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Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph, Herald, 29 June 1934
The photograph was published in the Herald with caption: "A snapshot at the breakfast given to Archbishop Head by the Harbor Light Guild at the Seamen's Mission today. From right, Archbishop Head, the Chaplain Superintendent of the Mission (Rev. F. L. Oliver), the assistant chaplnin (Rev. R. L. Kerdel), Misses L. Rae, A. Phillips, and J. Johnson. (Story in page 8).Photograph depicting a group of one man sitting next to 3 women at a table dressed with cups, teapot. Behind him are two men standing and smilingpadre oliver, reverend frank leslie oliver, archbishop head, harbour lights guild, hlg, r.l. kerdel, l. rae, a. phillips, j. johnson, breakfast, table, meal -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Black and white, Mr Robertson with captain, officers and crew of SS Marken
Mr Robertson is probably the gentleman on the left, behind him the captain of the SS Marken.The photograph was taken by Reverend Weller during a ship visit. It was published in the Annual Report or 1927.reverend john reginald weller (1880-1969), ss marken, mr robertson, crews and ships, weller album, life buoy, dog, ship visit -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph, Chaplain Weller with crew members of SS Marken from Rotterdam
weller album, reverend john reginald weller (1880-1969), ss marken, 1927 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph, Governor visiting the Mission
weller album, reverend john reginald weller (1880-1969) -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Silvertone, The Chaplain on holiday
weller album, reverend john reginald weller (1880-1969) -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Silvertone, The Chaplain on holiday
weller album, reverend john reginald weller (1880-1969), alexina weller (nee caley) -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Black and white, Tennis court opening, 18 September 1926
The picture was possibly taken for the opening of the tennis court Saturday 18 September 1926. Lady Creswell was invited to officially open the court and about a 100 persons attended the ceremony.Photograph taken in 1926 on the tennis court of the Mission to Seafarers, 717 Flinders Street. First plan are unidentified men turning their back to the photographer. On the court are two ladies wearing white tennis attire are playing double. In the background the former Seamen's Institute, Siddeley Street, can be seen as well as the docks on Australian Wharf.tennis, mission to seafarers victoria, tennis court, lady creswell, reverend john reginald weller, 1926, lady adelaide elizabeth creswell nee stow, 1859-1945, william rooke creswell (1852-1933), mission to seamen, weller album -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Black and white, Cadet tennis party, 1926
The picture was possibly taken during the opening of the court.The 20s was the golden age of tennis around the world and its popularity was growing in Australia as well. It is unclear why it was decided to build a tennis court at the Mission but Reverend Weller, freshly arrived from the UK, probably saw the opportunity to entertain the benefactors and attract a younger generation to visit the Mission. And it was surely popular with the young ladies of the Harbour Light Guild. See pictures 0518 and 0521.Young unidentified tennis players (men and women) posing behind the net of the Mission to Seamen court.tennis court, sports, lhlg, seamen, officers, siddeley street, weller album, cadets, 1926 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Black and white, On board the William Mitchell: Serving a backstay
weller album, reverend john reginald weller (1880-1969) -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph (2 copies), Easter Sunday in Siddeley Street chapel, c.1913
The photograph depicts the interior of the chapel located on the east wing of the Siddeley Street Mission.The chapel is decorated for Easter service. The altar, the pulpit were reused in the St Peter's chapel of the Flinders Street Mission. On the wall hangs the plaque erected to Celia Little, another plaque in memory of Celia Little is now in the "Celia Little" room at the Flinders Street Mission. In the "Jottings from our log" number 30, dated from Easter 1913, it is written: "Miss Tracy kindly did The Easter decorations with white flowers and palms in pots, all in beautiful keeping with the glad thoughts of Easter." Maybe the picture was taken on that occasion.The chapel was built in 1909. Celia Little (1822-1895), was the Reverend Alfred Gurney Goldsmith's aunt. Some funds from her estate were used to build the chapel. Small monochrome photograph, inside chapel, Siddeley Street Institute, decorated with white flowers and palms.'Stevedore's Bldg Siddeley St Easter Sunday in the Chapel old Institute' siddeley street institute, chapel, easter, pulpit, reverend w.f. haire, celia little, plaque, alfred gurney goldsmith -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph, 14 February 1928
