THE CHAPLAINCY Although fostered by the Anglican Church since 1906, the work of the Mission to Seafarers’ is inter- denominational and is not limited by the physical space of its buildings. When the old Melbourne wharves and their moorings were still in use, chaplains would also visit ships to look after the welfare of those who could not visit the Mission. Today, the Mission’s ‘Ship Visitors’ provide a similar service. The Flinders Street central complex was purpose built to meet with seafarers’ needs: “...the first thing a sailor would see before the traps and temptations of the city would be the Institute and its comfortable rooms.” (The Argus, ND). Today, the Mission continues to offer its comfortable, safe spaces and a friendly ear to seafarers, alongside other services that extend well beyond those traditionally offered - including TV, phone cards, and access to the internet. This window, titled ‘Light of the World’, was installed in 1935 in memory of a former ‘M.V. Manunda’ captain and represents chaplaincy support to the seafaring community.Reflections of the Sea was an exhibition of 10 framed montage of photographs from the mission's archive collection showcasing 10 stained glass windows from the St Peter chapel. This exhibition curated by Georgia Melville and Catherine McLay, and funded by PROV and Creative Victoria, was displayed in the World Trade Centre Wharf Gallery in June July 2013 and toured to Queenscliff Maritime Museum. The photographs of the windows were taken by scientific photographer Justine M. Philip. his frame is showcasing the memorial window to Captain Robert Sunter and a photograph of a chaplains conférence in the 1950s.Framed and mounted on black cardboard of black and white and colour reproductions from the MTSV collection for the exhibition Reflections of the Sea with brief label signageon label: Taken in the courtyard at Flinders Street in the early 1950s, this photo shows eighteen individuals, fifteen of whom are wearing white clerical collars, illutsrating the integral relationship between the Mission to Seafarers ministry and the Anglican Churchreflections of the sea, georgia melville, exhibition, 2013, world trade centre, wtc, captain robert sunter, chaplaincy, conference, mv manunda, creative victoria, prov, mission to seafarers, stained glass windows, justine m. philip, flinders street, catherine mclay, arthouse

THE HARBOUR LIGHTS GUILD The ‘Ladies Committee’ was formalised in 1906 to assist the chaplain with the social demands of the Mission, and was renamed the ‘Ladies Harbour Lights Guild’ the following year. According to former members, it operated with all proper decorum and with precise guidelines that restricted women from coming into contact with seafarers outside of Mission activities. With some 1,600 Victorian members during its early years, these volunteers gave their prayers, money, handiwork time and considerable energy in order to assist in providing for the welfare needs of visiting seafarers. The heritage chapel of St Peter, often referred to as the Mariners’ Chapel, features many examples of stained glass. Commemorating the service of Mercantile mariners, the funds to build the chapel were raised by the ladies of the Harbour Lights Guild. This window, titled ‘Faith’, was installed in 1933 to commemorate the devoted service of Miss Ethel Godfrey, a founding key member of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild.Reflections of the Sea was an exhibition of 10 framed montage of photographs from the mission's archive collection showcasing 10 stained glass windows from the St Peter chapel. This exhibition curated by Georgia Melville and Catherine McLay, and funded by PROV and Creative Victoria, was displayed in the World Trade Centre Wharf Gallery in June July 2013 and toured to Queenscliff Maritime Museum. The photographs of the windows were taken by scientific photographer Justine M. Philip. This frame is showcasing the memorial window to Ethel Godfrey, and two photographs of ladies from the Harbour Lights Guild.Framed and mounted on black cardboard of black and white and colour reproductions from the MTSV collection for the exhibition Reflections of the Sea with brief label signageon label: ABOVE: a member of the Harbour Lights Guild dancing with a Tongan man at a social event during the 1960s. BELOW: A group photo of the ladies of the Harbour Lights Guild in front of the stage at the Mission to Seafarers Victoriareflections of the sea, georgia melville, exhibition, 2013, world trade centre, wtc, ethel augusta godfrey 1861-1935, lhlg, harbour lights guild, ladies harbour lights guild, dance, creative victoria, prov, mission to seafarers, stained glass windows, justine m. philip, catherine mclay, arthouse

ENTERTAINMENT AND SOCIAL EVENTS The Ladies of the Harbour Lights Guild played a central role in everyday functions of the Mission to Seafarers. Concerts and social events were held nightly all the year round, as were special events on Cup Day, the King and Queen’s Birthdays, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Eve. Ladies of the Guild and other friends of the Mission contributed greatly to the organisation of such occasions, which provided great comfort to seafarers so far removed from home and their loved ones. As one seafarer remarked: “Ah miss, it is not so much the concerts and picnics that does us men so good, but that you ladies will come and talk to us”. This window, titled ‘Hope’, was installed in 1933 in memoriam of one of the founders and long- standing members of the Guild, Miss Alice Tracey, who passed away in 1932. She is remembered as a much- loved leader and key member of LHLG.Reflections of the Sea was an exhibition of 10 framed montage of photographs from the mission's archive collection showcasing 10 stained glass windows from the St Peter chapel. This exhibition curated by Georgia Melville and Catherine McLay, and funded by PROV and Creative Victoria, was displayed in the World Trade Centre Wharf Gallery in June July 2013 and toured to Queenscliff Maritime Museum. The photographs of the windows were taken by scientific photographer Justine M. Philip. This frame is showcasing the memorial window to Alice Sibthorpe Tracy, a photograph of ladies pin the kitchen in the Flinders Street building, and seamen dressed up during a picnic.Framed and mounted on black cardboard of black and white and colour reproductions from the MTSV collection for the exhibition Reflections of the Sea with brief label signageon label: ABOVE: Volunteers preparing meals for a social event, circa 1950s BELOW: Seafarers dressed for the "final heat"of the costume race at the 1926 Christmas Day picnicreflections of the sea, georgia melville, exhibition, 2013, world trade centre, wtc, creative victoria, prov, mission to seafarers, stained glass windows, justine m. philip, alice sibthorpe tracy, social events, kitchen, lhlg, picnic, fancy dress, seamen, sailors, catherine mclay, arthouse

