The text reads: "This Print Represents The Chapel for Seamen... Port of London Society... Instituted March 18th 1818... Chapel for Seamen is moored off Wapping Stairs in the River Thames. View of the Interior (inset)"Excerpt from the autobiography of Robert Humphrey Marten (1763-1839) which he wrote at the request of his children on his 60th birthday. (As far as the donor's knowledge it only circulates within the family, so some of these details may not be recorded elsewhere about how the Mission to the Seafarers began. --------- Robert Humphrey Marten (1763-1839) left school at the age of about 14 to be employed in a “Counting House” in the City of London. Unfortunately, before the five years of his apprenticeship expired, the merchant ceased trading as he had lost a lot of money gambling. Marten made his way however and took opportunities which offered and eventually set up his own business with two of his sons, Robert and Charles. He was a Dissenter (non-conformist), active in his church and in many charitable works, as overseer of the poor for his parish, raising money for families in Germany impoverished by the Napoleonic wars, was a member of the Royal Humane Society and so it is not altogether surprising to find him in 1817 taking up the cause of sailors discharged from warships living on the streets: --- The Autobiography of R H Marten Esq of Plaistow Essex (1763-1839) “The deplorable condition of sailors discharged from the ships of war and now wanted for commerce – (trade being most woefully dull) attracted towards the close of the Year the notice and began to press upon the feelings of the Public. To relieve their urgent and personal distress I proposed a Public meeting – This was agreed to and Mr. Wilberforce was voted into the chair – A committee was formed and a noble subscription was most voluntarily supplied – Navy Captains and others gave most efficient assistance and Govt. lent some large ships to which the sailors were sent from the streets – were clothed and fed and the sick attended to and on the Sabbath Public Worship was performed on board. I was on this Committee which fully accomplish’d its humane purpose – and out of the Surplus fund sprang the present seaman’s floating Hospital where a sick or diseased seaman is received only on his presenting himself alongside and without any ticket or recommendation. For the greater benefit of seamen was sketched the present excellent establishment of the Merchant Seaman’s Auxiliary Bible Society of which Admiral Lord Viscount Exmouth is President. This was more formally instituted on the ---[space left to add date later]. I drew the outline of the address to the Public which was afterwards much improved by the Revd. Mr. Draltry and I had the honour to chalk out the plan which has been so well executed by the pious Lieut. Cox at Gravesend – to whose zealous and judicious activity the success of the institution is much indebted, and in December I published my ideas on the necessity and advantage of making some permanent accommodation for preaching the Gospel to the numerous sailors always to be found in the Port of London. This led ultimately to a public meeting on the 5 Feb. 1818 and to the formation of the Port of London Society for promoting Religion among seaman [sic]. As the Founder of the Society I became its Chairman and Treasurer and on its formal Institution on the 18 March 1818 the public appeared much gratified with the attempt about to be made to raise the moral character of a class of men who had been unaccountably and far too long in this respect overlooked. The large ship fitted by the Society most commodiously as a Chapel was in May following moored nearly on the spot where in October 1803 I was run down by a Gravesend Hoy and narrowly escaped with life – Churchmen and Dissenters contributed cheerfully to the cost – Officers of the Navy became subscribers, Noblemen visited this strange and converted ship – the Admiral Lord Gambier became the avowed President and the Chairman of the public Meetings, and what is of far more importance – sailors came to it on the Sabbath by hundreds willingly to worship their maker, and listen to instruction – until the Language in common use on the Thames was divested of its Blasphemy – and the voice of Prayer was heard from the mouths of Seamen; and the outposts and many Foreign ports imitated and thus honored the example of the Port of London in her society for promoting Religion among Seamen. The Floating Chapel was solemnly dedicated for divine worship on the 4 May 1818 when the morning sermon was preached by the Revd. Rowland Hill to a very crowded auditory. “[see illustration in separate email] Autobiography of R H Marten esq pp 33-34 (privately published monograph) Note: The incident (c 1803) he refers to in which he “was run down by a Gravesend Hoy…” is graphically described earlier in his memoir. The donor's family has a connection with R.H. Marten. through his sister Mary, who married Cornelius Berry on 9 February 1793. The donor's father, Hugh William Berry (1905-?) reprinted the autobiography of R.H. Marten. And, she has herself a connection with the Mission as she used to collect money for the Mission at school. Large print depicting a floating church in Londonfloating church, seamen, sailors, religion, london, r.h. marten esq, wapping stairs, river thames, port, robert humphrey marten (1763-1839), cate lewis, seamen's hospital, welfare, napoleonic wars, royal navy, merchant navy