Dora Walker, a member of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild married H.P. Simpson on 14 February 1928. The wedding was celebrated at the Mission's chapel at 2.45pm. 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."2 original prints and a reprinted version depicting the St Peter chapel decorated with flowers for Dora Walker's wedding in 1928 wedding, dora walker, st peter chapel, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, flinders st, lhlg, dora simpson, 1928, valentine's day, amy dora walker, ladies harbour lights guild, malvern, reverend j.r. weller, molly walker, ella kendall, flowers -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Sepia, Alfred Gurney Goldsmith, c. 1910
Small monochrome photograph (faded) of seamen aloft a sailing shipaloft, reverend alfred gurney goldsmith, ship visit, life on board, seamen, rigging, sails, mast, windjammers -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Mounted photograph, Black and white, Floating church vessel the "John Ashley"
large rectangular heavy card b/w photograph in landscape format. Photo includes printed description as part of photo.Description printed beneath actual photo on front: "The floating church vessel of the Missions To Seamen, "John Ashley," has the river Thames as its Parish. In one year 17,000 men came aboard. To many seamen it was their first contact with the Church."reverend john ashley (1801-1886), floating church, mission to seamen, river thames, england -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Black and White, 1963-1966
reverend stephen wong, john wong, timothy wong -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Book, Gollock, G. A. (Georgina Anne), 1861-1940, At the sign of the flying angel : a book of the sailor at the coastline, 1930
This book documents help and guidance provided by the Christian church to merchant seafarers as they traverse the world, particularly at their points of departure and arrival, and the interactions and activities that they are involved in at these ports.Medium--sized hardcover book of 244 pages. Cover of mid-blue colour, blank front and back covers, book title and author at top of spine in gold print. Book contains a number of illustrations and maps. London : Longmans, Green and Co., 1930 xi., 244 p., [16] leaves of plates : ill., maps, 2 ports. ; 20 cm. non-fictionThis book documents help and guidance provided by the Christian church to merchant seafarers as they traverse the world, particularly at their points of departure and arrival, and the interactions and activities that they are involved in at these ports.flying angel, reverend alfred gurney goldsmith, georgina anne gollock, ethel augusta godfrey 1861-1935, alice sibthorpe tracy -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Poster - Poster, concert, Passing Clouds: An Afternoon with Kate Oliver, May 2019
Kate Oliver is the granddaughter of Padre Oliver, and daughter of Rodney Oliver and chose to launch a self published album of children's songs at the Mission on 26 May 2019. She has also provided us with additional information and images of Moira Oliver, her grandmother, a keen photographer.Rev Frank Oliver served at the Mission as senior Chaplain from 1930-1960. Rev Rodney Oliver, his son, served on the MTS board in the late 20th C./21st C. Kate Oliver is his daughter.Advertising poster for the event of launching a children's album which took place 26 May 2019.Hand written inscriptions top and lower edge in blue Texta pen:kate oliver, passing clouds, children, wellbeing, frank oliver, rodney oliver, events, concerts, hiring events, padre oliver, reverend frank leslie oliver, moira bird oliver, john rodney oliver, cultural events, padre frank leslie oliver, mindfullness, 2019 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Digital photograph, Geraldine Brault, 5 April 2019
