This will be for an Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah Engine. They were produced between 1935 - 1948. For example they were used on AVRO ANSON AIRCRAFT.This propellor is crafted from eight layers of timber. The hub is round. It has eight holes for mounting bolts. The bolt holes are approx 13mm diameter. The two tips are aerofoil shape and squared off. Tip ends are 9.5 cm wide. On both sides of the hub are segments cut out. Approx 20 cm wide and 5 cm high.There is a brass plaque attached to the hub. Inscribed on it is; “DWG No. 2 3931/7. D.7. 33'. P.6.95' CHEETAH X LH”aircraft engines, avro ansons, propellor

The picture was possibly taken for the opening of the tennis court Saturday 18 September 1926. Lady Creswell was invited to officially open the court and about a 100 persons attended the ceremony.Photograph taken in 1926 on the tennis court of the Mission to Seafarers, 717 Flinders Street. First plan are unidentified men turning their back to the photographer. On the court are two ladies wearing white tennis attire are playing double. In the background the former Seamen's Institute, Siddeley Street, can be seen as well as the docks on Australian Wharf.tennis, mission to seafarers victoria, tennis court, lady creswell, reverend john reginald weller, 1926, lady adelaide elizabeth creswell nee stow, 1859-1945, william rooke creswell (1852-1933), mission to seamen, weller album

Two young couriers with their bikes are ready to deliver their parcel - letters or newsletter - picked up from the Seamen's Institute, Siddeley Street. The Reverend A Gurney Goldsmith is standing on the stairs in the lobby.This photograph is a rare depiction of the Siddeley Street Institute, the first central Institute built by Walter R. Butler.Small monochrome photograph, quite faded/poor contrastbicycles, reverend alfred gurney goldsmith, siddeley street, central institute, australian wharf, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, sailors, caps, literature

This item was found in the Bar area of the Flying Angels Club at 717 Flinders St. The inscription "Sailors' Home" may refer to either the establishment formerly on Spencer St or later on Siddeley St built in 1903 and used until 1963. The Sailors' Home and Sailors' Rest were established in various locations in Melbourne and in Williamstown throughout the late19th century and early 20th century. It was of significance as a feature of the township that for some years was the main point of arrival in the early days before establishment and early days of Melbourne. Hugh Ronald Reid, member of the Melbourne Harbour Trust, was a founder of the Sailors' Home. The tureen is one of the rare remaining objects from the Sailors' Home.Small oval shaped condiment tureen or serving dish with lid; white glazed ironstone. Small hole in lid for spoon (missing). Lid and front of tureen have picture of a lifebuoy with a rope around it and "SAILORS' HOME MELBOURNE" written on it. Printed Inscription on the base with pottery crest.SAILORS' HOME MELBOURNE on lid on body. ROYAL IRONSTONE CHINA JOHNSON BROS ENGLAND with a picture of royal arms under base.condiment, ironstone china, johnson bros, sailors' home melbourne, tureen, hugh ronald reid

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 origins of the brass candlestick holders are unknown. However, they both are on display in the memorial Chapel of St Peter aka the Mariners' chapel. Given the style of the candlesticks it is possible that they were initially in use at either the original Port Melbourne chapel operating in the late 19thC. or possibly used at the 1907 building, Siddeley st where an improvised chapel was established. The Memorial Chapel of St Peter is a crucial part of the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne building complex, underscoring the relationship between the organisation and the Anglican Church, as well as being a site of continuous usage since the building was opened.This brass candle stand or floor candlestick holder is one of a pair. The candle holder is shaped like an open flower. There is elaborate brass ornamentation, floral in nature. Below is an angel figure holding a sword with both hands with the tip pointing toward its feet. The base of the candlestick is a tripod with three winged dogs, forming the feet. There is elaborate ornamentation that in turn connect each of the dogs together.candelabra, st peter chapel, flinders street, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission