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

Notice advertising a public meeting taking place on 1858 and regarding a Seamen's church, Hobson's Bay, Melbourne . The Governor, Sir Henry Barkly, KCB, chaired the meeting. Captain Charles Ferguson (died in 1868) was the harbourmaster of the Port of Melbourne, and previously the captain of the barque Rajah.Example of poster of very early Melbourne public meeting "of persons interested in the welfare of sailors". Demonstrates beginnings of Melbourne-based organisation and support for seafarers. Small paper poster with mixed/ornate text, housed within two cardboard frame mats, front window frame mat cut to size of poster see imageseaman's church, hobson's bay, mechanics institute, governor, sir henry barkly, w. fairfax, friends of the sailor, sandridge, port melbourne, seamen's mission, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, captain charles ferguson

Dora Walker, a member of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild married H.P. Simpson on 14 February 1928. The wedding was celebrated at the Mission's chapel at 2.45pm. The article in the Herald of the day describes the event: "WEDDING AT SEAMEN'S CHAPEL Reception at Hotel Windsor The pretty little chapel at the Sea men's Institute was packed with interested friends this afternoon, when Miss Dora Walker, one of the Mission's most enthusiastic and efficient voluntary helpers, chose it as the setting for her marriage with Mr H. P. Simpson, son of Mr and Mrs J. H. Simpson, of Mornington. A group of her fellow workers decorated the chapel with lovely pink and white gladioli, carnations and roses. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. J. R. Weller, chaplain of the Mission, and the bride was given away by her father, Mr A. W. Walker, of Manning road, East Malvern. She wore a lovely ivory georgette frock, the finely tucked skirt being fashioned with a deep transparent hem of Chantilly lace. Over it fell a beautiful Honiton lace veil mounted on tulle and arranged to give the ef fect of a train. Fragrant white roses composed her bouquet. Two attendants followed her down the aisle — her sister, Miss Molly Walker, and Miss Ella Kendall — both wearing dainty shrimp pink georgette frocks and large crinoline straw hats in the same shade with a dainty edging of tulle. They carried bouquets of pink cactus dahlias nnd delphiniums. Mr Louis Buscombe was best man, and Mr George Thompson grooms man. After the ceremony Mr and Mrs Walker entertained about 50 guests at the Hotel Windsor."2 original prints and a reprinted version depicting the St Peter chapel decorated with flowers for Dora Walker's wedding in 1928 wedding, dora walker, st peter chapel, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, flinders st, lhlg, dora simpson, 1928, valentine's day, amy dora walker, ladies harbour lights guild, malvern, reverend j.r. weller, molly walker, ella kendall, flowers

In the minutes of the 21st meeting of the Victoria Mission to Seamen, held at the Harbour Trust Board Room on Thursday, 8th October 1925 , the Treasurer, Mr Perry reported that he had obtained a fresh lease of land of the Central Institute with an extra piece of land to be used for the future tennis court. The lease started on the 1st of January 1926 and was for 21 years. The tennis court was funded by the Hawtorn branch of Ladies Harbour Lights Guild.The tennis court was a feature of other missions overseas and it seems seamen were asking for one in Melbourne. It was in use until the mid fifties.Small silvertone photograph depicting four men working with horses are preparing the ground of the future tennis court. Behind is the Mission to Seafarers (chapel side) and the docks on the Australian Wharf. The photograph is glued to the photographic album with the caution belowBelow in white ink: Making the tennis courttennis court, weller album, 1926, garden, trees, horses, flinders street

on page 15717 flinders street, seamen's mission, courtyard, 1928, fan album

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

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

Black and white postcard showing interior the chairs in front of the stage in the Huntingfield Hall of the Port Melbourne MissionInscription handwritten in blue ink. stage, piano, chairs, events, concerts, lhlg, george v memorial institute, port melbourne, seamen's mission, huntingfield hall, curtains, woodfloor, harry a. norris, art deco

