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Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Sepia, Starting for Christmas picnic, 25 December 1913
... Missions to Seamen. The day was spent at St. John's College, East... of the Victoria Missions to Seamen. The day was spent at St. John's ...The sailors, officers and Reverend Gurney Goldsmith (centre) were picked up from the Siddeley Street mission by two double deck motorbuses. On the buses is written: "Motor Tyre, The place for tyre, 400-3-5 Swanston Street, Melbourne - Red Cross Hospital - The Globe". The Mission flag and the Union Jack are brought with the men to the St John's College, St Kilda East. The photograph appears in the Annual Report 1913. In the Age we could read: "SAILORS' PICNIC. The seamen from ships in port, were hospitably entertained on Christmas day by friends of the Victoria Missions to Seamen. The day was spent at St. John's College, East St. Kilda, by invitation of the warden and Mrs. Hart. The sailors enjoyed the treat, and entered heartily into the sports held during the afternoon. The evening was spent at the institute on the Australian wharf when every sailor received a Christmas' present from 'the brig." The photograph was used in the "Jottings fro our log" quarterly publication of the Mission in 1916.Sepia photograph with a thin black frame depicting seamen gathering in front of the Central Institute, Siddeley Street, where buses are waiting for them to take them on an outing.Handwritten at the back in pencil: "168" / Starting for Christmas picnic Handwritten in blue ink: "8" Handwritten twice in blue ink: 1914? at the top and 1914 at the bottom.siddeley street institute, ww1, christmas, transport, rev gurney goldsmith, flag, red cross, the globe, union jack, motorbus, 1913, xmas -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Digital photograph, Geraldine Brault, 5 April 2019
... : " A drawing room meeting in connection with the Victoria Missions... with the Victoria Missions to Seamen took place on July 13, at Crotonhurst ...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) -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Document - Car Pass, 1988 Tall Ships celebration at Port Melbourne issued to Pat Grainger, Concessionaire, 1987
... at Seamens Mission so was given this pass to bring her car... for a National Trust New Year's Dinner at Seamens Mission so was given ...Pat Grainger catered for a National Trust New Year's Dinner at Seamens Mission so was given this pass to bring her car into the restricted areaCar pass granted to Pat Grainger by BiCentenary Authority for 1988 Tall Ships celebration at Port Melbourne piersMission Arts Centre Mary Lou Gelbart AMV301celebrations fetes and exhibitions, missions to seamen, mission arts centre, pat grainger -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Stella Maris tearooms FSH, 2016
... Catholic Missions to Seamen which still operates. ... Catholic Missions to Seamen which still operates. This book ...This cook book has been published by the Friends of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village Inc. This group do volunteer work at Flagstaff Hill, publicize the activities and historical collection at the Village and raise funds to carry out improvements and new installations. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village was established in 1975, initially as a private venture sponsored by a group of businessmen in Warrnambool but it was later taken over by the Warrnambool City Council. It operates as an historical park and a tourist venture every day of the year except Christmas Day and has a night Sound and Light Show called ‘Shipwrecked’. The historical collection at the Village features many important shipwreck relics from the area, with the most important being the ‘Loch Ard’ ceramic peacock. The cook book is a tribute to the local women of the past and there are many recipes collected from the ‘Grannies’ of yesteryear. The tea rooms at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village are called ‘Stella Maris’ (Latin for ‘Star of the Sea’) and call to mind both the maritime heritage of the area and the name of the Australian Catholic Missions to Seamen which still operates. This book is of interest as a product of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. It has been edited by John Lindsay who was one of the founders of Flagstaff Hill in 1975 and is today a Life Member and Helen Sheedy who has also been connected with the administration of the Village in the past. The book also features art works from many artists from Warrnambool and district. This is a soft cover book of 100 pages. The cover has a white background with a colour sketch of the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village Stella Maris Tea Rooms on the front cover and a colour photograph of a Flagstaff Hill panorama on the back cover. The book contains an introduction, some information related to food, cooking and diet, recipes from the past and present, some local historical material and some information on the artists whose work is featured in the book. Many colour sketches and photographs are scattered throughout the text. The book is bound with plastic spiral rings and the front is covered with a sheet of clear plastic. stella maris tea rooms, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime village, history of warrnambool -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph, Mr and Mrs Gurney Goldsmith, Resting, Easter Monday, Heatherbrae, 12 April 1909
