018

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

Metal money boxes shaped like common familiar objects became a popular from the 18th century. In the 20th century they were used to promote and advertise events and businesses. In the 1950s money boxes shaped like a bank building were given away to children by their parents' bank to encourage them to save money. This money box was possibly used in an organisation such as the Missions to Seamen as a donation box, particularly as there is no means of easily opening the box or tampering with it.The money box is an example of a way of collecting money as a donation or contribution for an organisation or charity.Money box, rectangular polished wood money box with coin slot in the top and a blue felt fabric pad on the base. The base has a purple stamped inscription which is indecipherable. There is no obvious means of opening the box. The box has contents.Stamp (indecipherable)flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, money box, money safe, vintage money box, wooden money box, savings, donations, collection, contribution

Composed and signed by WHC Darvall on the executive of the Victorian Mission to Seamen also with reference to three other officers: Mr Reid-President, Mr Allard Vice President, Mr Seymour Hon Treasurer. Darvall returned to Melbourne late 1901 early 1902. A former solicitor Darvall and the Mission Committee are concerned it seems at the 'appropriation' by other organisations of donations or funds usually promised to the VMTS. The seamen's home was being built or about to be on the site of the World Trade centre on Siddeley St. as at 2020. This letter was sent out at a pivotal period in the Mission story soon after the sudden death of Rev James after 20 constant years service, with the proposed arrival of a Seamen's home on Siddeley St to a location close by to one long sought by the Victorian Mission for their first Central Mission and just a few years before arrival of the London Mission to Seamen representative Rev A Gurney-Goldsmith. The ladies Committee of the Mission and volunteers had prior to appointment of a paid collector had done most of the collecting of donations.A 2 page printed circular or letter addressed to Dear Sir alerting the recipient to the new appointment of a paid Collector, Mr L Dangerfield, visiting supporters authorised to collect donations and subscriptions and not to be confused with other similarly named groups such as the Seamen's home. The pamphlet also includes extracts from a speech by "His Excellency the Governor" reminding the recipient of the authentic goals of the Mission which also, as ever, were essential to business interests in supporting seafarers.paid collector, mr l. dangerfield, whc darvall, rev james, rev geary