This is a reproduction of the original 1897 Captains' petition to build a Central Institute on the Yarra river. "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."Framed and mounted reproduction of Captains' petitionpetition, seamen's mission, yarra river, captains, victoria, melbourne, ships, australia-wharf, signatures, 717-flinders-street-docklands, maritime welfare services, mission to seafarers, 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, early origins, 2016, exhibitions

This postcard is part of a series by Rose Stereograph and likely to be sold in the Mission to be used by seafarers.Black and white postcard depicting the inside of the chapel in the 1937 Port Melbourne Mission with pews, reed organ and altar.Written in blue ink by David Conolly: "Faded, which spoils it. Also it's bigger than in this picture."chairs, george v memorial institute, port melbourne, seamen's mission, reed organ, harry norris, st andrews chapel, altar, furnishing, marketing

chairs, george v memorial institute, port melbourne, seamen's mission, harry norris, lounge, magazines, canteen, caretaker

Postcard of two full size billiard tables george v memorial institute, port melbourne, seamen's mission, harry norris, billiard room

On the 19th and 20th September 1910, the Mission organised a fundraising evening at the Masonic Hall on Collins Street. The "Tableaux vivants", called "Tennison's Dream of Fair Women" were arranged by artist Violet Teague. She arranged and painted the decors for the "tableaux vivants" in the Siddeley Mission. It's likely she also created the cover of this programme. "Mother and Lover of Men the Sea" is a verse form the poem: The Triumph of Time by Algernon Charles Swinburne While she was working, seamen from the Carnarvon Bay shipwreck were welcomed to the institute and subsequently invited to the evening. "They went through a large room, where a lady was standing on a scaffolding pointing a scene for the enter" tainment which is to take place this evening in the Masonic-hall. The lady was Miss Violet Teague, but she took her mind and her brush off the effects in marine blue sufficiently long to learn the main outlines of the story. " (Argus 19 September 1910). "During the evening the Rev W F Haire, acting chaplain to the mission announced that among those present were the shipwrecked survivors of the Carnarvon Bay, which was wrecked at King Island on Thursday last The men, who bore no traces of the hardships they endured took their places on the platform, whilst the large audience cheered itself hoarse and sang "For They Are Jolly Good relics". (Argus 20 September 1910) In 1935, Violet Teague was on the passengers on the C.B. Pedersen, one of the last windjammers. She Drew and painted during her voyage and exhibited the artworks in 1938.This rare programme is the last remaining testimony of the relationship between the Mission and famous artists of the time who provided illustrations for quotation calendars (Daryl Lyndsay, John Shirlow).12 pages programme. The cover is light blue paper with the design of the Greek ship printed in black ink.violet teague, tableaux vivants, 1910, fundraising, theatre, play, algernon charles swinburne, sponsors, advertising, carnarvon bay, shipwreck, una le souef, masonic hall, lady gibson-carmichael, willsmere certified milk and co, fry's cocoa, remington typewriter, hypol, lhlg, ladies harbour lights guild

Programme of events for the Grand Nautical Fête at the Mechanics Institute of Williamstown in June 1907 printed in black ink on an orange paper.nautical fete, mechanics institute, williamstown, sir john madden, 1907, sailor's rest, seamen's mission, fundraising

An original group of plans drawn by Walter Butler who was also the architect of the Central Institute, Siddeley Street in 1906 and the Mission to Seamen building at 717 Flinders St that is still in use today. The early Port Melbourne onshore Mission gradually transformed from a 'wooden shack' to a one storey brick building designed by architect Frederick Williams in 1888. The St Nicholas chapel was added in 1915. Walter Butler was commissioned to add a second storey in 1917. The building retained its functions until 1937 when the Art Deco Mission, designed by Morris was built. The building has survived as a structure into the 21st century, and was incorporated as part of a multi-apartment development. Historical architectural record of Walter Butler's work. Walter Butler was a renowned architect and friend of the Fairfax family.Coloured architect's drawings of the proposed plans for Chaplain's Residence at Port Melbourne on heavy parchment. Including elevation drawings, floor plans and cross sections as well as architect's notes and measurements.Embossed architect's stamp in top right and left corners and bottom right corner "Walter R Butler [indecipherable] Melbourne" Printer's stamp on bottom right hand corner of rear "Printed by J. Creffield Propy. LTD. RIALTO, 493-5 Collins St. Melbourne"plans, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), mission to seafarers, chaplains residence, beach street, nott street, port melbourne, mission to seamen, frederick williams