Crotonhurst was the estate of Mr William F. Langdon and his wife Sophia, the daughter of judge George H.F. Webb. A drawing room meeting was organised here by the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild on 13 July 1926 hosted by Mrs Langdon. In an article published in the Australasian on Saturday 24 July 1926 we could read: " A drawing room meeting in connection with the Victoria Missions to Seamen took place on July 13, at Crotonhurst, Caulfield, the picturesque home of Mrs. W. F. Langdon, when the chaplain to the mission (the Rev. J. R. Weller) and other speakers explained the purpose of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild, and urged its claim to interest and support from the people of Victoria. The chair was taken by the mayor of Caulfield (Councillor Page), who spoke sympathetically of the fine work being carried on "week-in week-out" by members of the guild. The honorary treasurer of the guild (Miss Tracy) spoke of the need for more annual subscribers." The estate was demolished in 1937.Drawing room meetings were organised by the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild to raise awareness and recruit new members. The hostess of the meeting were often but not always the secretary of the local branch of the Guild.Colour photograph of street sign , Crotonhurst Avenue, Caulfield North.City of Glen Eira CROTONHURST AV.lhlg, drawing room meeting, crotonhurst, reverend weller, sophia sarah annie langdon, nee webb (1863-1948), willaim farrar langdon (1861-1943) -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Sepia, Allan Studio, 18 July 1925
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 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Digital photograph, Geraldine Brault, 6 August 2019
The bottom stone was the foundation stone for the main building laid Tuesday 5 February 1907, and the middle stone was the foundation stone for the chapel, laid Tuesday 1 December 1908. The two stones were inserted on the wall of the current Mission building probably when the Siddeley Street institute was demolished. The stones are located in the courtyard on the wall of the former chaplain's office. next to the chapel.The stones are the few remnants of the first Central Institute.Photograph depicting the two foundation stones of the former Seamen's Institute located on Siddeley Street.siddeley street institute, reverend a. gurney-goldsmith, sir thomas david gibson carmichael (1859–1926), governor of victoria, lord henry stafford northcote (1846–1911), governor general of australia, flinders street mission, australian wharf -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Digital photograph, Geraldine Brault, 25 August 2019
Built in 1888, the building at Port Melbourne was in need of renovation. In February 1929 a fundraising was organised by the Box Hill branch of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild: "The Mayoress of Box Hill (Mrs. C. Palling) opened a very successful Australian tea, held on Tuesday afternoon in St. Peter's Parish Hall, by members of the Box Hill branch of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild, to raise funds towards the cost of renovating the Port Melbourne Seamen's institute. The building is in a very dilapidated condition, and is totally inadequate for the extensive requirements of the Mission to Seamen." (1929 'AUSTRALIAN TEA.', Box Hill Reporter (Vic. : 1925 - 1930), 15 February, p. 7.) "Additional buildings at the Seamen's Institute, conducted by the Victoria Missions to Seamen, at Port Melbourne, were officially opened and dedicated yesterday (23 January 1930) by Archbishop Head. The additions, which have been erected at a cost of £3000, comprise an extension of the recreation hall, new canteen and office, ladies' rest room, apprentices' room, officers' room, and five-roomed dwelling, for the caretaker." 1930 'MISSION TO SEAMEN.', The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), 24 January, p. 13.Rectangular foundation stone with inscription inlayed in a bluestone wall.To the glory of God and the welfare of seamen/ This stone was unveiled by the most Rev. Frederick Waldegrave Head B.O. Archbishop of Melbourne, on the 23rd day of January 1930archbishop head, port melbourne, reverend h. s. bailey, building renovations, 1930, port melbourne mission -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Administrative record (Item) - Minute Book, 1905-1906
seamen’s mission, archdeacon hindley, reverend c. e. drought, captain creswell, alfred gurney goldsmith, r. g. alcock -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Artwork, other - Stained glass window, Brooks Robinson & Co, The Light of the World, 1926
This window, in memory of Alfred Gurney Goldsmith, was unveiled on 9 February 1927 by Archdeacon Hayman along with the brass tablet in the Mission's hall. (AR 1927). It was created by George H. Dancey from Brooks, Robinson & Co, at a cost of £57. Arched windowsaltar, st peter chapel, flinders street, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, st peter, sailors, seamen, anchor, stained glass windows, win, memorial chapel, reverend alfred gurney goldsmith, kobe, william holman hunt, the light of the world, george dancey (1865-1922) -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Magazine, Associated Publicity Services Pty Ltd, Neptune Digest, Sea Stories Travel Adventures Volume 1, No 12, 1961