... on Monday in connection with the Victoria Mission to Seamen, at Mr... on Monday in connection with the Victoria Mission to Seamen, at Mr ...Alfred Edward Clarke was a member of the Stock Exchange. He married a niece of Reverend Kerr Johnston, Margaret Helen Gowan (daughter of John Denovan Gowan, himself brother of Eliza Denovan Gowan) in 1886. His first wife, Caroline Long, died in 1884. One of his daughter, Linda Clarke (later married to John William Begg) was secretary of the Malvern branch of the Ladies' harbour Lights Guild. Article in the Standard (Port Melbourne, Vic. : 1884 - 1914), Saturday 17 April 1909, page 3 "SAILORS ENTERTAINED. Picnic at Glen Huntly. A very enjoyable picnic was held on Monday in connection with the Victoria Mission to Seamen, at Mr. Clarke's grounds, 'Heatherbrae,' Glen Huntly. About 90 sailors from ships in the Bay and river were entertained, and a happy time was spent. Tea was provided by ladies connected with the Mission, and cricket, football, and other sports were arranged and carried out with great zest. At the close of the day cheers were given for Mr. and Mrs. Clarke and family, the Mission workers, and all who had helped to make the outing a success."Small monochrome photograph depicting outdoor scene of a small number of men resting. Photograph somewhat faded, particularly on right side heatherbrae, easter, picnic, lhlg, caulfield, alfred edward clarke 1840-1913, margaret helen gowan 1863-1937, linda begg nee clarke 1877-1954, eliza johnston nee denovan gowan, john denovan gowan -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Article - Newspaper clipping, Argus newspaper, 24 February 1945
... : the legend of the picture "AS THE DUCHESS LEFT THE MISSION TO SEAMEN... LEFT THE MISSION TO SEAMEN Central Institute on Saturday ...It is historically significant as it marks a royal visit made by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester during the Duke of Gloucester's term as 11th Governor General of Australia (1945 - 1947). Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, GCB, CI, GCVO, GCStJ, GBE (born Lady Alice Christabel Montagu Douglas Scott; 25 December 1901 – 29 October 2004) was the wife of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, the third son of King George V and Queen Mary. Frank Oliver was MTS chaplain during this period. The Gloucesters did not return to Australia on any official visit until 1965. (see ADB entry for Duke of Gloucester) According to the list of engagements from the Argus, on Saturday the Duke and Duchess left Governor House to visit the Central Institute at 11am where they were received by the Governor and Lady Dugan, the chaplain (Padre Oliver) and members of the committee. They left at 11.15am : the legend of the picture "AS THE DUCHESS LEFT THE MISSION TO SEAMEN Central Institute on Saturday morning, Padre Frank Oliver, chaplain, called for three cheers, which were given heartily."This photograph reveals the contemporaneous relationship between Australians and the British Royal family and connection through the International organisation that is the Mission to Seafarers. Current President is HRH the Princess Royal.Newspaper clipping depicting Alice Duchess of Gloucester at middle left with Chaplain Frank Oliver at middle right. The Chaplain is waving and possibly leading a cheer. He is wearing a naval uniform. The Duchess is wearing a black hat and white short-sleeved dress holding a bunch of flowers. In the left of the photograph is a man holding his right arm up hiding his face from view. In the background there is a crowd of onlookers behind a railing.Written in black ink: Feb 25 1945 / Duke's final visit as Governor Generalpadre frank leslie oliver, duchess of gloucester, flandres street, governor general, duke of gloucester, flinders street -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - Fire damage, Missions to Seamen building, Port Melbourne, Representative of NTV, 2 Jun 1994
... Seamen's Mission, taken June 1994 after the fire in the chaplain's... Street) Port Melbourne melbourne Fire damage, Missions to Seamen ...Squatters in the building after the government removed community caretakers set fire to the chaplain's quarters in May of 1994. The Trust came down and photographed the damage 2 June.One of ten National Trust photographs of the damaged Seamen's Mission, taken June 1994 after the fire in the chaplain's quarters: view from south side of exterior - poor quality, half photomissions to seamen, fire and fire services, crimes and misdemeanours, national trust of victoria -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - Fire damage, Missions to Seamen building, Port Melbourne, Representative of NTV, 2 Jun 1994
... Seamen's Mission, taken June 1994 after the fire in the chaplain's... Street) Port Melbourne melbourne Fire damage, Missions to Seamen ...Squatters in the building after the government removed community caretakers set fire to the chaplain's quarters in May of 1994. The Trust came down and photographed the damage 2 June.One of ten National Trust photographs of the damaged Seamen's Mission, taken June 1994 after the fire in the chaplain's quarters: exterior view of quarters from back, bit of wire fencing in foregroundmissions to seamen, fire and fire services, crimes and misdemeanours, national trust of victoria -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - Fire damage, Missions to Seamen building, Port Melbourne, Representative of NTV, 2 Jun 1994
... Seamen's Mission, taken June 1994 after the fire in the chaplain's... Street) Port Melbourne melbourne Fire damage, Missions to Seamen ...Squatters in the building after the government removed community caretakers set fire to the chaplain's quarters in May of 1994. The Trust came down and photographed the damage 2 June.One of ten National Trust photographs of the damaged Seamen's Mission, taken June 1994 after the fire in the chaplain's quarters: interior view of quarters from kitchen, lounge room fireplace in viewmissions to seamen, fire and fire services, crimes and misdemeanours, national trust of victoria -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Instrument - Piano, Upright, c.1905
