This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1942 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1942 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The International Scientific Series Vol 64 The Origin of Floral Structures Author: Rev. George Henslow Publisher: Keegan Paul Trench & Co Date: 1888 Label on spine with typed text PAT 580 HEN Inside front cover has a sticker that reads Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, rev. george henslow, the international scientific series vol 64

Rev. Horton Williams spent 56 years in ministry. He served the Young People's Department for 18 years and was President of the Methodist Conference.Matt, black and white, head and shoulders studio portrait of Rev. Horton Williams.williams h., methodist, young people's department

Leather bound book of Common Prayer 587 pagesnon-fictionRELIGIOUS TEXT - BOOK OF COMMON PRAYERgirdler, st pauls church clunes

Rev. Henry(Harry) Griffith was Director of Federal Inland Mission from 1953-59.Gloss, black and white image of Rev. Henry Griffith and Dorothy Griffith with an Inland Mission car.griffiths, henry, griffiths, dorothy, methodist, inland mission

Rev. Charles H Kelly (1833-1911) was twice president of the Wesleyan Conference and was a publisher of Who’s Who in Methodism.Satin, sepia, head and shoulders, studio portrait of Rev. Charles H. Kelly on card.ch, wesleyan, who’s who in methodism

The programme is for the Victorian Methodist Centenary 1935-36 Thanksgiving Meeting which was held at the Melbourne Town Hall on Wednesday, 2nd October, 1935 at 7.30 pm. Speakers were the President of the Conference and Rev J W Grove, Rev T C Rentoul, Mr J W Kitto and Rev R Williams. The address was given by Rev Professor A E Albiston, Secretary General.Pale green paper with green text and image of John Wesley. Attached inside is a pink slip of paper for a donation to the Centenary Thanksgiving Fund. The back of the programme has a line pencil drawing of the first church, 1839, Corner of Swanston Street and Flinders Lane, Melbourne.victorian methodist centenary 1935-36, rev prof a e albiston

The Inspirational Meeting and Communion Service for the Methodist Girls' Comradeship and the Methodist Order of Knights was held on Wednesday 3 January, 1951 at 8pm at Wesley Church, Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. The address was given by Rev H Palmer Phillips, President of Conference and Crusade Director. The Chairman was the Rev C Gallacher, Director of the Young People's Department, and the organist was Mr Frank Williams. Pale blue-green bi-fold paper with blue text. The front has images of the Methodist Girls' Comradeship and Methodist Order of Knights. It contains the order of service for the MGC and MOK Inspirational Meeting and Communion Service.methodist girls' comardeship, methodist order of knights, methodist young people's department, rev c gallacher, wesley church lonsdale street melbourne, frank williams, rev h palmer phillips

Rev. John Gordon Mackie (1848–1898) was a Minister at St. George’s Presbyterian Church, St. Kilda for thirteen years.Matte, sepia, head and shoulders, studio portrait of Rev. John Gordon Mackie on card.mackie, john gordon, presbyterian

Booklet. ALEC H CHISHOLM COLLECTION. 36 page paper cover booklet by the Rev. E. I. Watkin D.D. on the meaning of aboriginal words. Published by the Commonwealth of Australia, Sydney Endacott, Melbourne. Date not known. Printed by E. W. Cole, Melbourne. Catalogue sticker ''2233 WAT'' on front cover. Handwritten in pencil on flyleaf ''Harry Burrell''Rev. E. I. Watkinbooks, collections, etymology, alec h chisholm collection, aboriginal words, e.i.watkin, etymology

The Annual Dedication Service of the Methodist Girls' Comradeship and the Methodist Order of Knights was held on Monday 19 February, 1951 at 7.45pm at Wesley Church, Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. The Chariman was the Rev C Gallacher and the address was given by the President-Elect of the Conference the Rev B L Semmens. The organist was Mr Frank Williams. The Anthem was sung by the MGC/MOK Choir of Hyde Street, Footscray.Pale blue bi-fold paper with blue text. The front has images of the Methodist Girls' Comradeship and Methodist Order of Knights badges. It contains the order of service for the MGC and MOK annual dedication service.methodist girls' comardeship, methodist order of knights, methodist young people's department, rev c gallacher, rev b l semmens, wesley church lonsdale street melbourne

