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

"GYMNASIUM OF NOVEL DESIGN TO BE LIGHTED FROM DOME Trafalgar Day (October 21) was selected as a fittlng occasion for the laying of the foundation stone of the "Norla" gymnasium In connection with the Missions to Seamen new building in Flinders street extension. The ceremony was performed by Lady Fraser. The design of the gymnasium is an entirely novel one. The building is of reinforced concrete, with a dome having a span of 40 feet. The design is based on that of the Pantheon at Rome, and like the Pantheon has no windows. The entire lighting is from an opening In the centre of the dome. Through this aperture the light radiates equally throughout tho gymnasium; and the necessary ventilation is also secured. Between the gymnasium and the main building there is an ambulatory 12ft. wide, from which onlookers may watch the games and exercises. The floor Is to be laid with a fall to the centre for rlnking purposes. The gymnasium will complete the buildings connected with the Missions to Seamen In Melbourne, and the claim Is made that the society has not anywhere a flner or more complete set of buildings than the seamen are favored with here. The ladies who take an active interest in the Mission are inviting subscriptions to furnish the gymnasium with trapeze, punch balls, and other exercising apparatus. Messrs Walter and Richard Butler are the architects."norla dome, lady fraser, 1919, foundation stone, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), richard butler, gymnasium, trafalgar day, simon fraser (1832-1919), pantheon

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

From Record (Emerald Hill, Vic. : 1881 - 1954), Saturday 12 April 1930, page 3 "On Wednesday, at the 24th meeting of the Victorian Mission to Seamen. Archbishop Head welcomed a new chaplain, the Rev. F. L. Oliver, formerly of Newcastle. Mrs. Oliver was also welcomed. The old executive was re-elected except Messrs. Durham and Holmes, who declined the honor. Lady Fraser was elected president of the Harbour Lights Guild. The Rev. \V. M. Robertson of the Port Melbourne Mission, was among the speakers."First photograph of Padre Oliver and his family at the Mission in 1930.Written in black on verso: Dad (Padre Oliver) , Miss Tracy, Mum (Mrs Oliver), Phyllis Atkins (secretary), Beverleyfrank oliver, flinders street, garden, phyllis atkins, secretary, alice sibthrope tracy, moira bird oliver (nee good), archbishop head, beverley oliver, rev. w.m robertson

This plaque was made to commemorate the generous funds donated Mr A.M Nicholas in 1936 almost entirely funding the building of the new Mission to Seamen at Port Melbourne opened in 1937. Mr Nicholas died in Feb 1937. The new building was opened on the 4th of December 1937 by Lord Huntingfield, the plaque was dedicated and unveiled the same by his nephew Mr Nicholas Lightfoot. The plaque was removed from the building which ws demolished in 1995. The plaque is really similar to the memorial plaque made in memory of Ethel Godfrey (see item 2053).Mr Nicholas together with Mr HW Shmith organised rights to produce Aspirin aka ASPRO in Australia in 1915 during WW1. The Nicholas Family were significant philanthropists in Melbourne and Victoria and this plaque commemorates his gift to the Mission for visiting seamen between 1937 and late 20th C. The story of the donation is told in an unpublished autobiography by the then Rev'd Frank Oliver, based at 717 Flinders st. as senior Mission Chaplain 1930-1960.A heavy ceramic plaque with moulded metal alloy frame, polychrome glazed irregular ceramic tesserae design and memorial text in Gothic script in central lozenge set into a rectangular clay base.in each corner design features initials: "ihs" / IN central lozenge of design text reads: " To the Glory of God/ and in grateful memory of/ ALFRED MICHAEL NICHOLAS Esq / through whose generous gift/ the whole of this Institute / and Chapel were built./ Died February 26th 1937"1908, plaque, alfred m. nicholas, memorial, alfred michael nicholas, port melbourne, 1937, aspro