... to the Victorian Missions to Seamen, who has just taken up residence at his... to the Victorian Missions to Seamen, who has just taken up residence at his ...The piano (Beale-Vader patented model) was donated on Thursday 19 December 1907 by Lady Northcote (Alice, wife of the Governor General of Australia) for the Siddeley Street Institute. The article in The Age dating Friday 20 December 1907: "Shortly after noon yesterday the Rey. A. Gurney Goldsmith, chaplain to the Victorian Missions to Seamen, who has just taken up residence at his quarters in the new Seamen's' Institute on the Yarra-bank, which was recently opened by his Excellence the Governor-General, was surprised at the receipt of a case of large dimensions. On opening it he found a grand piano, accompanied by a card, "With Lady Northcote's compliments." The pianoforte is one of Beale's make, and its presentation is another illustration of the determination of the vice-regal representatives in Australia to encourage local manufactures. It will be remembered that on the occasion of the opening of the institute an appeal was made to the public for a pianoforte and a billiard table. Lady Northcote has responded with the former, and it will be most useful in connection with the concerts which are given once a week to the, sailors of vessels coming up tho river. The question now arises as to who will provide the billiard table for the use of "Jack ashore," as one of the inducements for him, to visit the institute instead of' spending his spare time in the public house. "Governor Northcote and his wife had laid the foundation Stones of the first Central Institute on Siddeley street. The piano was used it for entertainments and concerts including accompaniment of silent films in the 1920s. 21st century visiting seafarers whilst on shore at the Mission, still regularly play pieces such as popular tunes and classics. A walnut case, full iron framed Upright Piano . See image details; decorative trims throughout, and identification plate inside. Screw holes indicate missing candle brackets or sconces on the two front panels.Lid Royal letters patent coat of arms; inside workings stamped plaque: " The/ Beale-Vader / Steel-wirest-plank / patented / throughout / the world"piano, royal grand piano, beale, beale-vader, music, entertainment, concerts, lady northcote, siddeley street, seamen's mission, alice northcote nee stephen, reverend alfred gurney goldsmith -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Newspaper - Newspaper pages, Mines Out Mind, Sailors Go Gay, 2 December 1939
... with photographs form the Seamen Mission's entertainments offered during... illustrated with photographs form the Seamen Mission's entertainments ...The magazine Picture News, published by the Herald and Weekly Times in December 1939, shows how sailors were entertained at the mission. The photographs depict sailors having a good time, dancing with the ladies from the guild and even Mrs Moira Oliver, Padre Oliver's wife, playing ping pong, sining with pianist Mrs Helen Ellis. Padre Oliver was then chaplain on the HMAS Australia, and Rev. Dixon Tracy was the interim chaplain at the mission.The photographs demonstrate the work of the mission during the war. The Picture News was a short lived magazine first published in November 1939 and ceased in 1940.4 pages of the magazine Picture News, Picture News Volume 1, number 5 dated 2 December 1939: Page 3 to 6 illustrated with photographs form the Seamen Mission's entertainments offered during the war. ww2, picture news, 1939, moira oliver, helen ellis, lhlg, dance, song, reverend dixon tracy, g. spratley, ping pong, dances -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Administrative record (item) - Annual report, Fergusson and Moore, General Printers, The Twenty Fifth Annual Report of the Victorian Seamen's Mission and the Fourth Annual Report of the Sandridge (no 1) Sailors' Rest, 1882, 1883
... Seamen's Mission and Sandridge (No. 1) Sailors' Rest.... Annual Report of the Victorian Seamen's Mission and the Fourth ...Small grey booklet including the report from the Executive Committee, the Chaplain's report, Treasurer's report and a list of subscriptions for 1882. The report encompasses both the Victorian Seamen's Mission and Sandridge (No. 1) Sailors' Rest.The 1882 annual report outlines all the major activities involving the Mission over the course of the year as well as included names of those involved, participating, making decisions or donating time or money. The Danne family had a long standing involvement in the Mission from the latter decades of the 19th Century onwards. Handwritten in pen on top left hand corner: "Rev N.J. Danne"sandridge, sailors' rest, 1882, annual report, victorian seamen's mission, port melbourne, reverend n.j danne, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, administrative document-annual report -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Sepia, Mr and Mrs Gurney Goldsmith, Picnic at Orchard House, Cup Day 1909, 2 Novembre 1909