The magazine was purchased by Douglas Jenkin (born 1933 and father of the donor) during a luncheon at the Mission. Douglas had joined the Navy at 16 and was in the Navy reserve for 10 years. His love of the sea and sailing has been a pattern all his life, even sailing around the world with his 54' timber yacht Roama.The magazine was published in 1961 (p.9 mentions the arrival of Padre Long) and provides names, photos of opportunity shops. It was published to raise funds for the Mission. It is a rare magazine as no other Neptune Digest can be found online or even mentioned in the National Library of Australia.Small magazine with bright yellow and blue cover.Neptune Digest / Proceeds Aid The Missions To Seamen (Victoria) / Vol. 1, No 12 / Sea Stories Travel-Adventures / 2!neptune digest, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, melbourne, reverend perry mitchinson, reverend r.m. long, fundraising, marketing, publicity, opportunity shops, caledon bay, williamstown, port melbourne -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Print - Reproduction, Wilbraham Frederick Evelyn Liardet, View of the North Shore, Port of Melbourne, 1862
Liardet, W. F. E. (Wilbraham Frederick Evelyn), 1799-1878 depicts the busy port of Melbourne showing many types of ships and the Bethel Church built in 1860 on the Custom House land. The church replaced the Bethel ship which sank in February 1860.This watercolour along with the Francois Cogne print from 1863, "Sandridge from Hobson's Bay, and the engraving "A Bird's-eye View Of Melbourne From Sandridge" dating from 1882, is a rare depiction fo the Bethel church. In 1887, the church was demolished to erect the building still standing on the corner of Nott Street and Beach Road.wilbraham liardet, sandridge, port, ships, port melbourne, hobsons bay, bethel church, reverend kerr johnston, 1812-1887, missions to seamen, 1862, customs house -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Album - CD, Kate Oliver, Passing Clouds: An Afternoon with Kate Oliver, 2018
Kate Oliver is the granddaughter of Padre Oliver, and daughter of Rodney Oliver and chose to launch a self published album of children's songs at the Mission on 26 May 2019. She has also provided us with additional information and images of Moira Oliver, her grandmother, a keen photographer.Rev Frank Oliver served at the Mission as senior Chaplain from 1930-1960. Rev Rodney Oliver, his son, served on the MTS board in the late 20th C./21st C. Kate Oliver is his daughter.Album of songs for children released in 2018 the launching took place at the Mission on 26 May 2019.kate oliver, passing clouds, children, wellbeing, frank oliver, rodney oliver, events, concerts, hiring events, padre oliver, reverend frank leslie oliver, moira bird oliver, john rodney oliver, cultural events, padre frank leslie oliver, mindfullness, 2019 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Article, New Light on the Light of the World
Abstract William Holman Hunt's Light of the World (1851-53) was a remarkable painting that depicted an idealised vision of his conversion to Evangelical Protestantism. The derogatory critics and fierce debates that greeted the Pre-Raphaelite paintings at Royal Academy exhibitions from 1850 in no way abated when the Light of the World and other PRB works were hung in 1854. Acceptance of the Light of the World was gradual, significantly aided by a long explanatory letter from John Ruskin published in The Times (5 May 1854 p. 9) that explained the symbolism in great detail, championing the work as the principal Pre-Raphaelite picture in the Exhbition and one of the noblest works of sacred art ever painted. Curious Londoners flocked to see it, but there was no inkling then of its influence on religious art, poetry and illustration that would continue well into the twentieth century; no less influential was its impact on stained glass. Almost immediately it was embraced as a new subject for church windows of all denominations. The global tour of Hunt's larger copy of the Light of the World reached Australia in 1906 where, preceded by clever pre-publicity, it generated huge interest in cities and country centres here and in New Zealand. The effect of the 'blockbuster' tour was far-reaching, with hundreds of stained glass windows appearing in churches across the country for the next fifty years. This paper explores William Holman Hunt's co-option of illumination as metaphor and reality, the factors behind the longevity of the Light of the World as a stained glass phenomenon in Australia, and its universal appeal to Protestant church-goers.non-fictionAbstract William Holman Hunt's Light of the World (1851-53) was a remarkable painting that depicted an idealised vision of his conversion to Evangelical Protestantism. The derogatory critics and fierce debates