FRIENDS OF THE MISSION The Mission has always relied heavily on the patronage of its volunteers and sponsors who are kind enough to donate much-needed funds, time and expertise. In its first year, the Mission had only 99 pounds to its name, 90 pounds of which was taken up by the chaplain’s salary! Today the Mission is overseen by a Board of Directors and is run by a dedicated team of employees and volunteers. Even though developments such as containerisation in the shipping industry have meant that the number of seafarers on each vessel and their time spent in port has been drastically reduced, the needs of seafarers are just as pressing today as they were when the Mission first began. This window, titled ‘Jesus in the House of Martha and Mary’, was installed in 1947 in memory of Karen Brady, a volunteer and friend of the Mission, dedicated to providing for the needs of seafarers. This window is symbolic of the continuation of such needs in modern times.ontextual or historic information Reflections of the Sea was an exhibition of 10 framed montage of photographs from the mission's archive collection showcasing 10 stained glass windows from the St Peter chapel. This exhibition curated by Georgia Melville and Catherine McLay, and funded by PROV and Creative Victoria, was displayed in the World Trade Centre Wharf Gallery in June July 2013 and toured to Queenscliff Maritime Museum. The photographs of the windows were taken by scientific photographer Justine M. Philip. This frame is showcasing the memorial window to member of the Guild, Karen Brady, who died during a black out hit by a car while she was on her way back home from the Mission, and two photographs of social activities organised for seafarers.Framed and mounted on black cardboard of black and white and colour reproductions from the MTSV collection for the exhibition Reflections of the Sea with brief label signageon label: ABOVE: Ladies handing out light refreshments to seafarers during an outang at the Melbourne Zoo in 1907 BELOW: A full house awaiting New Years Eve dinner followed by entertainment in 1927reflections of the sea, georgia melville, exhibition, 2013, world trade centre, wtc, creative victoria, prov, mission to seafarers, stained glass windows, justine m. philip, flinders street, karen brady, lhlg, picnic, social events, catherine mclay, arthouse

A KEY MELBOURNE LANDMARK Although primarily dedicated to providing for the welfare of visitors from abroad, the Mission has always been a community-based organisation, and its doors are always open to the general public. Today, the Flinders Street complex lends its ample space to a variety of community pursuits – including yoga classes, religious sermons and gallery exhibitions. The Mission also continues as a popular venue for weddings and other social events, mainly due to the endearing historical connections and unique architecture and ambience. It is a distinctive and significant feature of Melbourne’s riverside streetscape. This window, titled ‘Thou of Little Faith’ is part of a pair that were installed at around the time the Mission was built in 1917. It is dedicated to a prominent family member of the ‘Forges of Footscray’ store fame, who were great supporters of the Mission’s work.Reflections of the Sea was an exhibition of 10 framed montage of photographs from the mission's archive collection showcasing 10 stained glass windows from the St Peter chapel. This exhibition curated by Georgia Melville and Catherine McLay, and funded by PROV and Creative Victoria, was displayed in the World Trade Centre Wharf Gallery in June July 2013 and toured to Queenscliff Maritime Museum. The photographs of the windows were taken by scientific photographer Justine M. Philip. This frame is showcasing the window in memry of James Leslie Forge, a photograph during a service in the chapel and a wedding photograph.Framed and mounted on black cardboard of black and white and colour reproductions from the MTSV collection for the exhibition Reflections of the Sea with brief label signageon label: ABOVE RIGHT: Sunday services in St Peter the Mariner's chapel, attended by seafarers and the public, circa 1950s BELOW RIGHT: Mr and Mrs Lee under the arches after their wedding at the Mission on May 1st, 1967reflections of the sea, georgia melville, exhibition, 2013, world trade centre, wtc, creative victoria, prov, mission to seafarers, stained glass windows, justine m. philip, flinders street, james leslie forge, weddings, service, chapel of saint peter, catherine mclay, arthouse

THE SEAS IN WARTIME During WWII, as many as 27,000 men of the merchant and the King’s navy perished during active service. Dedicated to seafarers’ wellbeing, the Mission’s spiritual roots also make it a place for reflection on the loss of human life at sea. The Mission to Seafarers’ ministry offers its support in hundreds of seaports around the world, and has played an important role in supporting those who have lost friends and family at sea during wartime. Many of the stained glass windows in the chapel are dedicated to these people, and represent many close maritime community relationships. This window was installed in 1947 in recognition of the heroism and courage of those who have served in the Merchant Navy, and in particular to those who lost their lives aboard the armed merchant cruiser, ‘Jervis Bay’. This vessel was attacked by an enemy packet battleship whilst leading an escort from Nova Scotia to the UK in 1940.Reflections of the Sea was an exhibition of 10 framed montage of photographs from the mission's archive collection showcasing 10 stained glass windows from the St Peter chapel. This exhibition curated by Georgia Melville and Catherine McLay, and funded by PROV and Creative Victoria, was displayed in the World Trade Centre Wharf Gallery in June July 2013 and toured to Queenscliff Maritime Museum. The photographs of the windows were taken by scientific photographer Justine M. Philip. This frame is showcasing the memorial window to the Jervis Bay crew, a group photograph of the seamen from the SS Siltonhall and a group photograph of seamenFramed and mounted on black cardboard of black and white and colour reproductions from the MTSV collection for the exhibition Reflections of the Sea with brief label signageon label: ABOVE: VThe crew of the SS Siltonhall found refuge at the Mission in October, 1929, after their ship had caught fire and was abandoned in the Indian Ocean BELOW: A group of seafarers enjoying refreshments at the docks provided by volunteers from the Missionreflections of the sea, georgia melville, exhibition, 2013, world trade centre, wtc, hms jervis bay, ss siltonhall, siltonhall, ww2, creative victoria, prov, mission to seafarers, stained glass windows, justine m. philip, flinders street, catherine mclay, arthouse