... at the Institutes of the Missions to Seamen on the Australian Wharf... at the Institutes of the Missions to Seamen on the Australian Wharf ...This photograph depicts a picnic for Cup Day (Tuesday 2 November 1909) organised by the Mission and the LHLG members at Orchard House. The property belongs to Mr George Higgins, engineer and his wife, Beatrice who was the LHLG Malvern branch secretary. Beatrice nee Shuter was the daughter of Charles Shuter. In the Punch published on 11 November 1909, we could read: "The pretty garden of "Orchard House," and the paddock adjoining (kindly lent by Mr. and Mrs. Singleton), was the scene on Cup Day of a most successful sailors' picnic, when Mr. and Mrs. George Higgins and the Malvern members of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild entertained some 110 sailors from the Royal Navy and Merchant Service. A football match, sports, and "costume" races were indulged in by the more active members of the party, while others enjoyed the unusual pleasure of sitting on the green grass under the trees. Mrs. MacLeod, Mrs. Knight, Mrs. Simon Fraser, Mrs. H. B. Higgins, Mrs. Albert Keep, Miss Ethel Godfrey, the Misses Wollaston, and a number of other ladies assisted to wait on the "tars." One "Jack," from H.M.S. Cambrian, voted it the "nicest day he had had since leaving the Old Country." Hearty cheers for the kind hostesses closed the proceedings. The evening was spent at the Institutes of the Missions to Seamen on the Australian Wharf and at Port Melbourne respectively, where prizes were distributed to the successful competitors. "Small monochrome photograph1909, malvern, cup day, mr george higgins, mce, beatrice elizabeth higgins (nee shuter), h.m.s. cambrian, ethel augusta godfrey, orchard house, ina higgins, rica godfrey, rita godfrey, reverend alfred gurney goldsmith, picnics, social events, frederica godfrey, entertainments, sailors, seafarers, seamen, goldsmith album -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Administrative record (item) - Minute Book, Circa 1925
... Documents the minutes of the Victorian Seamen's Mission...Documents the minutes of the Victorian Seamen's Mission ...Documents the minutes of the Victorian Seamen's Mission from Thursday 8th of October 1925 to the 4th of July 1934. The minutes are a record of all members of the Victorian Seafarers' Mission during this time, as well as a record of the decisions and accounts of the committee.This is a formal record of proceedings within the Victorian Seafarers' Mission between 1925 to 1934. Entries in the book make reference to events which took place at the Mission, individual members and other parties, such as the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild.book, minutes, 1925-1934, victoria, mission-to-seafarers, victorian seamen's mission, minutes books -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - Demolition, various establishments on Port Melbourne foreshore, Ron Laing, 1986 - 1999
... (Telecom), Seamen's Mission, Centenary Bridge and Princes Street...' site): BP, Engine Works, PMG (Telecom), Seamen's Mission ...Part of Ron Laing's collection of photographs taken around Port Melbourne over a thirteen year period. Donated to the PMH&PS by the photographer.One of 104 colour photographs covering the demolition of all the establishments on the foreshore between Beacon Road and Princes Street (i.e. 'Bayside' site): BP, Engine Works, PMG (Telecom), Seamen's Mission, Centenary Bridge and Princes Street flats, from 1986missions to seamen, industry, manufacturing, centenary bridge, built environment - industrial, demolitions, ron laing, british petroleum oil co, commonwealth engine works, telecom -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Article - Clipping, photocopy, Deborah Stone, The sky’s the limit for modern Michelangelo, 10 May 1988
... of the Mission to Seamen - Picture: ROSS DUNCAN THE dilapidated pool... of the Mission to Seamen - Picture: ROSS DUNCAN THE dilapidated pool ...Louise Hearman used the Norla Dome and painted a mural painted which had taken her around a year to complete. The exhibition called Elephant Room was shown from June 1988. The work was vandalised in 1989 and subsequently demolished.Louise Hearman is a Melbourne born artist and Archibald Prize winner. Hearman first came to public notice in 1987/88 when she spent a year painting the mural in the Norla Dome. The premises of the Mission also served as her studio at that timeBlack and white copy of a newspaper article, printed on A4 paper.The sky’s the limit for modern Michelangelo Because it was there . . . Melbourne artist Louise Hearman in the domed gymnasium of the Mission to Seamen - Picture: ROSS DUNCAN THE dilapidated pool halls of Melbourne’s Mission to Seamen are an unlikely setting for a budding Michelangelo. But when Louise Hearman came across the one-time mission gymnasium she could not resist the urge to create a fresco. It did, however, take a little persuading for the Anglican Church, which still owns and operates a mission in the 61-year-old building, to agreee to house a minor Sistine Chapel on their premises. A year of labour later, Hearman has had no complaints about the great swirling sky or huge oil paintings which now adorn the empty 11-sided room. Instead she is constantly visited by old sailors and passers-by who are thrilled to discover the unusual architecture and artwork. “When peoiple come here it’s a real discovery. It’s something they find for themselves,” she said. Her pictures are neither religious nor symbolic, merely outpourings to create an atmosphere. “THere are lots of things I’d like to say but I’m not saying them in my paintings. “There are no messages, they don’t have any political statement. Life was a little more comfortable for Hearman than her renaissance predecessors. After struggling with cumbersome scaffolding to reach her “canvas” she discovered the modern wonders of the scissor lift. She does not look on the work as a huge achievement. However, it may all be for nought. Unless money is spent to restore the building the paintings she has created will crumble and die - Deborah Stone The Australian Tuesday 10 May 1988louise hearman, elephant room, norla dome, exhibitions, 1988, melbourne, flinders street, ross duncan, cultural events -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Article, Herald, Seamen's Institute for the Victoria Missions to Seamen, 30 August 1917