Dora Walker was a student of Milverton school, one of the Ladies Schools, a branch of the Ladies Harbour Light's Guild. Amy Dora Walker (known as Dora) of East Malvern married Harold Priestley Simpson of Surrey Hills on 14 February 1928. The bride's maids were Ella Kendall and Molly Walker. The article in the Herald of the day describes the event: "WEDDING AT SEAMEN'S CHAPEL Reception at Hotel Windsor The pretty little chapel at the Sea men's Institute was packed with interested friends this afternoon, when Miss Dora Walker, one of the Mission's most enthusiastic and efficient voluntary helpers, chose it as the setting for her marriage with Mr H. P. Simpson, son of Mr and Mrs J. H. Simpson, of Mornington. A group of her fellow workers decorated the chapel with lovely pink and white gladioli, carnations and roses. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. J. R. Weller, chaplain of the Mission, and the bride was given away by her father, Mr A. W. Walker, of Manning road, East Malvern. She wore a lovely ivory georgette frock, the finely tucked skirt being fashioned with a deep transparent hem of Chantilly lace. Over it fell a beautiful Honiton lace veil mounted on tulle and arranged to give the ef fect of a train. Fragrant white roses composed her bouquet. Two attendants followed her down the aisle — her sister, Miss Molly Walker, and Miss Ella Kendall — both wearing dainty shrimp pink georgette frocks and large crinoline straw hats in the same shade with a dainty edging of tulle. They carried bouquets of pink cactus dahlias nnd delphiniums. Mr Louis Buscombe was best man, and Mr George Thompson grooms man. After the ceremony Mr and Mrs Walker entertained about 50 guests at the Hotel Windsor."A member of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild, Dora is one of the few ladies who married at the Mission.Sepia toned photograph of bride and attendants in the courtyard of the Mission to Seafarers. The bride's dress is calf length and she is standing with her veil draped in front of her, holding a large bouquet. There is one attendant to the right of the photograph, wearing a layered calf length dress and holding a smaller bouquet. Both are standing in front of one of the columns in the courtyard which has ivy growing over it.Blue ink on rear of photograph: 4 49hat, flowers, veil, wedding, dress, ivy, columns, shoes, dora walker, dora simpson, milverton school, ladies school, lhlg, mrs h.p. simpson, mrs harry simpson, courtyard, amy dora walker, ella kendall, molly walker, reverend j.r. weller, david simpson

This book has been compiled by W H C Darvall, the Honorary Secretary at the Mission,( turn of 19th- 20th C.) A chronological recording of key dates and events in relation to the workings of the Mission to Seafarers (Victorian Seamen's Mission). The book also includes a number of clippings from newspapers or journals and concludes with an invitation to attend a special meeting of the Mission to discuss a proposed amalgamation with the Victorian Branch of the London Missions to Seamen, 15 November 1905. The author Mr Darvall arrived in Australia as a migrant 1853, served as the first Town Clerk of Beechworth 1856-1870. A solicitor in Collins St 1870s onward, he died in 1906.In diligently recording "matters of interest" to the Mission, Darvall has provided us with a significant point of reference from the establishment of the Victorian Bethel Union, afloat in 1850s through to the proposed amalgamation with the Missions to Seamen finalised in 1906. Many of the events were compiled retrospectively drawing on Annual reports and minutes but many were recorded contemporaneously from the 1890s. The Chronology serves as a means of verifying events through other sources such as minute books, annual reports and so on. It also provides us with the names and functions of people who had significant roles within the Mission from its earliest days in the 1850s through to the amalgamation of 1906.Label adhered to front cover, handwritten in ink: "The Victorian Seamen's Mission/An epitomised History/of/Matters of interest connected therewith/compiled by/ W.H.G. Darvall / Honorary Secretary" Label adhered to inside cover, printed label reading: "No.....Date....18.../A & W Bruce/Manufacturing Stationers,/65 Bourke Street West,/Melbourne/in re-ordering this book it is necessary to state the no. only"minutes, clippings, proceedings, william henry charles darvall (1830-1906)