MIGRATION Travel is a luxury for most people, and although seafarers undoubtedly face hardships as part of their profession, they are also able to experience parts of the broader world than that of friends and family at home. The stories and experiences of seafarers - together with the work of the Mission to Seafarers ministry - contribute to the archive of ongoing global links and narratives of world trade and migration. As an example of this, in 1917 alone the Mission directed almost 6,000 letters written by visiting seafarers home to their families abroad, and received almost 3,000 letters in return. After experiencing Melbourne through the Mission, many seafarers later chose to make the city and Australia their home, and some chose to marry their partners at the Mission’s chapel. This pair of windows, titled ‘Baptism’ and ‘Holy Spirit’, was installed during 1933 and represents the integral links between seafaring and the world.Reflections of the Sea was an exhibition of 10 framed montage of photographs from the mission's archive collection showcasing 10 stained glass windows from the St Peter chapel. This exhibition curated by Georgia Melville and Catherine McLay, and funded by PROV and Creative Victoria, was displayed in the World Trade Centre Wharf Gallery in June July 2013 and toured to Queenscliff Maritime Museum. The photographs of the windows were taken by scientific photographer Justine M. Philip. This frame is showcasing the lancet windows in the baptistry ad a photograph of the Eiffel Tower taken by Allan Charles Quinn during one of his voyages.Framed and mounted on black cardboard of black and white and colour reproductions from the MTSV collection for the exhibition Reflections of the Sea with brief label signageon label: A snapshot of the Eiffel Tower with Australian seafarer Allan Charles Quinn in the foreground, taken during a voyage to France in 1956reflections of the sea, georgia melville, exhibition, 2013, world trade centre, wtc, creative victoria, prov, mission to seafarers, stained glass windows, justine m. philip, flinders street, allan charles quinn, eiffel tower, france, travel, migration, baptistry, paris, catherine mclay, arthouse

Photograph (screenshot) downloaded from a movie uploaded on YouTube depicting the back of the Siddeley Street Institute built oin 1906. The movie was filmed in 1940: "Old 16mm vacation films were discovered at a garage sale in San Jose, California by Tim Peddy and digitally converted courtesy of The California Pioneers of Santa Clara County. The unknown photographer traveled throughout 1940's Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. All Rights Reserved." Tom Smith spotted the building while watching the movie on YouTube and sent us the screenprint.The shot demonstrates the building was still standing at the time. and also shows the back of the building.Shot from Australian Wharf showing the first Central Institute build on Siddeley Street in 1906.siddeley street institute, australian wharf, 1940

The earliest example of this newsletter published two to three times per year issued by the Mission to Seamen and LHLG. The Mission holds a photograph of this publication being packed in calico by the members of the 'Ladies Harbour Lights Guild' for distribution to branches and supporters.Published for some 30 years by the Victorian Missions to Seamen issued to supporters the series contributes to the history of the organisation. It is a key cross reference supplying many details and dates of Chaplain and LHLG activities in both Melbourne, Port Phillip and other States where Missions were gradually established and information not able to be included in Annual Reports. It is also a source of images.newsletter, victorian seamen's mission, melbourne misson to seamen, jottings from our log, lhlg, rope, flying angel, seagull, advertising, port melbourne, williamstown, sailors' home, australian wharf, seamen's institute, sailors' rest, services, concerts, events, socials, deaths, captain press, w.h.c. darvall, motor boat, geelong, boat builder, manx king, glenlui, dovenby, marion woodside, ainsdale, robert reid, bagatelle board, billiard table, sir wilmot fawkes, lady fawkes, book bags, woolies, michaelmas, 1906, quarterly, ladies harbour lights guild, captain strickland

Reflections of the Sea was an exhibition of 10 framed montage of photographs from the mission's archive collection showcasing 10 stained glass windows from the St Peter chapel. This exhibition curated by Georgia Melville and Catherine McLay, and funded by PROV and Creative Victoria, was displayed in the World Trade Centre Wharf Gallery in June-July 2013 and toured to Queenscliff Maritime Museum. The photographs of the windows were taken by scientific photographer Justine M. Philip.For over 150 years the Mission to Seafarers in Victoria has continued to meet the welfare needs of seafarers who arrive on Australian shores from around the world. This exhibition presents a selection of stained glass windows and historical photographs from the Mission, to capture a glimpse of some of the people and scenes integrale to this relationship.Cream colour, medium size poster on foamboard with title of the exhibition, a quote by Walt Whitman, an illustration, a quote by Kverndal, statement, ackowledgement and sponsorsreflections of the sea, georgia melville, exhibition, 2013, world trade centre, wtc, justine m. philip, mission to seafarers, flinders street, creative victoria, prov, stained glass windows, arthouse, catherine mclay

Reflections of the Sea was an exhibition of 10 framed montage of photographs from the mission's archive collection showcasing 10 stained glass windows from the St Peter chapel. This exhibition curated by Georgia Melville and Catherine McLay, and funded by PROV and Creative Victoria, was displayed in the World Trade Centre Wharf Gallery in June-July 2013 (opening night 17 June 2013) and toured to Queenscliff Maritime Museum. The photographs of the windows were taken by scientific photographer Justine M. Philip.For over 150 years the Mission to Seafarers in Victoria has continued to meet the welfare needs of seafarers who arrive on Australian shores from around the world. This exhibition presents a selection of stained glass windows and historical photographs from the Mission, to capture a glimpse of some of the people and scenes integrale to this relationship.Cream colour double sided flyer with title of the exhibition, a quote by Walt Whitman, at the back: statement, date and location of the opening exhibition and sponsorsreflections of the sea, georgia melville, exhibition, 2013, world trade centre, wtc, justine m. philip, mission to seafarers, flinders street, creative victoria, prov, stained glass windows, arthouse, catherine mclay