The receipts are dated from the 17th of December 1977 to the 2nd of October 1982. The last receipt has been cancelled. They document some of the information needed on the actual marriage certificate, such as the date and location, bride, bridegroom and celebrant's names, as well as the date the each certificate was sent to registering authority.Part of the record of weddings performed at the Mission to Seafarers between 1977 to 1982.A typed note taped to the front cover: THIS BOOK IS ISSUED FOR USE OF THE MINISTER ATTACHED TO THE / (handwritten) MISSION TO SEAMEN, MELB, (typed) CHURCH AND IN THE EVENT OF HIS TRANSFER FROM THAT CHURCH NOT BY TAKEN WITH HIM BUT / SHOULD BE LEFT FOR HIS SUCCESSOR. ANY CANCELLED CERTIFICATES / SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTERING AUTHORITY MARKED "CANCELLED". Printed under this is the Australian crest. Printed under this: COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA / CERTIFICATES OF MARRIAGE.marriage, wedding, register, receipt, 1977-1982, mission-to-seafarers, port-melbourne, marriages, dio-marriages, st peter chapel, st andrew chapel

Barque Metropolis was possibly that of the 1887 4 masted barque built by R & J Evans, Liverpool. Officers of the Barque Metropolis are also joined by crew of the Penryhn Castle in port at the time. The ladies on the far right of the funeral party may be relatives but more likely to be representatives from the Mission to Seamen offering sympathy to fellow crew members and honouring the burial of the apprentice, Ray Rattley name also reported in the LHLG newsletter as Rutley. The Apprentice was ill after arriving from S. America in August 1914 and was taken to a local hospital but died the following day. The Mission chaplain attended him.The image of the burial is significant in the depiction of a multi-cultural crew and the presence of local women representing and symbolising the concern and sympathy felt for the apprentice's family and the plight of young seafarers far from home ports. The inscription with identifying names provides a valuable chronological link with seafarers and clergy attending the burial and funeral. Black and white photographic print adhered to mount board with handwritten inscription identifying some of the people depicted photographed while attending an internment and funeral service.Inscriptions in black ink along the lower edge of the mount beneath Photograph: Left to right names of crew and chaplain see image.at Lwr left printed in cursive : 'The Swiss Studios' and at right corner: "Melbourne" on reverse: in Pencil handwritten cursive " To Rev A G Goldsmith / from Capt P Jones / Barque Metropolis " roy rutley, barque metropolis, funeral, burial

W.H.C. Darvall was a solicitor; ha became the Honoray Secretary of the Mission in 1895. Interested in libraires and archives, he kept a scrapbook of the events organised at the Mission during his time. He also wrote an Epitomised History. Hugh Reid ws a member of the Harbour Trust, the Sailors' Home and the Mission.This letter of recommandation shows that W.H.C. Darvall was highly respected.Typewritten letter in purple ink onto creamy colour paper with The Victorian Seamen's Mission, Institute & Rests letterhead.hugh ronald reid, william henry charles darvall (1830-1906)

John Rodney Oliver (7 July 1931 – 26 September 2010) was the son of Frank and Moira. Rodney Oliver was born on 7 July 1931, and lived for many years at the Missions to Seamen at the Flinders St Extension. Rodney was schooled at Melbourne Grammar, matriculating in 1948. Then, after a couple of years as a lumberjack and jackaroo, he commenced at University of Melbourne, beginning more than half a century’s association with Trinity College. Graduating with a BA in 1953, Rodney then made the first of many trips to England, reading theology at Bishop’s College, Cheshunt. A man who revelled in scholarship, he was also a competitive and energetic bowler, snooker and squash player. Ordained deacon on 23 September 1956, in the St Albans Diocese, his first ministry as curate began at the picturebook village of Much Hadham, where he met the love of his life, Lesley Brooks. Rodney was ordained priest on 5 January 1958, at the Missions to Seamen, Melbourne, commenced twelve years as Chaplain of Ballarat Grammar School in February 1958, and returned to England to marry Lesley in early 1961. Each of his and Lesley’s four children, Jeremy (TC 1979), David, Antony and Kate (TC 1987) was born at that time, during which amongst other things, Rodney taught Religious Instruction, Latin and English, pioneered bushwalking and mountain climbing in western Victoria, ran a large scouting group and coached an Australian archer.Medium format photograph depicting two chaplains.rodney oliver, frank leslie oliver, mission to seafarers, flinders street, st peter chapel, courtyard, ordination, john rodney oliver (1931-2010)