... SEAMEN'S INSTITUTE FOR THE VICTORIA MISSIONS TO SEAMEN... melbourne Article Seamen's Institute for the Victoria Missions ...SEAMEN'S INSTITUTE FOR THE VICTORIA MISSIONS TO SEAMEN In architectural style, the new Seamen's Institute for the Victorian Missions to Seamen, in Flinders street Extension which is to be opened early in September by Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson, the Governor-General, may be said to resemble the type adopted by the early settlers in California, and known in recent years by the name of Spanish Mission architecture. This character is particularly sympathetic with the object for which the building has been erected, and is exemplified in a marked degree in the unique chapel tower of oblong shape with its four pinnacles and open bell turret, with an almost rustic cross as terminal point: also in the arcaded Eastern Court cloisters, with simple round arch arcading, and in the chapel roof, which is framed of heavy rough-hewn hardwood timber work left as it came from the saw, and erected green from the forest. but so well framed and bolted that no harm can result from shrinkage. The foundations are constructed of reinforced concrete, and in some places are nine feet wide. The ground is very treacherous, and considering the irregular weights of the one story, two-story, and three-story parts of the building, the result achieved in sta bility is eminently satisfactory. The main hall has a vaulted ceiling of reinforced concrete construction, and, spanning 35f., is the widest span of any floor in Melbourne of similar construction. The chaplain's residence is built above the lecture hall, and consists of a most complete, up-to-date dwelling-house of eight rooms. It is fitted with every modern convenience and labor-saving device. The cupboard in the pantry, for instance, has two faces — one in the diningroom and the other in the pantry. Dishes are washed in the pantry, put into the cupboard, and taken out in the diningroom, ready for the next meal. Special rooms are designed for the many and various works carried out for the sailors by the industrious workers of the mission. One room is shelved and fitted for the reception, sorting, and distribution of books, periodicals, and other reading matter that is parcelled up by willing hands and given to sailors as ships leave port, to beguile the weary hours of leisure on the sea. Any old books or magazines, illustrated papers, and the like are always welcome at the insti tute. Reading matter of this kind can easily be saved and sent along in bundles. The gymnasium is not yet built. This is the only part of the building required to complete the block; and when its concrete dome, with open eye at summit like the Pantheon at Rome is erected, the whole effect of the groups of buildings will be most striking. In the entrance hall is a floor of marble mosaic, with a central feature of a mariner's compass seven foot in diameter, well executed by the Adamant Pavement Company, and the gift of Mr George Russell. The architect has designed a copper ship as a finial for the main gable of the building, and it, like the gymnasium, is awaiting the collection of more funds or the generosity of a special donor. The whole of the woodwork of the in terior of the building, including high dados round the walls of halls, stair cases, billiard and other rooms is car ried out in Tasmanian hardwood, fin ished in a dull beeswax polish, and the floors of the entire building, except the lavatories, which are tiled, are also executed in Tasmanian hardwood. Mr Walter R. Butler, F.R.I.B.A., was the architect, and the work was carried out by Mr A. B. Robertson, builder. PICTURESQUE BUILDING AMID SOMBRE SURROUNDINGSThe article gives a valuable description of the Mission at the end of its construction and before its opening.4 columns article with photograph of the front of the Missionlady fraser, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), architecture, spanish mission, california, reinforced concrete, tasmanian hardwood, gymnasium, norla dome, pantheon, adamant pavement company, george russell, compass, finail, weathervane, chaplain's residence, manse, chapel, courtyard, cloisters, main hall, spannig -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Magazine - Periodical - Quarterly, Melbourne Harbour Trust, Port of Melbourne Quarterly, Official Magazine of the Melbourne Harbour Trust Commissioners, 1959
... at the Central Hall of the Flinders St Mission / Seamen playing pool... at the Central Hall of the Flinders St Mission / Seamen playing pool ...non-fictionpadre frank leslie oliver, port of melbourne, beverley kent nee oliver, music, photographs, jacki fowler -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Book, Roald Kverndal, Seamen's Missions: Their origin and Early Growth. A contribution to the History of the Church Maritime, 1986
... An extensive history of International Missions to Seamen...An extensive history of International Missions to Seamen ...Hardback cover book with white Title (see above) and author text, KVERNDAL, Roald, on pink grey cover. pp 903, ills. Cover image depicts a masted galleon ship at anchor with interior lights at dusk or dawn flying from the stern of the ship is the blue BETHEL flag featuring a star and dove of peace in top and lwr corners respectively. xxviii, 903 p. : ill. ; 24 cmnon-fictionmerchant seamen, missions and charities, royal navy chaplains, missions-to-seamen, mission to seafarers, roald kverndal -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Painting, Madeline M.Ravenna Lewellin, Start Point Light, Devonshire, 1875