The lectern was gifted by Mary Georgina Howard Northcote in December 1907 for the Siddeley Street mission (see Annual Report 1907: list of gifts for the new institute page 8). It was moved to the St Peter Chapel, Flinders Street, and has been in use ever since. Mary nee Reynell in Cheltenham, England, was the wife of Edward Northcote, ex master mariner and general manager of the Adelaide Steamship Company between 1899 and 1926, before his death on 4 November 1926. Edward Northcote was the cousin of Henry Stafford Northcote, Governor General of Australia (1904-1908). Lord Northcote laid the stone of the Siddeley Street Seamen's Institute on Tuesday 5 February 1907. Mary died in December 1932, in her will she made a donation of £25 to the Mission. As it was moved to the St Peter chapel when the Flinders Street Mission opened, it was added to the 1917 list of gifts.The Mission to Seafarers Victoria has been in operation for over 150 years in Victoria although experiencing many name and location changes. Support and patronage by Governors general and State governors was key to official recognition of the work of the Mission.The current site at 717 Flinders Street is the most enduring and many artefacts from previous locations have been relocated to this site. This lectern underscores the relationship between the Mission and notable Victorians.The head of the lectern is supported by three wooden cross sections each engraved with a criss-crossing leaf pattern. The legs of lectern have a similarly carved decorative panel forming an arched shape. Each corner of the panel has gum leafs and nuts carved into it. The foot of the lectern is less ornate although there are three decorated wooden panels mimicking those supporting the head.Brass plaque on lectern: FOR THE GLORY OF GOD/THIS LECTERN/WAS PRESENTED BY/MARY HOWARD NORTHCOTE/DECEMBER 1907religion, lectern, australia-wharf, mary georgina howard northcote nee reynell, edward northcote (1854-1926), adelaide steamship company, henry stafford northcote (1846-1911) g.c.m.g, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, flinders street, yarra river, siddeley street, heritage listed, gifts-1917

Along with the pulpit, this Altar was designed by architect Rodney Howard Alsop (1881-1932) (Annual report 1908). It was originally made for the Siddeley Street Institute, which was built in 1907 on a block of land leased from the Melbourne Harbour Trust and donated by Mrs Amelia Shuter (nee Lord) (see Annual Report 1907). The altar is photographed in an early picture of the Siddeley Mission in a room used as chapel before the chapel built in 1909. Although a 21 year lease for the site had been granted, a notice was delivered to the Mission to quit the site in 1912. In 1915, the present site was agreed on. The Altar sits within the Chapel of Saint Peter, which belongs to the State Heritage listed (H1496) Mission to Seafarers Victoria complex. This complex was designed by Walter Richmond Butler in 1916, and officially opened on 11 September 1917. On the right hand side of the altar, is a brass plaque in memory of Charles Shuter, a colonist and police magistrate who died in 1902. The plaque was made in 1907.The Altar is significant because it is located within the Memorial Chapel of Saint Peter, forming part of the State Heritage listed Mission to Seafarers Victoria complex. It is of religious significance in catering for all denominations and the spiritual needs of visiting seafarers.The Altar has a shelf above and three panels along the front, with carved decoration and lettering. Altar bears a plaque that reads "To the Glory of God - In memory of Charles Shuter, of Melbourne, Police Magistrate, Given by his Wife, December 13th 1907". Carved letters "MTS" in centre of three panels along front of Altar, and "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY" in three panels below shelf on top of Altar.altar, mission, seafarers, seamen, melbourne, victoria, charles shuter, siddeley street institute, chapel, australian timber, walter richmond butler, australian maritime history, rodney howard alsop (1881-1932), saint peter chapel, communion table, amelia shuter nee lord, heritage listed, gifts-1917

This photograph depicts five of the Mission's Committee members: top (left to right) are standing Harold Kingston Vickery and Arthur T. Pitt, both Lay Readers. Seated (left to right) are Reverend William Forster Haire, Assistant Chaplain, Reverend Alfred Gurney Goldsmith, Chaplain, and Mr Charles A. Holmes, Honorary Lay Reader. The photograph was probably taken inside the Central Institute, Siddeley Street, between 1909 and 1911.An original frame with an image of a group of Mission office-bearers including Rev Gurney-Goldsmith who was Senior Chaplain over the significant early 20th Century period of Mission establishment in the Central Docklands area. Sepia photograph in a wood frame with group of five men in suits; ink inscription of five names on paper label adhered lwr front of frameFront on paper label: Revd W.F Haire, Revd A. G.Goldsmith; Mr C A Holmes (paper cut) / Mr H. K Vickery, Revd A.T. Pitt; Verso at lwr right crnr in pencil: PH- R14 reverend a. gurney-goldsmith, mr h.k. vickery, reverend a.t. pitt, reverend w. foster haire, charles a. holmes, charles arthur holmes (-1947), william foster haire, harold kingston vickery, chaplains, lay readers, staff, chaplains group