The Annual Dedication Service of the Methodist Girls' Comradeship and the Methodist Order of Knights was held on Tuesday 23 March 1954 at 8pm at Wesley Church, Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. The Chairman was the Rev Dr C J Wright and the address was given by Rev C Gallacher.. The organist was Mr Frank Williams. The Scripture reading was given by the MGC Assistant State Recorder, Aileen Graham.Pale blue bi-fold paper with blue text. The front has images of the Methodist Girls' Comradeship and Methodist Order of Knights. It contains the order of service for the MGC and MOK annual dedication service.methodist girls' comardeship, methodist order of knights, methodist young people's department, rev c gallacher, wesley church lonsdale street melbourne, aileen graham mgc, rev dr c j wright

Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853 a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fund raising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former court house in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historic books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historic Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed art works and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. A History of The Discovery and Exploration of Australia Vol 1 Author: Rev Julian E Tenison Woods Publisher: Sampson Low Marston Searle and Rivington Date: 1865Label on spine cover with typed text RA 919.4 WOO Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, great ocean road, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, warrnambool public library, a history of the discovery and exploration of australia vol 1, rev julian e tenison woods

The photograph is part of the collection of photographs donated to the museum by Eric Boardman who owned and produced the Sunbury News.A sepia photograph of the Board of Management of St. Andrew's Church (Kirk). There are 12 men arranged in 3 rows with Rev. Watt-Leggatt standing in the middle of the middle row.KIRK SESSION AND / BOARD OF MANAGEMENT / ERIC BOARDMANchurches, men, watt-leggatt, - (rev.), boardman, eric, st andrew's church, george evans collection

On 3 February 1974 the Revs. W.M. Trewin and Fred Strickland became ministers of the new Mt. Waverley joint Methodist/Presbyterian parish. Rev Bill Trewin born 1926 Moonee Ponds. Worked in two home missions: Western District and Gippsland. Whilst studying at Queen's College did a vacation appointment in Nhill, where he met Jean Bound. Bill and Jean married 1953. Bill was ordained in 1956. His appointments included Dunolly, Mornington, West & East Bentleigh, Moonee Ponds, Mt Waverley and Noble Park. In between his appointments at Bentleigh and Moonee Ponds Bill lived in Milan, where he ministered to both Italian and English speaking Congregations. Served as Chairman of the Presbytery of Westernport 1985-1986. Frederick Phillips Strickland b. 1910. Ormond College. Ordained into the Presbyterian Church 1941 Rainbow-Jeparit. Chaplain A.I.F. 1944, Blackburn 1946, Syndal 1964. Retired 1977.B & W photograph of Rev. Bill Trewin and Rev. Fred Strickland standing in front of the former High St. Road Methodist Church.bill trewin, fred strickland, minister, mount waverley joint methodist presbyterian parish

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The History of Playing Cards with anecdotes of their use in Conjuring, Fortune-Telling, and Card-Sharping. Edited by Rev Ed. S.Taylor and others Publisher: John Camden Hotten Date: 1865Label on spine cover with black ink text 795.4 TAY Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the history of playing cards, rev ed. s.taylor

Ordained 1964 at Rosebery Zeehan 1964-1967, New Town 1968-1972, then Broadmeadows 1973-1979; Ringwood 1980-12/1987, Ballarat Central 01/88 to 04/1994, Bendigo West 05/94 to 12/98. Retired 01/1999.B & W photograph of Rev. G. Kerrie Graham kneeling behind two unidentified small children. The children wear hats; Graham a "UCAN for Young People sweatshirt.rev. g. kerrie graham; rosebery; zeehan; broadmeadows mission; ringwood; ballarat central; bendigo west; methodist minister; uniting church minister

Black and white photo of Mayor and Mayoress of Nunawading (Cr. & Mrs. Satchwell) and local residents at the opening of Blackburn Post Office. Rev. Strickland, Minister of the then Presbyterian Church, Blackburnsatchwell, keith, mrs, strickland, rev., blackburn post office, blackburn presbyterian church

Rev. Gillam Albert McConnell Wood (Pat) (1910-1993) OBE OAM was a RAFF Chaplain 1942-49 and Moderator General Australian in 1975.Gloss, three-quarter image of Rev. Gillam Albert McConnell Wood (Pat) in situ.wood, p., presbyterian, moderator general