that greeted the Pre-Raphaelite paintings at Royal Academy exhibitions from 1850 in no way abated when the Light of the World and other PRB works were hung in 1854. Acceptance of the Light of the World was gradual, significantly aided by a long explanatory letter from John Ruskin published in The Times (5 May 1854 p. 9) that explained the symbolism in great detail, championing the work as the principal Pre-Raphaelite picture in the Exhbition and one of the noblest works of sacred art ever painted. Curious Londoners flocked to see it, but there was no inkling then of its influence on religious art, poetry and illustration that would continue well into the twentieth century; no less influential was its impact on stained glass. Almost immediately it was embraced as a new subject for church windows of all denominations. The global tour of Hunt's larger copy of the Light of the World reached Australia in 1906 where, preceded by clever pre-publicity, it generated huge interest in cities and country centres here and in New Zealand. The effect of the 'blockbuster' tour was far-reaching, with hundreds of stained glass windows appearing in churches across the country for the next fifty years. This paper explores William Holman Hunt's co-option of illumination as metaphor and reality, the factors behind the longevity of the Light of the World as a stained glass phenomenon in Australia, and its universal appeal to Protestant church-goers.jesus, stained glass windows, bronwyn hughes, pre-raphaelite, william holman hunt (1827-1910) -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Article, A Woman's Melbourne Letter
A detailed description of the Mission and its activities written by a woman: Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954), Friday 13 December 1918, page 34 A WOMAN'S MELBOURNE LETTER. Melbourne, Dec. 4. There is an idea abroad, which as regards Melbourne, at any rate, is quite erroneous, that our sailors are not as well looked after as our soldiers, and that the noble men of the Mercantile Marine are much neglected ! For once, perhaps, my readers will pardon a letter dealing with only one subject, but the steady, unostentatious work done by the Ladies' Harbour Light Guild, in connection with the mission to seamen in Melbourne could not be adequately explained if dismissed in the usual short paragraph. Some of the most prominent names in Melbourne are associated with this guild and with the Mission Chaplain, and Mrs. Gurney Goldsmith, the members have made the Seamen's Institute a real home for those sailors of the Mercantile Marine, who touch our port. What we as a community owe to those men by their heroism in recent hostilities is certainly more understood by this band of enthusiastic workers than by the community generally. By using their unflagging energies, and influence on the sailor's behalf they endeavour to discharge a debt to which in some way or other we could and should all contribute. Even the most casual person can, if he thinks at all, sum up a few of the things our sailors - other than those belonging to our glorious navy - have done for us. On the spur of the moment we remember that those of the Mercantile Marine, are the men who manned our transports, who carried our wheat and wool, to oversea markets; who kept us in touch with our loved ones abroad; who kept the fires going in the furnaces of the great leviathans, bringing our wounded soldiers home again; who never flinched when self-sacrifice was demanded; who cared, with that tenderness, innate in all sailors, for the women and children, when the passenger ships were struck a dastardly blow by the wicked enemy; who, mocking death, gave up life with a heroism all the more heroic because it was always taken as a matter of course! Is it any wonder, then, that the members of the Ladies' Harbour Light Guild make it their business to provide a bright, homelike, spot in Melbourne, where the sailors are always certain of a cherry welcome ashore? The members of the guild are admirably drafted! The 360 non-workers each pay £1 1s. per annum. The workers, of whom there are between 700 and 800, donate 2s. 6d. and school members - it is confidently hoped that gradually all the schools will take an active interest in the mission - 1s. a year. The knights of the guild - as the men members are designated - are responsible for any sum they wish to name, from 5s. a year upwards. Everything is paid for out of these revenues, with the exception of a small grant from the Home Mission Fund - and such is the organisation, and management, that the entire concern is quite free from debt. The Seamen's Church and Institute, where the "Harbour Lights" gleam so brightly, is situated right in the midst of all the bustle and turmoil of the wharves, at the end of Flinders-street. The