This scrapbook holds numerous newspaper clippings, advertisements and other informative pieces about the events and functions held at and by the Victoria Missions to Seamen (Mission to Seafarers). Signatures of seamen from the RMS Orsova in 1920 1906: Death of Mr Darvall 1907: Opening of the Siddeley St Institute by the Governor / Photograph of the trowel for the playing of the foundation stone. This scrapbook outlines the many events, concerts, important visits and social occasions held at and by the Mission during this time frame. It includes the names and activities of many prominent Melburnians and shows the vivacity of the work at the Mission.Gold leaf lettering on spine: "SCRAPBOOK/NO 1/ VICTORIA/MISSIONS TO SEAMEN"scrapbook, clippings, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, events, orsova, flyers, news cuttings, news clippings, ships, william henry charles darvall (1830-1906), siddeley street, violet teague, ac swinburne

The Marriage Register lists Harold Priestley Simpson and Amy Dora Walker as the bride and groom, and the wedding date as 14th of February 1928. The photograph uses the personal Harry and Dora, instead of the formal Harold and Amy. In the Register, Amy started signing her name as Dora. before correcting it. The photograph shows that weddings took place at the Chapel during the late 1920's, and the style of weddings at the time. This includes the type of outfits worn, such as the length of the veil and the type of bouquet carried. Dora's Bridesmaids are depicted in 2 other images in the MTSV collection also an image of the chapel decked with flowers for the occasion. The article in the Herald of the day describes the event: "WEDDING AT SEAMEN'S CHAPEL Reception at Hotel Windsor The pretty little chapel at the Sea men's Institute was packed with interested friends this afternoon, when Miss Dora Walker, one of the Mission's most enthusiastic and efficient voluntary helpers, chose it as the setting for her marriage with Mr H. P. Simpson, son of Mr and Mrs J. H. Simpson, of Mornington. A group of her fellow workers decorated the chapel with lovely pink and white gladioli, carnations and roses. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. J. R. Weller, chaplain of the Mission, and the bride was given away by her father, Mr A. W. Walker, of Manning road, East Malvern. She wore a lovely ivory georgette frock, the finely tucked skirt being fashioned with a deep transparent hem of Chantilly lace. Over it fell a beautiful Honiton lace veil mounted on tulle and arranged to give the ef fect of a train. Fragrant white roses composed her bouquet. Two attendants followed her down the aisle — her sister, Miss Molly Walker, and Miss Ella Kendall — both wearing dainty shrimp pink georgette frocks and large crinoline straw hats in the same shade with a dainty edging of tulle. They carried bouquets of pink cactus dahlias nnd delphiniums. Mr Louis Buscombe was best man, and Mr George Thompson grooms man. After the ceremony Mr and Mrs Walker entertained about 50 guests at the Hotel Windsor."The photograph shows St. Peter chapel was being used for weddings in 1928. The Anglican church has been used for weddings since being finished in 1917. The Marriage Register shows that these weddings were legal in the Commonwealth of Australia, and lists Church of England as the denomination for this wedding. Miss Amy Dora Simpson (nee Walker) had a long association with the Mission, first as a young Volunteer with the Ladies Harbour Light Guild circa WW1, and through to her wedding in early 1928 and beyond. Square sepia, glossy photograph of a bride and groom, taken as they leave a building. Guests are throwing rice at the newlywed. The groom is turned towards the camera, while the bride is looking ahead, carrying a bouquet. There is a white border around top, bottom and left edges, the photograph seems to have been cut in half along the right edge.On the reverse: handwritten in blue pen JUST MARRIED!/DORA & HARRY/28/2/28. 618 is stamped in blue ink . (date is incorrect as wedding took place on 14/2/28)bride, wedding, groom, 1928, dora simpson, dora walker, st peter chapel, harry simpson, lhlg, flinders street, harold priestley simpson, valentine's day, amy dora walker, ladies harbour lights guild, mr and mrs a.w. walker, malvern, manning road, reverend j.r weller, molly walker, ella kendall, david simpson