Reflections of the Sea was an exhibition of 10 framed montage of photographs from the mission's archive collection showcasing 10 stained glass windows from the St Peter chapel. This exhibition curated by Georgia Melville and Catherine McLay, and funded by PROV and Creative Victoria, was displayed in the World Trade Centre Wharf Gallery in June-July 2013 (opening night 17 June 2013) and toured to Queenscliff Maritime Museum. The photographs of the windows were taken by scientific photographer Justine M. Philip. The high tea held on 29 June 2013 was an opportunity to visit the exhibition.For over 150 years the Mission to Seafarers in Victoria has continued to meet the welfare needs of seafarers who arrive on Australian shores from around the world. This exhibition presents a selection of stained glass windows and historical photographs from the Mission, to capture a glimpse of some of the people and scenes integrale to this relationship.Slightly pink cream colour flyer An invitation to enjoy an afternoon of high tea and heritage at the Memorial Chapel of St Peter / 2pm-4pm-Saturday 29 June 2013reflections of the sea, georgia melville, exhibition, 2013, world trade centre, wtc, justine m. philip, mission to seafarers, flinders street, creative victoria, prov, stained glass windows, arthouse, catherine mclay

This table along with the set of six original dining chairs (2 armchairs + 4 chairs) was originally used in the dining room of the Manse, the chaplains' residence. Upon completion of the Institute building in 1917, the Goldsmiths moved in after living for many uncomplaining years in a flat on Australia Wharf, which had “many disadvantages and discomforts”. It was photographed in the Manse dining room by the reverend or Mrs Weller c. 1926.It is not known when the dining suite was purchased or gifted. But they are likely originating from Europe. Reverend Weller photographed the dining suite during his stay between 1926-1929.Extandable rectangular dining tabledining, manse, heritage listed, arts and crafts, dining suite

This sideboard was originally used in the dining room of the Manse, the chaplains' residence. Upon completion of the Institute building in 1917, the Goldsmiths moved in after living for many uncomplaining years in a flat on Australia Wharf, which had “many disadvantages and discomforts”. The stamps in the drawer indicate the furniture was manufactured by H.F Fischer (Heinrich Friedrich Fischer). His store is mentioned in many advertisings as manufacturer and seller of furniture and was located at the 322 City Road address between 1909 and 1912 and is listed in the Sands & McDougall's in 1910. From 1913 his address changed to 308-310 City Road. The ‘European labour only’ stamp was a legal requirement in Victoria where it was set out in the Factories and Shops Act of 1896. Its purpose was to distinguish between furniture made in Victoria by Chinese workers and that made by Europeans, meaning Australians of European origin. To distinguish them, the European stamp was square or rectangular, the Chinese stamp was trianguler.It is not known when they were purchased or gifted and by whom. The facture is of quality, as indicated by the tenon and mortise joints of the drawers. The Wellers photographed the dining suite during his stay betwenn 1926-1929 (see item 1568).Wooden Oakwood Arts and Crafts sideboard 2 rectangular Stamps in purple ink in the drawer: " Manufactured by / H.F. Fischer/ 322 City Road / European Labour Only"manse, heritage listed, sideboard, arts and crafts, english, h.f. fischer, european labour, heinrish friedrich fischer, cabinetmaker

The console was originally used in the dining room of the Manse, the chaplains' residence. Upon completion of the Institute building in 1917, the Goldsmiths moved in after living for many uncomplaining years in a flat on Australia Wharf, which had “many disadvantages and discomforts”. It was photographed in the Manse dining room by the reverend or Mrs Weller c. 1926. In the same style as the other oak sideboard, we can assume it was made by the same maker, H.F. Fischer around the same time.It is not known when they were purchased or gifted. But they are likely originating from Europe. Reverend Weller photographed the dining suite during his stay betwenn 1926-1929 (see item 1568).Wooden oakwood dining chairs with two heart-shaped carvings on the backrest. Two of the chairs have armrests. Eucalyptus green leather cushion seats. Canvas webbing underneath. Set of 6 original chairs used in the Manse. manse, dining suit, sideboard, arts and crafts, english, h.f. fischer

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, a large number of seamen were from Scandinavia. The Mission adapted by translating its flyers in different languages and ladies from the Harbour Lights Guild would even learn langages to be able to talk to seamen.Printed in blue program of events in Norwegian on cream colour paper.Written in black ink: corrections of mistakes made social events, norwegian, thompson street, williamstown, port melbourne, seafarers welfare, australian wharf

The photograph on the front of the postcard depicts a game of billiards being played in the Billiard Room of the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. The Flinders Street extension building opened for use in 1917 after relocating from Australia Wharf. The billiard pool was likely made by the Alcock company.The scene on the postcard shows the typical use of the Billiard Room at the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne as well as what is presumably the original layout of the room and gives an insight into men's fashion of the time.Sepia toned postcard with photograph of a man in shirt sleeves taking a shot on the billiard table with a second man standing to the left and rear wearing a hat and watching the shot. There are two seated men to the right of the photograph. The man on the left is wearing a suit including hat, the man on the right is wearing a cap and sitting with his arms crossed. There are three pendant lights above the billiard table and bench seating in front of the window.Printed on the bottom of the front of the postcard: "IN THE BILLIARD ROOM. SEAMEN'S MISSION. MELBOURNE, VICTORIA. REAL PHOTO SERIES M.826" Printer's logo on rear of postcard: "VALENTINES/REAL PHOTO SERIES POSTCARD" Printed sideways on left hand rear of postcard: "Published by the Valentine & Sons Publishing Co. Ltd/Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane" Printed in right hand corner rear of postcard: "BRANCHES/SYDNEY/LONDON/DUNDEE/DUBLIN/CAPETOWN/MONTREAL/TORONTO" postcard, windows, floorboards, valentine-and-sons-publishing-co-ltd, billiard room, pool table, billiard table, billiard cue, seamen's mission, mission to seafarers, melbourne, flinders street, bench seat, pendant lighting, bentwood chairs, coat rack, valentines postcards, real series postcards, real photo series, m.826, vienna chairs