Composed and signed by WHC Darvall on the executive of the Victorian Mission to Seamen also with reference to three other officers: Mr Reid-President, Mr Allard Vice President, Mr Seymour Hon Treasurer. Darvall returned to Melbourne late 1901 early 1902. A former solicitor Darvall and the Mission Committee are concerned it seems at the 'appropriation' by other organisations of donations or funds usually promised to the VMTS. The seamen's home was being built or about to be on the site of the World Trade centre on Siddeley St. as at 2020. This letter was sent out at a pivotal period in the Mission story soon after the sudden death of Rev James after 20 constant years service, with the proposed arrival of a Seamen's home on Siddeley St to a location close by to one long sought by the Victorian Mission for their first Central Mission and just a few years before arrival of the London Mission to Seamen representative Rev A Gurney-Goldsmith. The ladies Committee of the Mission and volunteers had prior to appointment of a paid collector had done most of the collecting of donations.A 2 page printed circular or letter addressed to Dear Sir alerting the recipient to the new appointment of a paid Collector, Mr L Dangerfield, visiting supporters authorised to collect donations and subscriptions and not to be confused with other similarly named groups such as the Seamen's home. The pamphlet also includes extracts from a speech by "His Excellency the Governor" reminding the recipient of the authentic goals of the Mission which also, as ever, were essential to business interests in supporting seafarers.paid collector, mr l. dangerfield, whc darvall, rev james, rev geary

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

In 1909, assistant Chaplain Rev. Haire presented the Mission with an 'uncommonly artistic pulpit' in memory of his mother. A plaque in memory of Jane King Haire can be found on the side next to the steps. The dedication was performed by the Archbishop of Melbourne on the 26th January (date engraves on the plaque) This pulpit was designed by Melbourne architect Rodney Howard Alsop (1881-1932) and manufactured by William John Dalziel (furniture manufacturer). It was initially used in the first Mission in Central Melbourne, Siddeley St. It is located in the Chapel of Saint Peter of the Mission to Seafarers 717 Flinders St. complex since 1917 (State Heritage listed (H1496). This complex was designed by Walter Richmond Butler in 1916, and officially opened on 11 September 1917, a day '...of unusually kind weather', by the Governor of Victoria, the Honourable Sir Arthur Stanley. According to a later article published in 1950: The pulpit is a model, built to scale, of the stern of an old ship of the line in Lord Nelson's day. This pulpit is significant as it is housed in The Memorial Chapel of Saint Peter forming part of the State Heritage listed Mission to Seafarers Victoria complex. It was built in Melbourne of Australian timbers, and is one of only two known maritime inspired pulpits, both associated with Missions to Seamen of the early 20th C. the other is held in the ANMM Collection see link. Their statement of significance is worth quoting in part as it applies equally to this pulpit "...an extremely rare and unique example of such pulpits. It is highly significant as a wonderfully preserved example of a time when religion was preached to sailors for their spiritual guidance and temperance..." Rodney Howard Alsop was an important Melbourne architect of the Arts and Crafts movement. John William Dalziel had sailed from Liverpool to Melbourne in 1862. Seventeen years later Penman and Dalziel founded the business in Lonsdale Street West, and won recognition at the Indian and Colonial Exhibition in London in 1886. Penman and Dalziel were identified in 1937 as one of Melbourne’s early ‘skilled craftsmen’ and ‘leading names’ in the manufacture of fine furniture. He died in February 1918 in a railway accident.Timber pulpit built in the form of a ship's stern including a timber step ladder for access, a timber keel and rudder, a rope fixed from the pulpit to a post mounted to the floor, and a dedication plaque on the side of the pulpit. The pulpit sits on timber legs. It's likely to be the original rope: traditionally made coir rope with twisted fibres, covered with canvas supported by a thread. At lower end the rope is secured by a monkey fist know and at the top by a turk head knot.Inside the pulpit (right) is the cardboard label with the maker details: " On an attached plaque see 0678 To the greater glory of God and in ever loving memory of Jane King Haire. This pulpit is erected by her son. Blessed are the pure in heart. For they shall see God. St. Matt. V.8. 26.1.09mission, seafarers, melbourne, victoria, chapel, saint peter, pulpit, australian timber, stern, walter richmond butler, australian maritime history, reverend w.f. haire, rodney howard alsop (1881-1932), wright's lane, william john dalziel, gifts-1917, heritage listed