... at the Mission to Seamen on canteen and other duties.... at the Mission to Seamen on canteen and other duties. The donor ...This painting was inspired by an original painting by Wilhelm Melby held at the National Gallery of Victoria. Melby is a Danish artist (1824-1882). It depicts a famous Devonshire coastal region famous now for its lighthouse and the pick up point for the pilot when entering waters approaching Dartmouth. The sailing vessels pre-date the construction of the famous lighthouse. Over the centuries the view would have been familiar to many sailors as they left or approached the English mainland and south coast ports in the English Channel. Madeline Mary Ravenna Lewellin (1854 – 24 November 1944) was born in Victoria to Dr John Henry Hill Lewellin, a physician, and Grace Elizabeth (née Danneby). She was one of five daughters, and the family lived in Prahran. Lewellin's brother, Captain Herbert Gordon Hill Lewellin, was a commander in the P. and O. fleet (apprentice on the Romanoff, Lieutenant RNR on the HMS Arethusa in 1899, RMS Mongolia in 1913 sunk in 1917, Naldera in 1920). She studied painting at the National Gallery School in 1879 under Eugene von Guerard. She's also known for collecting and painting specimens, and became a member of the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria in 1885. In 1884 she won a silver medal for her studies of fungi. She collected plants for Australian botanist Ferdinand von Mueller, and the variety of Dicrastylis lewellinii (Purple sand-sage) is named after her. Miss Lewellin, who had a love of the sea and ships as subject matter is listed in 1910 as a donor as a 10/6 member donating to the motor launch fund and in 1918 as a working member of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild which involved regular volunteer shifts at the Mission to Seamen on canteen and other duties.The donor of this highly regarded painting at the Mission , Miss Madeline R. Lewellin (1854-1944), the artist of this version was actively painting in Victoria between 1877 and 1910, was a silver medallist for studies of fungi. She liaised with Von Mueller and studied under Eugene Von Guerard at the National Gallery, School of Painting in 1879. Her works are represented in the State Library Victoria and a silver medal awarded in 1884 is held by Museum Victoria. This painting represents a tangible link with one of the ladies who interfaced with the seafarers. She had a connection with the sea thanks to her brother, Captain Herbert Gordon Hill Lewellin, who was a commander of the RMS Mongolia during WWI, and became the commodore of the P.&O. Fleet.This oil painting has a dark polished wood and gold leaf slip. The painting depicts two masted boats. The choppy sea takes up the lower-third of the painting, and the other two-thirds of the image of made up of stormy grey clouds. A rocky cliff face can be seen on the right-hand side of the painting. A small church can be seen on the hillside. The ship on the left third of the painting sits on the horizon line of the sea. The centre ship with two masts appears to be leaning to the right and its deck is exposed to the viewer showing four men attempting to handle the masts and rigging. The left-hand ship with three masts is surrounded by two grey distant silhouetted mast ships. There are three seagulls at the upper left-centre of the image. There are another three gulls down on the lower-left of the image. Front: ENGRAVED PLAQUE: Start Point Light. Devonshire. SIGNATURE: After W. Melby / M.M.R Lewellin. 1875. Reverse: IN BLACK MARKER PEN: * Hang from two points * WHITE STICKER WITH CONSERVATOR DETAILS: Art Conservation Frames / 118 Bridport Street, Albert Park, VIC, 3206 / 9696 9066 / artconservationframers.com.aupainting, ships, mast, church, sea, storm, oil painting, seagulls, madeline r. lewellin, artwork-paintings, ngv, wilhelm melby, eugene von guerard, botanist, rms mongolia, captain herbert gordon hill lewellin (1862-1935), paddy lewellin -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Administrative record (item) - Minute Book, 1934
... Documents the minutes of the Victorian Seamen's Mission...Documents the minutes of the Victorian Seamen's Mission ...Documents the minutes of the Victorian Seamen's Mission from Wednesday 1st August 1934 to Wednesday 7th June 1939. The minutes are a record of all members of the Victorian Seafarers' Mission during this time, as well as a record of the decisions and accounts of the committee. The books also contains supporting documents, such as account records and a letter.This is a formal record of proceedings within the Victorian Seafarers' Mission between 1934 to 1939. Entries in the book make reference to events which took place at the Mission, individual members and other parties, such as the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild.A small white sticker on the spine: MINUTES / 1934-1939, handwritten in blue ink.book, minutes, 1934-1939, ladies-harbour-light-guild, victoria, seafarers-mission, minutes books -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Sepia, Anne Treverton Goldsmith (nee Lobb), Picnic at Glenfern, King's Birthday 1906, 9 November 1906