The Siddeley Street institute, designed by renown architect Walter Butler was built in 1907. The foundation stone was laid in February 1907 by Lord Northcote and the institute was opened in December the same year.The Siddeley Street Seamen's Institute is the first central structure to be built in central Melbourne on the banks of the Yarra River as the shipping was moving from Hobson's Bay to the city centre. Originally planned and budgeted for in the mid 1880s and petitioned by Ships masters in 1897 this was a long awaited project for the Mission.Sepia toned photograph depicting the Siddeley Street facility under construction. There are two women dressed in white wearing picture hats and carrying either cloaks or coats to the right of the photograph and a group of five men standing in a row beside them. They are all standing in front of the entranceway with arched windows to either side all of which is covered in scaffolding.Pencil mark on reverse of photograph: "2"siddeley street institute, australian-wharf, 1907, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), seamen's institute, seamen's mission, ladies, lhlg, officers, seamen, sailors, seafarers, mission to seafarers, scaffolding, anne treverton goldsmith (nee lobb

This document reveals the way in which Mission to Seafarers grew in response to demand. With increased shipping to Australia for all purposes, the need for the then existing Mission to grow to be conveniently located and to accommodate seafarers became increasingly evident. This document also shows the formal nature of documents and petitions in the 1890s and documents the names of twenty-two contemporaneous ships and their respective captains. The Anna, Dharwar and Mermerus arrived in port at the end of July 1897. The Carmanina arrived on the 21 October 1897. The Loch Katrine, at the end of the list, arrived on 5 November 1897. The letter was published in the Argus, 22 December 1897: "APPEAL FOR SEAMEN. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS. Sir, I beg that in the interests of the Victorian Seamen's Mission you will be kind enough to publish the appended testimony of the ship masters who for many years have been trading to this port, and therefore have had many opportunities of judging the effects of his work. The mission has much need of monetary assistance, and, should any of your numenous leaders deem it worthy of support, the committee would feel most grateful for any help that may be given in this direction. It has been the pleasure of the committee as far as possible to supply the crews of all outward bound steamers and sailing vessels with literature for their use on the voyage. My former appeals through your columns for leading matter have always been liberally responded to, and I trust that should any of our booksellers have any surplus stock of periodicals, religious and secular, illustrated or otherwise, at the end of the year, they will kindly remember the Victorian Seamen's Mission and the sailors. Private individuals also who may have stacks of literature by them, if they would kindly send some to the Seamen's Institute, Beach street, Port Melbourne, would cause the cheering of many a dark and lonely hour in the seamen's life. From 900 to 1.200 parcels have hitherto been given to the sailors and firemen annually by this mission, and we should be extremely grateful to those who would place us in a position to continue such donations in the future. Yours, &c. , E. JAMES, Chaplain to the Mission. Seamen's Institute, Beach street, Port Melbourne, Dec. 10." -------------------------------------------------- "To the Executive Committee of the Victorian Seamen's Mission, Melbourne. "Ladies and Gentleman, "We, the undersigned captains of several ships now lying at the Melbourne wharves think it most desirable that the Victorian Seamen's Mission, being the mission that has for so many years shown a most part their interest in the spiritual, moral, and social well-being of the seamen of all nationalities, shall him on the banks of the Yarra an institute such as that at Port Melbourne, where sailors of every grade could profitably and pleasantly spend their evenings. At almost every other seaport in the world such institutions are being provided for seamen, and we are satisfied from our opinion of the Melbourne public that the matter needs only to be prominently brought under their notice to be accomplished. We are confident that the good work of the mission is being hampered by its not having such a place near the shipping at the Melbourne wharves. Our crews are at present placed at a great dis advantage through not having an institute more convenient to the scene of their labours than that at Port Melbourne, which, on a very wet or a very hot, is not easily reached. If a site could be obtained immediately above the Gasworks but on the other side of Flinders street extension, that is to say, on the lower part of the land on which the Harbour Trust offices are built, it would be most convenient for the shipping on both the north and south side of the river. Trusting that it may be possible to do some thing to meet this long felt want, We suscribe ourselves, Yours respectfully, Geo.H Steven, master ship Dharwar; Thos. Curd, master ship Narcissus; James Horne, master ship Loch Garry; T.Tait, master ship Loch Ryan; T. Nilsen, master ship Hebe; G. Ch Christian, master ship Anna; R.E. Peasley, master ship Seminole; Wm. Martin, master ship Loch Ness; T.C. Martin, master ship Loch Tay; W.H. Bennett, master ship Loch Vennachar; J. Raglan Brodie, master s.s. Warrnambool; James E. Coles, master ship Mermerus; J. H. Walker, master ship Hinemoa; R.J. Johns, master ship Ariel; D. Gorchem (sic. Gerckens), master ship Matador; H. Petersen, master ship Nesaia; Wm. J. Reid, master s.s. Star of New Zealand; A. F. Svhanstrom, master ship Hermes; Alex. Smith, master ship Sophocles; W. Y. Bunn, master ship Carmanian; William Anderson, master ship Loch Katrine."This petition is historically significant as it is documentary evidence of the need for a new facility for seafarers signed and presented by the captains of 21 ships, including several of the sister ships of the Loch Ard. The need for a new facility was a result of changes in shipping and the use of the Melbourne ports in the 1890's and this document supported the pressure on the Harbour offices to finally release land for an appropriate building in the early 20th C.Mounted hand-written petition to the Executive Committee of the Victorian Seaman's Mission Melbourne. The letter petitions the Executive Committee to create a facility on the wharves, "where sailors of every grade could profitably and pleasantly spend their evenings." This portion of the letter takes up three quarters of the document. The remainder has two lists, one of twelve captain's signatures and the other of the names of their ships. The list is continued on the reverse side with an additional nine signatures and corresponding ship names.In cursive handwriting: To The Executive Committee of the Victorian Seamans Mission', / Melbourne / Ladies and Gentlemen / we the undersigned captains....... We subscribe / ourselves respectfully, Captain signatures and names of ships ( NB Ship names in upper case for this entry ): Geo H. Stevens - DHARWAR / Thomas Curd - NARCISSUS; / James Horn - LOCH GARRY / T.Tait - LOCH RYAN ; / T.NIlsen - Hebe ; / G.C. Christians - ANNA ;/ R E Peasley - SEMIOLE ; / William Martin - LOCH NESS ; / T C Martin - LOCH TAY;/ W H Bennett - LOCH VENNUACHAR; / RJ Raglan Brodie - SS WARRNAMBOOL; ; / James E. Coles - MERMERUS; / ( signatures continue overleaf) J H Walker - HINEMORA ; / R J Johns - ARIEL; / D Gorchem - MATADOR; / H Petersen - NESAIA;/ William J Reid - STAR of N. ZELAND [sic] ; / TJ Sohanstrom - HERMES;/ Alex Smith - SOPHOCLES; / W Y Bunn - CARMANIAN;./ William Anderson - LOCH KATRINE;/ Handwritten in red ink on the front of the parchment: "8182" NB The second digit in the number sequence appears to have been written over and could also be a "9", an "8" or a "3". paper Watermark "HERCULES". Prior to conservation and taped to the glass on the reverse side of the parchment was a small piece of paper reading: "Letter written in 1897 and signed between the last week of October and the first week of November." T and C probably stands for Trade and Customs and 8382 is the file no." (H8.4 x W11.8)victoria, melbourne, ships, petition, australia-wharf, captains, signatures, 717-flinders-street-docklands, maritime welfare services, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, mermerus, captain coles, sir john coode, loch line, loch ness, loch gary, loch ryan, ss warrnambool, loch tay, loch vennachar, matador, nesaia, d. gerckens, h. petersen, a.f. svhanstrom, hermes, ariel, loch katrine, william anderson, dharwar, narcissus, hebe, anna, hinemoa, sophocles, carmanian, captains' petition