The Victorian-era mansion Madford in Wellington Street had several incarnations before it was finally demolished. While the precise details of its original construction have not been discovered, we know that it was originally named Elm Lodge, and that the property was offered for sale in 1863 by Thomas Mitchell, of the firm Mitchell & Bonneau, wholesale ironmongers and merchants. The house was sold in about 1873 to William Siddeley (1827-1905), who was described on the occasion of his death as ‘the father of Australian shipping’. The next owner was Arthur Septimus King (1827- 99), who renamed the house Madford after his purchase of the property in 1875. It was A.S. King for whom this artwork was completed. Following King’s death in 1899, portions of the property were sold, including to the Borough of Kew in 1905, to form the Alexandra Gardens. Then, in 1920, the house and its remaining lands were sold to the Catholic Church who opened St Anthony’s Home for Children on the site in 1922. That building was promptly demolished, and the site redeveloped circa 1976.Gift of James Pearson, 2022This fine perspective drawing of the architectural elements of Madford [formerly Elm Lodge, later St Anthony's Home for Babies] is contrasted with the freer addition in watercolour of the layout and plants of the garden facing Wellington Street. The view selected is the south-facing main facade and the west facing side. After A.S. King purchased the house in 1875, it was extended with new wings at the rear to accommodate his large family. There is no indication of these extensions in the painting so its creation must predate the renovations, and probably depicts the original building on the site."MADFORD / The Property of A. S. KING Esq"elm lodge, madford, st anthony's home for babies, houses -- wellington street -- kew (vic.), thomas mitchell, william siddeley, arthur septimus king

The piano (Beale-Vader patented model) was donated on Thursday 19 December 1907 by Lady Northcote (Alice, wife of the Governor General of Australia) for the Siddeley Street Institute. The article in The Age dating Friday 20 December 1907: "Shortly after noon yesterday the Rey. A. Gurney Goldsmith, chaplain to the Victorian Missions to Seamen, who has just taken up residence at his quarters in the new Seamen's' Institute on the Yarra-bank, which was recently opened by his Excellence the Governor-General, was surprised at the receipt of a case of large dimensions. On opening it he found a grand piano, accompanied by a card, "With Lady Northcote's compliments." The pianoforte is one of Beale's make, and its presentation is another illustration of the determination of the vice-regal representatives in Australia to encourage local manufactures. It will be remembered that on the occasion of the opening of the institute an appeal was made to the public for a pianoforte and a billiard table. Lady Northcote has responded with the former, and it will be most useful in connection with the concerts which are given once a week to the, sailors of vessels coming up tho river. The question now arises as to who will provide the billiard table for the use of "Jack ashore," as one of the inducements for him, to visit the institute instead of' spending his spare time in the public house. "Governor Northcote and his wife had laid the foundation Stones of the first Central Institute on Siddeley street. The piano was used it for entertainments and concerts including accompaniment of silent films in the 1920s. 21st century visiting seafarers whilst on shore at the Mission, still regularly play pieces such as popular tunes and classics. A walnut case, full iron framed Upright Piano . See image details; decorative trims throughout, and identification plate inside. Screw holes indicate missing candle brackets or sconces on the two front panels.Lid Royal letters patent coat of arms; inside workings stamped plaque: " The/ Beale-Vader / Steel-wirest-plank / patented / throughout / the world"piano, royal grand piano, beale, beale-vader, music, entertainment, concerts, lady northcote, siddeley street, seamen's mission, alice northcote nee stephen, reverend alfred gurney goldsmith