This early 1880s Mason & Hamlin reed organ was part of the original furnishings of the St Nicholas' Mission to Seamen's Church at 139 Nelson Place, Williamstown, Victoria. It was donated to the Williamstown St Nicholas Seamen's Church by the Joy Club for Fighters around the time of the opening of the church. The front panel displays the front and back of six medallions, showing the year and location of exhibitions that Mason & Hamlin participated in, adding perceived notability and prestige to the value of this organ. These medallions date from 1867 - 1881: Paris 1867, Vienna 1873, Philadelphia 1876, Paris 1878, Sweden 1878 and Milan 1881. MASON & HAMLIN Mason & Hamlin organ manufacturer was founded by Henry Mason and Emmons Hamlin in Boston, Massachusetts in the 1850s, making about 450 organs per year. By 1905 the annual turnover was around 10,000 instruments. The Cable Co. purchased the company in 1911, which in turn was taken over by the American Piano Co. in 1924. By 1927 the production reed organs had ceased. Mason & Hamlin, like many other manufacturers, publicised its instruments at county fairs and exhibitions. They were quick to advertise any awards they won, or even recognition for displaying at these events, by adding matching medallion decals to their products. JOY CLUB FOR FIGHTERS The Joy Club for Fighters was formed in Williamstown in 1940 to raise funds to support Australians fighting in Australia and overseas in World War II. Activities such as dances were organised in venues such as Mechanics' Institutes, and enthusiastically supported. Donations were given to several hospitals and other care facilities, and local fighters, for distribution to the servicemen. Items such as food hampers and cigarettes were amongst the tributes given. THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN (Brief History: for more, see our Reg. No. 611, Set of Pews) The Missions to Seamen, an Anglican charity, has served seafarers of the world since 1856 in Great Britain. It symbol is a Flying Angel, inspired by a Bible verse. Today there are centr4es in over 200 ports world-wide where seamen of all backgrounds are offered a warm welcome and provided with a wide range of facilities. In Victoria the orgainsation began in Williamstown in 1857. It was as a Sailors’ Church, also known as ‘Bethel’ or the ‘Floating Church’. Its location was an old hulk floating in Hobson’s Bay, Port of Melbourne. It soon became part of the Missions to Seamen, Victoria. In the year 2000 the organisation, now named Mission to Seafarers, still operated locally in Melbourne, Portland, Geelong and Hastings. The Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild was formed in 1906 to support the Missions to Seamen in Melbourne and other centres such as Williamstown. Two of the most significant ladies of the Guild were founder Ethel Augusta Godfrey and foundation member Alice Sibthorpe Tracy (who established a branch of the Guild in Warrnambool in 1920). The Guild continued its work until the 1960s. In 1943 a former Williamstown bank was purchased for the Missions to Seaman Club. The chapel was named St Nicholas’ Seamen’s Church and was supported by the Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild, the Williamstown Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary and the League of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Friends. It ceased operation in 1966. A Missions to Seamen Chapel and Recreation Room was a significant feature of ports during the late 1800s and into the 1900s. It seemed appropriate for Flagstaff Hill to include such a representation within the new Maritime Village, so the Melbourne Board of Management of Missions to Seamen Victoria gave its permission on 21st May 1979 for the entire furnishings of the Williamstown chapel to be transferred to Flagstaff Hill. The St Nicholas Seamen’s Church was officially opened on October 11, 1981 and closely resembles the Williamstown chapel. The organ is historically significant for its creation, being circa 1880 and still in use in the 1960s. This organ is significant historically for its origin in the St Nicholas Mission to Seamen's Church in Williamstown, established in 1857 to cater for the physical, social, and spiritual needs of seafarers. It originated in Bristol, England when a Seamen's Mission was formed in 1837. The item is historically significant for its connection to the Joy Club for Fighters, a support charity for Australian servicemen and women of World War II. The connection of this item to the Mission to Seamen and to the Joy Club for Fighters highlights the strong community awareness of the life of people in the armed forces, their dangers and hardships, and their need for physical, financial, spiritual and moral support.Organ; reed organ, mahogany wood with decorative carving and colourful inlaid floral design. Has two pedals that are decoratively covered in floral patterned tapestry. Inscriptions are on the panel above the keyboard. Organ has five octaves and eleven stoppers. Made by Mason & Hamlin, America, circa 1881. This organ is part of our St Nicholas Seamen's Church collection."Mason & Hamlin" and below the music rest "No 113032" and other indiscernible print Medallions, left - right "PARIS, 1878." "SWEDEN, 1878." "PHILA., 1876." "MILAN, 1881." "VIENNA, 1873." "PARIS, 1867."flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, religion, religious service, st nicholas seamen’s church, williamstown, missions to seamen victoria, joy club for fighters, musical instrument, reed organ, mason & hamlin, worship service, worship music