building, comprising chapel, and institute under the one red tiled roof, is grey stuccoed, with a small tower, from which flaunts the flag of 'The Flying Angel" - the badge of the guild. A visit to the institute makes one fully appreciate the boon the place must be to the voyage worn, weary, sailor. The atmosphere is eminently social in its best sense. While the architecture imparts an elegance, and quiet dignity which soothes by the very subtlety of its charm. With its comfortable furniture, its wealth of flowers, and the happy, wholesome, feminine influence which prevails everywhere, the quality which stands for the magic word "home" abounds. The Chaplain in the course of conversation said: -"We try to make this really a free club for sailors." But the habitues would probably tell you it was far more than that to them. The Institute is excellently appointed, and every little corner seems to have its particular history. It was built after the model of one of the old mission churches in California, and retains something of the old world attraction, while yet it combines all the advantages of modern, practical, conveniences. On entering the door the first thing, one notices is a huge compass, inlaid upon the floor, evidently to indicate one's proper bearings for it points due north - to the chapel! Only one other seamen's mission in the world boasts such a compass. As the sailor swings through the entrance he finds the office on his right, and there is, here, always a smiling face to welcome the shy, or timid, new comer. Quite a real post office is staffed by members of the guild, and all the letters received are listed alphabetically. Therefore, the expectant sailor has just to run his eye down the list, and he can immediately see whether there is a letter for him or not. If he is fortunate, he comes up to the member in charge, who unlocks the box, and produces the longed for missive. The boys are always encouraged to answer letters - and to write them. Often a few words about their mother, and their own home, will provoke a sleeping memory into activity. The writing room is well stocked with paper, envelopes, pens, and ink. The tables are so divided to ensure the utmost privacy, and through a calculated chain of circumstances, many an anxious mother receives a letter from her sailor lad, who, perhaps, might not have written but for these kindly inducements. The central hall - where social evenings are held every other night besides two special concerts a week - is inviting in the extreme. A handsome piano affords opportunity for those musically inclined. The tables are strewn with papers. The walls are bright with pictures, and here, and there, is a carved model, of a ship. One, of especial interest, is a model of "The Roon" carved, and presented by a French sailor. This German vessel will always be remembered in Australia. For it was across her bows that the first hostile shot was ever fired in Australian waters. In the corner is the canteen. It was fitted up entirely from the proceeds of a quotation calendar compiled by one of the members. The sailors may at any time, get a teapot of tea, or a tray of eatables, at a nominal cost. Before the canteen was in existence they had to go out for refreshments! - and sometimes they did not come back! Groups of sailors sit chatting at the tables. Half a dozen Swedes laugh and talk among themselves, for the simple reason they know no other language than their own. Several British sailors cluster about a dark-eyed Welsh lad - a perfect Celtic type - who, although only about twenty years of age, has been the victim of the Hun five times. Mines and torpedoes sank the ships he was in, either in the Channel or off the English coast, four times; and it is to his fifth experience, when the Inverness was wrecked, that everyone is eagerly listening. "We were in the boats eight days," he was saying, "I was pretty well mangled when they picked me up. The sufferings we endured were awful. At last we managed to reach Rapa, a Hawaiian island. The natives thought we were Germans, and came at us with spears. When they found we were British, they were awfully good to us. They even cried when we left, and the day before the rescue boat arrived they begged us to go into the hills and hide." At another table a Canadian lad - once a sailor - then a soldier, who trained at the Broadmeadows camp - was telling his experiences : - "The voyage which will always stick in my memory," he said, "was to a place which must be nameless. We left the United States not knowing whether we were bound, or what we were going to do. After some weeks we sighted a group of wonderfully beautiful islands, and we headed for the most remote and most lovely of them all. Then, and only then, we learned our mission from the skipper. We