The register documents twenty-five weddings that took place in the Mission to Seamen's church district between the 21st of April, 1947 to the 8th of June 1950. Each certificate is a record of all the information needed to legalise a marriage under Commonwealth law, such as names, dates of birth, marital status, parents and employment. Within the register, there are four Forms of Consent, used when the bride or groom were below the age of twenty-one. There is a memo confirming the death of one bride's previous husband, a letter confirming one groom was actually a bachelor, and letters from a ship's captain, swearing a bride and groom are both unmarried.The register is a historical record of weddings performed at the Mission to Seamen church between 1947 to 1950.On front cover, handwritten in blue ink: REGISTER NO 6 / 21-4-47 - 8-6-50 / NOTE NO 94 (underlined) / CELEBRATED AT ST NICHOLAS'MARINERS'CHURCH / WILLIAMSTOWN / NO 103 (underlined) AT ST ANDREWS " " / PORT MELBOURNEwedding, marriage, 1947-1950, register, church, marriages, dio-marriages, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission

The photograph indicates that in c.1950, dances were held at the Mission to Seafarers Victoria main hall.The photograph shows one of the many dances (literally) held at the Missions to Seamen during the 1950s. These events were organised by the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild with many of these members participating in the dances with seafarers. This image is significant as it documents a point in history, in part, the services provided to visiting seafarers in the 1950s.Black and white photograph, with a white border, in the main hall at Missions to Seamen Victoria. The photograph shows a number of couples dancing in the main hall. Two couples are visible in the foreground. The ladies are to the right of the men, with one arm around each other. The couples seem to be doing a 'progressive' dance around the hall in a circle. The lady at the front right of the photograph is looking back at the couple behind, is wearing a light cardigan and has short, light coloured hair. There is in arch in the background that is one of the doorways out to the courtyard. A couple in the background appear to be moving towards the left of the photograph, while the couple visible in the foreground appear to be moving toward the right. This would suggest the dance is moving in an anticlockwise direction.dance, suit, mission-to-seafarers, missions-to-seamen, ladies-harbour-lights-guild, main-hall, wainscote, cardigan, arch, progressive, hardwood-timber-flooring

Louise Hearman used the Norla Dome and painted a mural which had taken her around a year to complete. The exhibition called Elephant Room was shown from May 1988. The work was vandalised in June 1989 and subsequently demolished.Louise Hearman is a Melbourne born artist and Archibald Prize winner. Hearman first came to public notice in 1987/88 when she spent a year painting the mural in the Norla Dome. The premises of the Mission also served as her studio at that timeBlack and white flyer with dual lengthways ribbings on the back side, possibly indicative of an intent to fold the flyer in three.The Elephant Room You are invited into the dome at the “Mission to Seamen” building, no. 717 Flinders St (ext), painted by Louise Hearman. Opening night Thurs May 28th 6 pm - 9 pm Visiting hours 11am -6 pm Tues to Sun from May 29th to June 11th Or by appointment ph (03) 328 1400 a.h. Sponsored by: Australian Council, Crown Hire, Art Stretchers Oliver-Davey Glass and Box Archer Emery.cultural events, exhibitions, paintings, artists, norla dome, 1988, louise hearman, elephant room, flinders street, melbourne

Walter Lindrum OBE (1898 - 1960) is often considered to be the greatest player ever seen in the sport of billiards, with some 57 world records to his credit. He is often referred to as one of the Australian all-time great sporting heroes along with Sir Donald Bradman and Sir Hubert Opperman. During World War II, he raised over $1 million for charity, mainly through staging nearly 4000 exhibition matches throughout Australia. The full date of the exhibition is not shown on the program but, given that it was held during WWII, it was likely to have been 9 June 1943. It raised money for Our Missions to Seamen and Merchant Navy.Cream paper (discoloured with age) printed in dark blue on both sides and folded in halfwalter lundrum, missions to seamen, merchant navy, wwii fund-raising