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

The photograph is a record of a historic conference of MTS representatives from Australia and New Zealand. , September 1-3 , 1936: Revd Wm Hoog (Brisbane) Revd W.H. Terry (Port Pirie) Revd H.C Cuthbertson (Adelaide) Revd W.R. Tyler (Melbourne) Mr J.W. Neill (Melbourne) Revd. F. J. Evans (Sydney) Revd Frank L. Oliver ( Melbourne MTS) F W Melbourne (Archbishop F W Head 1929- 1942) Mr J.C. Grahame (Hobart) Rev B.J. Williams ((Wellington NZ) Rev J.C. Clift (Fremantle) From the Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Saturday 5 September 1936, page 34: "For three days this week chaplains of missions to seamen in different ports of Australia and New Zealand met in conference in Melbourne. Bishop Stephen, chairman of the executive committee of the mission in Melbourne, presided over the conference, which was opened by Archbishop Head celebrating Holy Communion in the Chapel of St. Peter at the mission. Among the questions considered was the problem of foreign vessels, from which nothing is contributed toward the support of the missions. It was felt that there was great scope for work of an international character, and that every effort should be made by the chaplains to bring men from the ships of different countries together. The chaplains said that many thousands of men from foreign ships attended the mission institutes. Efforts will be made for more contact to be made with men on coastal ships, and commendation of men from one port to the next will ensure that the needs of men are cared for as well as possible. An ordained chaplain will be sent from London for a new mission at Geraldton (WA), and a new mission will also be opened at Port Kembla (N.SW.). The chaplains will endeavour to obtain police cooperation in keeping docks and wharves free from undesirable persons. It is hoped that an effort will be made to seek the co-operation of the port authorities in order to ensure the pos-sibility of ships being allowed to be alongside during week-ends and public holidays without having to face the full port charges. To avoid the heavy charges the ships now anchor in the bay during week-ends and public holidays. Melbourne was chosen as the central port for Australia for supplies for mis-sions to seamen, and it was decided that the conference should be held every three years, in Melbourne. The last was held 11 years ago." The photograph was published in the 1936 Annual ReportThis photograph is representative of the relationship between the Mission to Seafarers Victoria and the Anglican Church. Reverend Frank Oliver served as Chaplain at the Mission to Seafarers Victoria from 1930 - 1960. A gift of £20,000 for the rebuilding of the Port Melbourne institute, which was old and dilapidated, was announced at the conference. Black and white photograph mounted on cardboard with border detail on the front. The photograph is of eleven men, five standing behind six seated. Nine of the men are wearing clerical collars and two are in suit and ties. The photograph appears to have been taken in the courtyard of the Mission to Seafarers Victoria, at 717 Flinders St. Each of the people in the photograph appears to have hand inscribed their names/ signatures on the lower edge of the mountboard.Top edge of mountboard title of occasion and photo in Black ink all upper case: (see title details this record); Lwr edge first line corresponding to back row of group: 'REv Wm Hoog (Brisbane); Revd W.H. Terry (Port Pirie); Rev H.C Cuthbertson (Adelaide) ; Rev W.R. Tyler (Melbourne) ; Mr J.W. Neill (Melbourne) : / Lwr edge second line corresponding to front row seated: "Revd. F. J. Evans (Sydney) ; Revd Frank L. Oliver ( Melbourne MTS); F W Melbourne (Archbishop F W Head 1929- 1942); Mr J.C. Grahame (Hobart); Rev B.J. Williams ((wellington NZ).; Rev J.C. Clift (Fremantle); courtyard, chaplains, archbishop melbourne, mission to seafarers, flinders street, frank leslie oliver, conference, australasian chaplains, anglican church, reverends, australia, new zealand, 1936, seamen's mission, chaplains group, chaplain conferences