... with the Victoria Missions to Seamen a successful and pleasant outing...Small monochrome photograph depicting a group of seamen... with the Victoria Missions to Seamen a successful and pleasant outing ...Gathering of seafarers and MTS clergy and LHLG members, at Glenfern 1906. Mrs Mary Danne daughter of Reverend Kerr Johnston was a widow at the time and was renting Glenfern, the property once owned by the Boyd family, and started a private primary school she called Newington College. A member of the Mission's committee from 1905 to 1926 when she passed away, a bras plaque was made in her memory and placed in the chapel of the Flinders Street Mission. (see item 0690) In the Standard published on Saturday 17 November 1906, page 4 we could read: "In connection with the Victoria Missions to Seamen a successful and pleasant outing, was given to the sailors in port on King's Birth day. Mrs. Danne, of "Glenfern," St. Kilda, threw her house and grounds open tor sports and tea. Cricket, football and sports were enthusiastically pursued, and ample justice was done to the substantial tea provided by Mrs. Danne and her friends. The Misses Danne, Miss Godfrey and other ladies were untiring in their attentions. Mr. Axell, first officer of brig Fairy Rock, in a few appropriate words thanked Mrs. Danne and the ladies, on behalf of the sailors, for their kind hospitality. Snapshots of the party were taken by Mrs. Goldsmith. Mr. C A. Holmes and Mr. Cedric Campbell acted as stewards and starters for the races. On the invitation of the chaplain (Rev. A G. Goldsmith*) ringing cheers were given for Mrs. Danne and the ladies. Before the party broke up Mrs Danne addressed a few kind words to the men and gave them all a shake of the band at the gate. The rest of the evening was spent at the Institute, Beach street, where games and competitions were carried on to the accompaniment of vocal and instrumental music. The prizes won at the sports etc., were distributed, and after singing the National Anthem the party broke up."Thanks to the article in the Standard, Saturday 17 November 1906, page 4, we learn that some of the early sepia photographs were taken by Mrs Gurney Goldsmith herself.Small monochrome photograph depicting a group of seamen and ladies with the Mission's Flagstaff.1906, glenfern, st kilda east, picnic, lhlg, king's birthday, edward vii, mary alice isabelle danne nee johnston, 1851-1926, reverend kerr johnston, 1812-1887, boyd family, sailors, seamen, seafarers, bowler hat, cap, boater hat, snapshots, camera, photographer, sports, cricket, football, ethel augusta godfrey 1861-1935, mr axell, fairy rock, charles arthur holmes (-1947), mrs gurney goldsmith, anne treverton goldsmith (nee lobb), cedric campbell -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph, Herald, 29 June 1934
... Light Guild at the Seamen's Mission today. From right... at the Seamen's Mission today. From right, Archbishop Head, the Chaplain ...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 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Musical, Piano, Aucher Freres, circa 1880-1920
... was often found in a Missions to Seamen club room, where visiting.... A piano was often found in a Missions to Seamen club room, where ...This piano was made by Aucher Freres of Paris, said to be famous for its pianos in the mid-late 1800s. Aucher Freres (Aucher Brothers) produced a model of piano that was built specifically for use on sailing vessels, the upright yacht-style piano. Pianos were amongst the domestic goods brought to Australia by many colonial immigrants. They were also imported by Australian distributors by the shipload and sought after by settlers. A piano was often found in a Missions to Seamen club room, where visiting seafarers would entertain or be entertained by music and song as part of their relaxation in port. A sarcastically written news article of January 2nd 1869 reported that the Secretary of the Loyal Liberals of Ballarat, Mr Henry Bell, was presented both with a “illuminated address” and a piano. The piano was made by Aucher Freres of Paris and was purchased for sixty guineas (which converts to around $7,500 Au in 2019). The gift was criticised for encouraging foreign industry rather than native Australian products, thus going against what the Loyal Liberals own protectionist policy. The writer goes on to state that several pianos made in the Colony compared very favourably at the International Exhibition with those manufactured by the English or French. He then says that “… the secretary … might learn a lesson from his piano ... the name Aucher Freres, Paris emblazoned on its front should be … a perpetual reminder of the hollowness of that protectionist imposture …” [Refer to Intercolonial News, Victoria, originally published in The Argus, was repeated in the Wallaroo Times and Mining Journal of South Australia 2-1-1869.] Aucher Freres pianos were still around in 1930. A second-hand model was advertised for sale as a good practice piano. The advertisement was placed by the Mount Gambier, SA, agents for Saver’s Pianos Ltd of Adelaide. The piano was described as “a sound little instrument of good tone and appearance”. The asking price in November 1930 was 32 pounds and ten shillings (which converts to about $2,500 Au in 2019). [Refer to Savery’s advertisement, Mt Gambier Border Watch 11-11-1930]This piano is significant for its connection with the time period of chapel and club room at Flagstaff Hill's St Nicholas Seamen's Church. It represents the form of entertainment enjoyed by seafarer's world wide, which is appropriate for a maritime village. The maker of the piano is famous for its quality pianos of the 19th and early 20th century.Piano, upright, polished wood. The wooden hinged keyboard cover lifts up to allow access to the keyboard. The piano also has two brass candlesticks. The top of the piano is hinged and lifts up to allow access to the piano mechanic's inside for tuning and maintenance. The inside flap has a music stand incorporated into it. It also has the usual two hard-soft pedals at the base. There are two brass decorated hooks at each end to allow for ease of movement when the position of the piano is changed. Maker's name inscribed inside keyboard lid in gold lettering. Made in Paris by Aucher Freres (Aucher Brothers)."AUCHER FRERES / Paris" (NOTE: the "C" is sometimes mistaken for a "G")flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, piano, music, upright piano, paris, france, aucher freres -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Article - Newspaper Clipping, Seamen's Mission Workers And Departing Chaplain, 1929