The photograph was taken after 1910 when the chapel, on the left, was built.This is a rare photograph of the Central Institute built in 1907 replaced by the Flinders Street Institute in 1917. The two buildings coexisted for many years until the this one was demolished (date still unknown).Small monochrome photograph at 45 degree angle depicting a horse carriage passing in front of the Siddeley Street mission, known as the Central Seamen Institute.In pencil: 137seamen institute, siddeley street, brick, huddard company, australian wharf, horse carriage, smoke, flag, chapel, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), goldsmith album

Icon, likely painted by a seamen, possibly depicting an archangel, was given to the mission in 1985 by Polish seamen.IsographyMission to Seafarers Victoria CollectionThick panel of recycled wood with acrylic painted image of an archangel on one side and painted black on verso with blue painted inscriptionupper left : (indecipherable) Golden HERH; upper centre: WITH COMPLIMENTS / FROM POLISH SEAMEN; lwr right corner date: 1985 . 09. 21 [sic]icon painting, isography, polish, seafarer gifts, hobbies, orthodox, byzantine, archangel, saint, seamen, seafarers

Given to Barbara NUGENT by local male resident in 1980s. Displayed at the heritage exhibition, Seamen's Mission, 1988.Hand-made shopping trolley (or jeep). Construction: wooden frame, three-ply metal arms, wooden handle, rear cloth pocket, pram wheels, metal foot plate with Dunlop "kromhyo" kick plate, metal bands top and bottom. (Ref item 15)domestic life, barbara nugent

Moira Bird Oliver (nee Good) daughter of Rev Good of St Jude's Carlton first met Frank Oliver circa 1915. They were engaged for some 7 years while Frank did wartime service and then on return to Melbourne completed a Theology degree at Trinity College and was then ordained. They married on the 18th of July 1925 at St Jude's Church in Carlton. Frank Oliver was then naval chaplain on the HMAS Platypus. After various postings the married couple eventually arrived and were appointed to the Chaplaincy to the Mission to Seamen based at 717 Flinders St from 1930-1960. The Olivers weathered many significant issues between 1930 and 1960, a depression, WW2, strikes and waterfront unrest in the 1950s and financial struggles resulting from changed shipping patterns. This photograph was gifted by a descendant who told us that Mrs Oliver was a very enthusiastic photographer. Mrs Oliver was a well loved and respected woman and is memorialised by a window in the Mission Chapel. It is possible she is one of the many anonymous photographers who contributed various photographs especially of the 1930s and forties that make up a substantial part of the Mission Heritage Collection. Mrs Oliver died in 1969 see elsewhere this database for memorial plaque and window.Mounted studio b & w photograph portrait of a bride in white dress and trainpadre oliver, reverend good, st. jude's church, reverend frank leslie oliver, moira bird good, moira oliver, hmas platypus, royal australian navy, r.a.n. chaplain

This promotional film made in the early 1950s in Melbourne. Padre Oliver may have been inspired by an earlier film also called The Flying Angel, shon at the Mission in 1948. An article for the Herald, Saturday 27 December 1952, page 9, mentions the screening of a Cinesound short about the world's merchant fleets and the Missions to Seamen. An illuminated light house beside the ship - a £5000 model of an ocean-going cargo ship on display at the State Theatre for a week - was a collection box for the work of the mission. Flying Angel flag. Padre Oliver with flyer from the Flying Angel Club on a ship visit. Crew on a ship. Clubs at the Port Melbourne, Williamstown, and Melbourne. Activities: dances, outings. boxing, movies. Ladies from the Harbour Lights Guild. Motorbus donated by Prahran Patriotic Funds The Cruel Sea, by Nicholas Montsarrat was published in 1951.The documentary was shown for a week at the State Theatre along with a £5000 model of an ocean-going cargo ship was on display and visitors could donate money in a box in a shape of a lighthouse.Promotional documentary produced in 1951 presenting the different activities of the Mission. The 3 buildings are depicted.port melbourne, williamstown, melbourne, ww2, nicholas montsarrat, cinesound productions, the cruel sea, frank leslie oliver, padre oliver, dance, movies, picnics, motorbus, activities, appeal, hobart, cinema, dandenongs