were taking their year's supply to a leprosy station! Oh no! I don't blame the skipper for not telling us ! Someone has to do these things, you know. A naval guard saw they didn't come near - and we all got sixty dollars extra. When the job was over we were quarantined on another island for two months, and one little chap - the baby of the crew, not eighteen - developed leprosy, and died before we left. Yes! I'll never forget that voyage, mates! Sometimes, I seem to see Leper's Island yet, with its lavish tropical vegetation and the gorgeous sunsets which stained all the water with blood. Then, too" - here the voice deepened - "there was an English girl - a leper - there. We heard she used to be an actress, and she contracted the disease somehow or other. She was always alone, and always watching us. In the distance we could see her come to the water's edge, and from there she would watch. Just watch . .. . watch . . .watch. ..." "Here come a couple of North Sea chaps," broke in an elderly man after pause. "One of them wounded, too, poor lad." It is not strange that all the sailors flock to the Institute. It is so comfortable, and essentially inviting, besides being full of human interest. The men's quarters comprise reading, writing and dressing rooms - hot and cold baths are always available - billiard room, and a special baggage room, where any sailor may leave his kit for as long as he likes. The payment of 3d. covers its complete insurance. Upstairs are the officers' quarters. These also have their own billiard room, writing and reading rooms, bath and dressing rooms. Just close are the apprentices' quarters - "The Half Deck," as popular parlance has it! The lads also have a billiard room of their own, and indulge in an easy armchair - amongst others - which was a donation from the Milverton School branch of the Guild. It is hoped by the committee to some day utilise the huge empty rooms, which run the length of the whole building. Their ultimate intention is to fit them up as cubicles, or "cabins," as they are to be called. They trust these "cabins" will be donated, either in memory, or in honour, of someone dear to the donor. Another forward movement soon to be put in hand, now that materials are available, is the establishment of "Norla Gymnasium." In a sailors' club such facility for exercise is absolutely essential. The men both need, and miss, exertion. As one boy, who had been backsliding, once said pathetically : -"If only there was something to do to get me into a good sweat, I would be all right." Soon such an one will be helped to swing from the trapese of the Norla Gymnasium into the right track! Sunday is always a fete day at the Institute, for 40 or 50 sailors generally come into tea. The up-to-date kitchen, which is fitted with every labour-saving appliance - all paid for out of working members' half crowns - is then a hive of animation, and methodical order. A formidable row of teapots await filling. Mrs. Goldsmith -, the chaplain's wife - rightly thinks it is far more homely to pour out the tea from a pot, than to serve it straight from the urns. So tea is poured out by a member, who sits at the head of a table gay with flowers, and chats to the guests. These latter are of all nationalities. But the French, the Spanish, Scandinavian, Norwegian - or any other sailor is equally welcome with the British. Two enthusiasts belonging to the Guild actually learnt Norwegian, so that men of this nation would have someone to talk to, and so be less lonely when they reached this, to them, foreign port ! The members of the Guild have their own private suite where they arrange the flow-err and do other necessary odds and ends undisturbed. No one appreciates flowers like a sailor, and the earliest and most beautiful may always be seen adorning the tables and rooms. Teas are served and lectures are held in the "Celia Little Hall," one of the most beautiful portions of the institute. It was erected by the chaplain in memory of his aunt from whom the hall takes its name. The Gothic windows open upon the cloisters, where, in the hot weather, the sailors enjoy their meals out of doors. The cloisters, indeed, form an exquisite spot. They are between a series of sweeping arches which lead to the chapel, and are sheltered by the open balcony of the chaplain's quarters. Grace of contour marks the architecture on every turn. Just around the corner is the chaplain's garden - a patch of green and colour, transformed from a desert waste, by a well-known woman horticulturist. The book room is a department especially valued by the sailors. There are two secretaries, one for home and the other for foreign literature. Books in French, English, Spanish, Scandinavian, Norwegian, and German may be found on the shelves. Each week about 36 