This organ was gifted by the Bethel Community in 1890 to the then Victorian Seamen's Mission, originally founded by the Bethel Union in 1857. The gift was intended to assist with worship. Despite all appearance, this organ is not a pipe organ but a reed organ that works in a similar manner to an accordion. In May 1890, the sum of seventy pounds was put towards the purchase of the organ. The sum being raised via subscriptions. The organ was inaugurated in September 1890. Jabez Carnegie (1832-1892), importer of piano and organs in Melbourne, had made a trip to Europe and Canada in 1887 and had secured the agency of Bell organs. W. Bell & Co were a Canadian organ and piano manufacturer, considered the premier organ manufacturer of the time. W Bell & Co changed its name to Bell Organ and Piano Co in 1888 meaning this organ had to be manufactured prior to the name change. The organ was first used in the mission main room from 1890 to 1915 when the St Nicholas chapel was built at the back (see item 0548. It was transfered to the new Port Melbourne mission in 1937 (link on postcard from State Library Victoria). In 1972, it was transferred to the Holy Trinity Church in Bay Street after the closure of the Mission In the late 1980s during a National Trust campaign to save the building, the organ was sold by the Anglican Men's Society to the Trust's organ committee, who carried out some restoration work and returned it to the former Missions to Seamen chapel. In 1991 the Office of Major Projects had control of the whole 'Bayside' development site. With the Mission to Seamen Building emptied and proposed for demolition, the Office of Major Projects removed the organ and placed it in storage in various locations - finally, in the Museum of Victoria store in Abbotsford. In 1995-6, enquiries by Jim Hillis resulted in the return of the organ to the control of the Port Melbourne HIstorical & Preservation Society. As the Society had no suitable location for the organ, several churches and schools in Port Melbourne were approached to take the organ with no results. The nearby suburbs were suggested next. Finally the Melbourne Maritime Museum (Polly Woodside) was approached and agreed to place it in their Museum on a long term loan. In 1997 it was on display in no 5 shed South Wharf (23/3/1997). In 2006, the Polly Woodside South Wharf site was to be re-developed, and they could no longer retain the organ. Accordingly, on 4 May 2006, the organ was transferred to the Mission To Seafarers building in Flinders Street Extension as an indefinite loan (refer OL 022) The PMHPS deaccessioned it to finally transfered it in 2018 to MTSV.(See also acquisition details re 21st C finalisation of acquisition) This organ is a tangible reminder of the longevity of the Mission to Seafarers, a link with the original Bethel Union which was instrumental in 1856 calling a public meeting and inviting subscriptions by various non-conformist churches to found a mission to Seamen. Rev Kerr-Johnson delivered the first service in 1857 aboard the Emily. The Mission to Seafarers has been in operation ever since and continues to operate to the same purpose today.Large reed organ that looks like a pipe organ with fifteen elaborately painted pipes bearing a floral motif. The body of the organ is elaborately decorated in carved wood. It has 17 knobs above the keyboard both which can be concealed when the keyboard cover is lowered. There are two foot pedals at the bottom of the organ with "Mouse Proof Pedals" cast into the framing iron. list of stop names: Viola 4Ft Diapason 8Ft Dolce 4Ft Violetta 2Ft Sub Bass 16 Ft Octave Coupler Vox Humana Forte Picciolo 2Ft Hautboy 8Ft Aeoline 8Ft Cremona 16Ft E---bone 16Ft Echo 8Ft Celeste 8Ft Melodia 8Ft Flute 4FtMaker's mark in gold lettering above keyboard: W. Bell & Co Brass plaque on front board: Presented to/The Victorian Seamen's Mission/by/Congregation worshipping in Bethel/& friends./1st September 1890 Behind the stops a wooden plaque: J. CARNEGIE & SONS, SOLE AGENTS FOR VICTORIA MELBOURNE organ, worship, bethel, pipes, reed, bethel union, pipe top, jabez carnegie, w. bell & co, port melbourne, mission to seafarers, seamens' mission, mission to seamen, guelph, ontario, canada, pmhps, polly woodside, harmonium, reed organ