Rev. Frederic William MacDonald (1842-1928) was a Methodist minister and President of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference. He was also a writer.Matte, black and white, head and shoulders, studio portrait of Rev. Frederic William MacDonald on card.methodist, macdonald, fw, wesleyan

"School at Hall's Gap studies holistic Aboriginal theology" - article by Tim Angus - "Participants at a school of Aboriginal Theology were challenged to take up a new partnership in mission by the Rev. Charles Harris, president of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress… Charles Harris gave a quiet and determined witness to the power of the Gospel to free his people to become agents of their own destiny in spiritual, cultural and political terms."Head & shoulders, dressed casually."Rev. Charles Harris"harris, charles, aboriginal and islander christian congress

Reverend Murray coordinated a Federal Governemnt funded program to help long term unemployed in the 24-44 age group.B & W photograph of Rev. Muuray standing on the steps of a building.C&N 27/8/86 page 5 Rev Jim Murray a Tasmanian first to help the unemployed Copyright photograph Mercury Hobart Tasmania when re-ordering quote no T3752/1murray, jim, uniting church, minister

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1942 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Remains of Edmund Grindal, D.D. Successively Bishop of London and Archbishop of York and Canterbury Edited for The Parker Society by Rev. William Nicholson Publisher: Cambridge University Press Date: 1843 Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 252 GRI Pastedown end page has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, the remains of edmund grindal, rev. william nicholson, the parker society

Rev James Austin spent over thirty years in India. He spoke at Yarra Bank about his experiences. He married Kathleen Overend and in 1959 he spoke on the Yarra Bank.Gloss, sepia image of Rev James Austin and his wife Kathleen (Overend)“voice of methodism”, yarra bank

Rev. Edmund Sorrell Bickford (1816-1895) was President of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference in 1896 and in 1903 was elected the Second President after union.Semi-gloss, sepia, head and shoulders studio portrait image of Rev. Edmund Sorrell Bickfordmethodist, president, bickford, e. s., union

This booklet tells the story of the establishment of the Allansford Presbyterian church. First services were held in a Mr. Irvine’s barn at Wangoom by Rev Andrew Begg. The first church was built shortly afterwards towards the end of 1861. The first minister was Rev Robert Sutherland (1862-1876). The booklet gives a brief outline of history of the ministers who followed. Foreign missionaries are mentioned as are the men of the Kirk session. It also gives a brief history of the congregations at Wangoom, Mepunga and Nirranda.A worthwhile record of the people associated with the Presbyterian Church in the areas of Allansford, Wangoom, Mepunga and Nirranda.Khaki covered soft card cover with dark blue text. 48 pages approximately with collated black and white photographs of ministers and members of the congregation at the time. Red circular logo inside front cover.The foreward is written by W M Chapman.allansford presbyterian church, the kirk at work, wangoom, mepunga, rev andrew begg, rev robert sutherland 1862-1876

Rev. Graeme Dudley Bence was born into a Methodist family on 24 December 1930 in the coal mining town of Tonyrefail, New South Wales. His family moved to Bornemouth England in 1931. He married Doreen in Bristol on 21 June 1952. Rev. Bence was ordained at East Cliff Congregational Church Bournemouth on 26 May 1953. He was commissioned to the sevice of the London Missionary Society in Papua and subsequently served in Australia starting at Hughesdale Congregational Church from 1958 to 1965 and Wyclif Congregational Chruch Surrey Hills from 1965 to 1972. In 1972 he accepted a call to the Nightcliff Church in Darwin and became Assistant Director of Mission and Service in the Uniting Church of North Australia. The Northern Synod elected Graeme Moderator from 1981 to 1983. He returned to Victoria in 1986 and retired to Rosebud in 1991. He died on 31 July 1994.Head and shoulders drawing in profile of Rev. Graeme Bence.bence, graeme

Rev. John Legge (1837-1878), born in Scotland ordained in Brighton in 1867.Hand-tinted sepia, studio portrait with an oval inset on board of Rev. John Legge who is looking to his right.Handwritten on the back "John Legge"john legge, congregational minister