convenient parcels of reading stuff are made up. These contain illustrated papers, books in various languages, and magazines. These parcels are eagerly accepted by the sailor with a long monotonous voyage before him. But complete as is every corner of the institute, no part is so well equipped as the memorial chapel erected by the Ladies' Harbour Light Guild, in memory of the officers and men, who have lost their lives during the war. St Peter's - for it is called after the sailor's patron saint - with its hallowed gentle dignity is a veritable sanctuary of peace, perhaps all the more so because it sprang out of war. The fittings are entirely of Australian wood. The pews, given in memory of some loved one by one of the members, are of Tasmanian hardwood. The reredos and altar chairs of carved blackwood. The rich carpet was provided by the members' magical half-crowns. Already this chapel holds memorials of peculiar historical interest. The altar lectern was given in memory of Commander Elwell, who, it will be remembered, was killed at Rabaul, in the early part of the war. The font commemorates two heroes - Nigel Hockley and Fred Hyde, who lost their lives at the hands of the Germans, although they survived the actual torpedoing of their ships, the Galgorn Castle off the coast of Ireland. The mother of one of them wrote out that her son had died as an Englishman should - fighting for the right. This noble sentiment is suitably paraphrased upon the inscription engraved upon the font. Practically every-hing enshrined in the chapel has its own sentimental value. The alms salver of beaten copper, studded with agate, is fragrant with the memory of a saintly woman.The eye of the sailor is caught and held by the pulpit, which is fashioned like a ship's hull and only a twist of rope guides the chaplain up the steps. For the last 13 years the Rev. A. Gurney Goldsmith, M.A., has acted as chaplain to the Seamen's Mission in Melbourne. Before that he and his wife worked in China. Mr Goldsmith visits all the boats and gets in touch personally with the sailor, over whom he has great influence. He is not only their chaplain and friend, but, amongst a wide range of other things, their banker besides. An exchange system exists between the various Missions, and the sailor who has "banked" his money with the chaplain, upon going away, receives a cheque which is cashed - minus exchange - by the chaplain of the next port. Mr. Goldsmith will tell you he has a soft spot in his heart for on old sailor he calls "Paddy." This ancient mariner has been wrecked ten times. It was a long time before the chaplain prevailed upon "Paddy" to partake of the spiritual and secular advantages afforded by the institute. He would not come, he said, until he could do so "with a good heart." Finally he frankly admitted that he had no "friends like those of 'the Flying Angel,' " and that he eventually proved his own "good heart" will be shown in this story. One day he came in to the chaplain and said bluffly, "Well, sir, I've been payin' off some old scores up Carlton way, an' I tells yer, plain, sir, not one of 'em would have seen a penny of their money but for the Mission." The Ladies' Harbour Light Guild has over thirty working suburban branches, and the excellent results achieved at the Institute now will no doubt be considerably augmented in the future. The practical actions of the members do more than anything else to convey the subtle meaning of the name of the Guild. To the visiting sailors the word "ladies" signifies the bread givers; "harbour" safety ; "lights" welcome; "guild" the welding of fraternity, and they one and all tell you the ideals thus embodied are unselfishly carried out by all the ladies who have banded together to care for the sailors' welfare.The article describes the Mission and the use of several spaces a year after its opening and gives details about the daily activities.Digital copy of an article published in the Western Mail on the 13th of December 1918. 717 flinders street, seamen's mission, norla dome, lhlg, reverend alfred gurney goldsmith, celia little room, garden, frederica godfrey -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Flyer, Annual Meeting, 1886
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 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Document - Draft, 1920
Draft for the 1920 Annual Report: Visit of HRH Prince of Wales on 12 June 19204 printed and handwritten additions raft of the annual report for 1920 prince of wales, cinema, reverend alfred gurney goldsmith -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Article - Newspaper clipping, Arrived by Sea
newspaper clipping with portraitwritten in black ink: The Age, 20 June 1960claude james eldridge-doyle, bill doyle, reverend c.j. eldridge-doyle, orcades