This postcard depicts the urban setting of the Mission to Seafarers a few years after its construction. (the Dome, the last part erected, was opened on 21 October 1921). It demonstrates a lack of urban surrounds or buildings as well as a paved road and a horse-drawn wagon. The figure in the photo is also a record of the dress style of the era. The lady is most likely a member of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild.This postcard demonstrates that the building was deemed important enough to be photographed for a postcard. It is a record of what the Mission to Seafarers looked like two years after its construction, and its urban surrounding.Sepia postcard of the Mission to Seafarers building complex and surrounding streets. The postcard depicts a wagon and a woman walking by the complex wearing a black dress and coat and black hat and holding an umbrella. Front: THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN INSTITUTE, MELBOURNE VICTORIA REAL PHOTO SERIES.M.1696 Reverse: PUBLISHED BY THE VALENTINE & SONS PUBLISHING CO.LTD / MELBOURNE SYDNEY & BRISBANE. Contains logo of VALENTINES REAL PHOTO SERIES POSTCARD. Stamp logo lists: BRANCHES / SYDNEY / LONDON / DUNDEE / DUBLIN / CAPETOWN / MONTREAL / TORONTO Handwritten in blue: 1919mission to seafarers, melbourne, mission to seamen, seamen's mission, norla dome, flag, flying angel, lady, horse cart, umbrella, flinders street extension, ships, australian wharf, valentine's postcards, real photo series postcards, st peter chapel, lhlg, architecture, walter richmond butler

Issued by the Maritime Union of Australia, in support of the wharf workers locked out by Patrick corporation, with the support of the Federal government of the time.Bumper sticker, adhesive on backing material, printed in blue on whitemaritime union of australia, australian waterfront dispute

Commissioned by State Bank to produce 5 copper bas-reliefs for 73 Percy Street, Portland. Spoke with Miss Betty Vivian (Member of the Portland Historical Society) re Portland's history. Commonwealth Bank stored objects in Melbourne (c.1991). Negotiations between Portland Historical Society and Commonwealth Bank of Australia led to gift of works to People of Portland. Stored at Council depot c.1998, retrieved for Maritime Discovery Centre display.Copper bas-relief. Depicting of port with 14 large silos and a large domed shed in background. On horizon line is a wharf with a ship berthed. In foreground left is a pier stump with wood nailed to it, and leaning on it is a large anchor with a rope tied to it. In foreground left is a beach area, diminishing rapidly toward port in background.Front: (no inscriptions) Back: (unknown)sculpture, bas-relief, copper, port of portland, portland harbour

Hospital boat Indiana at wharf in Egypt 1917. Taken by Private Samuel Rich in 1917. Other photographs taken by Samuel Rich during WWI are available at items 3973-3987.Digital copy of black and white photographsamuel rich, world war 1, egypt

1916 WW1 Troopship leaving Melbournecrowd on the wharf indicate the significance of such events black and white postcardOn Reverse: Postcard by J.E. Barnes. Photo. Kew. Phone 1966 Hawthorn transport. convoys

This book of poetry by E. J. Brady was originally published by the Bulletin Newspaper Company (Sydney) in 1899,Later it was reprinted by Thomas C. Lothian (Melbourne) in 1909, and by the Standard Publishing Company (Melbourne) in 1913.] E. J. Brady was an Australian poet. He was born at Carcoar, New South Wales, and was educated both in the United States and Sydney. He worked as a wharf clerk, a farmer, and journalist, and edited both rural and city newspapers This book is culturally important as Edwin James Brady represented the Bulletin school of the 1890s. The Bulletin was very popular with rural bush workers and selectors and became known as ‘the bushman’s bible’. It encouraged contributions of poetry, short stories and cartoons from its readerswho included miners, shearers and timber-workers from all over Australia. Some of this content was high quality and many of Australia’s important writers had their start with The Bulletin which became know as the ‘Bulletin School’ of literature.A small 155 pp fabric covered brown book with a very faded picture of a boat sailing toward a sunset on the front cover.poetry literature brady-edwin-james the-ways-of-the-waters