... Shields Seamen's Mission, England, to work in Melbourne to replace...Newspaper Clipping Article Seamen's Mission Workers ...Reverend Howard Sinclair Bailey and his wife left the South Shields Seamen's Mission, England, to work in Melbourne to replace Reverend John Reginald Weller who had left in January 1929 to work as Superintendant in London. Reverend Bailey arrived in May 1929 on the ship Cathay. He had been working in South Shields for two years. During WWI, he was on active service with the Australian troops in Egypt and Palestine. The article was found loose in the fan album dating 1928.The article relates to one of the chaplains who have worked at the Melbourne Mission.Newspaper article with photographreverend howard sinclair bailey, south shields, england, 1929 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph, George Schutze, Ship Carnarvon Bay wrecked King Island 15 September 1910 - R.J.N Filkin apprentice, c. 1910
... " at the Mission when the seamen were present, interviewed..." at the Mission when the seamen were present, interviewed ...The ship Carnarvon Bay bound from Liverpool to Sydney with a general cargo struck rocks off Stokes Point on the coast of King Island on Thursday 15 September 1910. On the day the crew used two lifeboats but were separated. One of them with Captain W. Griffith and 17 men was rescued by the SS Taracoola and brought back to Melbourne. Apprentice, R.J.N Filkin was amongst them (his name is listed on the Argus article relating the event (Monday 19 September 1910). In the article called "Welcome Shelter" it seems it was the first sea voyage for the young Filkin. The other boat with 15 men was lost for several hours. There was no casualties but the 3000 ton cargo was lost. The seamen were received at the Sailors Home then welcomed at the Mission by Reverend Haire as shown on a photograph publish in the Punch (22 September 1910). Reverend Gurney Goldsmith was in England at the time. The crew was invited to an evening of entertainment organised by artist Violet Teague at the Masonic Hall on the 19th of September. According to the article "Welcome Shelter" she was painting the "tableaux" at the Mission when the seamen were present, interviewed by the journalist. This evening organised by the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild was planned to raise funds for the Mission.Sepia photograph depicting the ship Carnarvon Bay at sea with a written inscription in black ink.Ship Carnarvon Bay wrecked King Island 15 September 1910 - R.J.N Filkin apprenticeshipwreck, apprentice, king island, carnarvon bay, captain griffith, violet teague, masonic hall, ss taracoola, crews and ships -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Postcard - Port Melbourne series, Alison Kelly, 1991
... (outer) 5. Gatehouse Station Pier. 6. Seamen's Mission.... Gatehouse Station Pier. 6. Seamen's Mission building. 7. Abel Tasman ...Both photographers were concerned about heritage places soon to be demolished or altered. Printing of the postcards was paid for by Port Melbourne Council.From a set of nine colour postcards featuring heritage places on the Port waterfront. Images by Alison KELLY (nos 4-9) and James LAURITZ (nos 1-3) 1991 1. Aerial photo of Bay St. 2. Starch factory shell. 3. Sunset over Station Pier. 4. Beacon (outer) 5. Gatehouse Station Pier. 6. Seamen's Mission building. 7. Abel Tasman ferry. 8. Old Eastern kiosk. 9. Centenary Bridge stairway.piers and wharves - station pier, piers and wharves - princes pier, piers and wharves - lagoon pier, beacons, built environment, transport - ferries, missions to seamen, james lauritz, alison kelly, abel tasman -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Flyer, Annual Meeting, 1886
... September 1886, page 2 VICTORIAN SEAMEN'S MISSION... that the Victorian Mission to seamen, which started so long ago as 1857 ...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
Article, A Woman's Melbourne Letter
... , in connection with the mission to seamen in Melbourne could..., in connection with the mission to seamen in Melbourne could ...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 -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, “Yarram Park” Homestead in Willaura with Mr Kinsella hosting a visit by American Seamen c 1907
“Yarram Park” Willaura Visited by American Seamen. Gentleman is Mr William Jennings Kinsella. The Great White Fleet was the popular nickname for the group of United States Navy battleships which completed a journey around the globe from December 16, 1907 to February 22, 1909 by order of President Theodore Roosevelt. Its mission was to make friendly courtesy visits to numerous countries while displaying new U.S. naval power to the world. One goal was to deter a threatened war with Japan since tensions were high in 1907. It familiarized the 14,500 officers and men with the logistical and planning needs for extended fleet action far from home. Hulls were painted a stark white, giving the armada its nickname. It consisted of 16 battleships divided into two squadrons, along with various small escorts.[1][2] Roosevelt sought to demonstrate growing American military power and blue-water navy capability.willaura simmons