This is one of two cast brass nameplates of James & Alexander Brown in our collection. The Newcastle, NSW, firm was renowned for its coal mining and exporting business established in colonial Australia in 1843. The firm had an office in Melbourne and sold coal for commercial use and from the Wharf for the domestic market. The coal was then distributed along the southwest coast of Victoria in steamships or steam packets and into the regional areas of Victoria by cart and wagon. In 1890 there was a strike of coal workers but the Geelong Advertiser, September 1, 1890, announced that “a firm of coal merchants only recently received some large cargoes from Newcastle”. This supply of coal could have originated at the colliery of James & Alexander Brown. About James & Alexander Brown: - James (1816-1894), John (1823-1846) and Alexander Brown (1827-1877) migrated with their parents from Scotland to Sydney, Australia, in 1842. The next year James leased land and was assisted by his brothers Alexander and John in mining coal in the area near Maitland. The market was very competitive, with the government controlling prices. James was instrumental in a legal battle that resulted in the introduction of open competition for coal mining. James and Alexander had become business partners by 1852 and moved south of Newcastle where they established and worked a profitable mining enterprise. Their assets by 1857 included a ships’ chandlery, a fleet of steamships and an overseas trading business. They were the first firm to import rum, sugar and coffee into Newcastle. By 1892 they were exporting coal to New Zealand, China, North America, and various colonial ports. They had elaborate workshops to service their own steam engines and steamships. They were the first to use a steam collier vessel in Australian waters and they set up the second tug boat in Newcastle, the beginning of being owners of many more tug boats and performing a towing business. By 1868 James & Alexander Brown was the largest coal producer in the colony. James focused on managing the colliery and Alexander on overseas trade. It was estimated that the firm had produced over eight per cent of coal in New South Wales by 1914. James & Alexander Brown advertised in the Melbourne Herald in the early 1900s and kept an office at Queen Street, Melbourne as well as at the Wharf, stating their telephone numbers for both places. The coal was available for ‘Immediate Delivery’ for household and industrial purposes. The advertising claimed that their Pelaw Main coal was the famous household coal that met the highest test in Australia and burned bright and clean. Domestic customers could purchase the coal at the wharf or pay for delivery. Commercial customers could load their purchases into their steamships or wagons for further distribution into regional Victoria. After James’s death in 1894 his son John managed the firm, which was also known as J & A Brown. John passed away in 1930 and his sons took over. In 1931 the firm amalgamated with Abermain Seaham and the new name was J & A Brown & Abermain Seaham Collieries Ltd. commonly abbreviated to JABAS, which merged with Caledonian Collieries Ltd in 1960 and Coal & Allied Industries Ltd. was formed. The pair of nameplates is significant for its connection with the firm James & Alexander Brown. The firm was established in 1845 and became one of the largest collieries in colonial Australia. It was involved in trading within Australia and overseas. James was involved in the introduction of open competition for coal mining prices. They were the first to use a steam colliery in Australian waters and the first to import goods such as rum, sugar and coffee into New South Wales. The firm had a Melbourne office in the early 1900s, selling and distributing coal throughout Victoria, which likely included the Port of Warrnambool, which opened in 1890. The nameplates are likely to have originated from the Melbourne location.Brass Entrance Name Plate, one of a pair. Eight holes are formed through the plate; one in each corner, and four more holes are within the inscription area. The cast plate has three rows of text with the company’s name and type of business. The plate was owned by James & Alex. Brown. "JAMES & ALEXR. BROWN / COLLIERY PROPRIETORS / & STEAMSHIP OWNERS"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, nameplate, james & alexander brown, j & a brown, james & alexr brown, colliery proprietors, steamship owners, ship chandlers, coal mine, coal export, australian import, australian export, newcastle, colliers, coastal trade, steamships

This is one of two cast brass nameplates of James & Alexander Brown in our collection. The Newcastle, NSW, firm was renowned for its coal mining and exporting business established in colonial Australia in 1843. The firm had an office in Melbourne and sold coal for commercial use and from the Wharf for the domestic market. The coal was then distributed along the southwest coast of Victoria in steamships or steam packets and into the regional areas of Victoria by cart and wagon. In 1890 there was a strike of coal workers but the Geelong Advertiser, September 1, 1890, announced that “a firm of coal merchants only recently received some large cargoes from Newcastle”. This supply of coal could have originated at the colliery of James & Alexander Brown. About James & Alexander Brown: - James (1816-1894), John (1823-1846) and Alexander Brown (1827-1877) migrated with their parents from Scotland to Sydney, Australia, in 1842. The next year James leased land and was assisted by his brothers Alexander and John in mining coal in the area near Maitland. The market was very competitive, with the government controlling prices. James was instrumental in a legal battle that resulted in the introduction of open competition for coal mining. James and Alexander had become business partners by 1852 and moved south of Newcastle where they established and worked a profitable mining enterprise. Their assets by 1857 included a ships’ chandlery, a fleet of steamships and an overseas trading business. They were the first firm to import rum, sugar and coffee into Newcastle. By 1892 they were exporting coal to New Zealand, China, North America, and various colonial ports. They had elaborate workshops to service their own steam engines and steamships. They were the first to use a steam collier vessel in Australian waters and they set up the second tug boat in Newcastle, the beginning of being owners of many more tug boats and performing a towing business. By 1868 James & Alexander Brown was the largest coal producer in the colony. James focused on managing the colliery and Alexander on overseas trade. It was estimated that the firm had produced over eight per cent of coal in New South Wales by 1914. James & Alexander Brown advertised in the Melbourne Herald in the early 1900s and kept an office at Queen Street, Melbourne as well as at the Wharf, stating their telephone numbers for both places. The coal was available for ‘Immediate Delivery’ for household and industrial purposes. The advertising claimed that their Pelaw Main coal was the famous household coal that met the highest test in Australia and burned bright and clean. Domestic customers could purchase the coal at the wharf or pay for delivery. Commercial customers could load their purchases into their steamships or wagons for further distribution into regional Victoria. After James’s death in 1894 his son John managed the firm, which was also known as J & A Brown. John passed away in 1930 and his sons took over. In 1931 the firm amalgamated with Abermain Seaham and the new name was J & A Brown & Abermain Seaham Collieries Ltd. commonly abbreviated to JABAS, which merged with Caledonian Collieries Ltd in 1960 and Coal & Allied Industries Ltd. was formed. The pair of nameplates is significant for its connection with the firm James & Alexander Brown. The firm was established in 1845 and became one of the largest collieries in colonial Australia. It was involved in trading within Australia and overseas. James was involved in the introduction of open competition for coal mining prices. They were the first to use a steam colliery in Australian waters and the first to import goods such as rum, sugar and coffee into New South Wales. The firm had a Melbourne office in the early 1900s, selling and distributing coal throughout Victoria, which likely included the Port of Warrnambool, which opened in 1890. The nameplates are likely to have originated from the Melbourne location.Brass Entrance Name Plate, one of a pair. Eight holes are formed through the plate; one in each corner, and four more holes are within the inscription area. The cast plate has three rows of text with the company’s name and type of business. The plate was owned by James & Alex. Brown. "JAMES & ALEXR. BROWN / COLLIERY PROPRIETORS / & STEAMSHIP OWNERS"flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, nameplate, james & alexander brown, j & a brown, james & alexr brown, colliery proprietors, steamship owners, ship chandlers, coal mine, coal export, australian import, australian export, newcastle, colliers, coastal trade, steamships