The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) plans were produced from the 1890s to the 1950s. They were crucial to the design and development of Melbourne's sewerage and drainage system. The plans, at a scale of 40 feet to 1 inch (1:480), provide a detailed historical record of Melbourne streetscapes and environmental features. Each plan covers one or two street blocks (roughly six streets), showing details of buildings, including garden layouts and ownership boundaries, and features such as laneways, drains, bridges, parks, municipal boundaries and other prominent landmarks as they existed at the time each plan was produced. (Source: State Library of Victoria)This plan forms part of a large group of MMBW plans and maps that was donated to the Society by the Mr Poulter, City Engineer of the City of Kew in 1989. Within this collection, thirty-five hand-coloured plans, backed with linen, are of statewide significance as they include annotations that provide details of construction materials used in buildings in the first decade of the 20th century as well as additional information about land ownership and usage. The copies in the Public Record Office Victoria and the State Library of Victoria are monochrome versions which do not denote building materials so that the maps in this collection are invaluable and unique tools for researchers and heritage consultants. A number of the plans are not held in the collection of the State Library of Victoria so they have the additional attribute of rarity.Original survey plan, issued by the MMBW to a contractor with responsibility for constructing sewers in the area identified on the plan within the Borough of Kew. The plan was at some stage hand-coloured, possibly by the contractor, but more likely by officers working in the Engineering Department of the Borough and later Town, then City of Kew. The hand-coloured sections of buildings on the plan were used to denote masonry or brick constructions (pink), weatherboard constructions (yellow), and public buildings (grey). Development in the 20th century has irreparably altered that part of Kew represented in this plan. In the block bounded by Cotham Road, Charles Street, Wellington Street and Gellibrand; just one house standing in 1903 remains. This block included two of the most historic houses in Kew: ‘Ordsall’ (later ‘Southesk’) and ‘Madford’ (previously ‘Elm Lodge’). Ordsall was the home of the second chairman of Kew, John Halfey. It contained some of the most significant interior murals in Kew, created for Halfey by artists working for Cullen & Co. It was demolished in 1960 to make way for the Kew Civic Centre. Elm Lodge had been built for William Siddeley in ca. 1864. Arthur Septimus King purchased it in 1874. The lower paddocks of Madford were sold in 1905 by his wife to the Borough of Kew and, after landscaping by George and Thomas Pockett, opened as the Alexandra Gardens in 1908. Elm Lodge/Madford was in 1922 to become St. Anthony’s Home for Little Children before its subsequent demolition in the 1980s.melbourne and metropolitan board of works, detail plans, maps - borough of kew, mmbw 1576, cartography

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

On 6 December 2018, a recurring event was organised at the Mission. From the Multicultural website: "Meeting at the Seafarer’s bridge on the Yarra, you will be welcomed into a little-known site nearby, a sanctuary for seafarers for the last 100 years and a symbol of old-world generosity amidst the rapidly shifting landscape of the Docklands. A journey through the quirky spaces at Mission to Seafarer’s site through a compelling contemporary ritual performance. The Echoes Projects artists evoke fragments of stories embedded in this site through mesmerising live soundscapes, movement and imagery. Ria Soemardjo, Janette Hoe and Pongjit (Jon) Saphakhun collaborate to create an ongoing exploration of contemporary rituals in response to urban sites in Australia. Based in Melbourne, their contemporary performance work draws deeply from their personal connections to Thai, Chinese and Indonesian ceremonial traditions. Featuring Intricate rhythmic compositions inspired by the rich heritage of Indonesian and Middle Eastern musical traditions, performed by Ron Reeves and Matt Stonehouse – two of Australia’s foremost world music percussionists. Note: 7 PM and 8 PM sessions include delicious vegetarian Indonesian food. 9 PM session includes Indonesian and Thai cakes and sweets. You are invited to stay and eat after the performance, drinks available for purchase at the venue. Performers: Janette Hoe – dance artist Pongjit (Jon) Sekhukhune – actor Ria Soemardjo – musician Ron Reeves – musician Matt Stonehouse – musician /instrument maker Supported by the City of Melbourne Arts Grants Program Details: 6 Dec 2018 (Thursday) Sessions: 7 PM, 8 PM & 9 PM The Mission to Seafarers Audience Meeting point – next to the entrance of the Seafarer’s Bridge, Siddeley St, Docklands. Wheelchair accessible venue. Bookings essential. Tickets: $10 – $15 via Eventbrite. Ticket price is purely to pay for the food element. Companion Card ticketing available. Please contact Multicultural Arts Victoria for ticketing options. Companion ticket will allow admission only. The Seafarers Welcome is presented as part of Mapping Melbourne 2018."The Mission has always welcomed artistic events Colour programme of events with illustrationstop right corner: Multicultural Arts Victoria lower left corner: MAPPING MELBOURNE/1-15 DECEMBER 2018arts, events, multicultural arts victoria, the seafarer welcome, echoes project, 2018, cultural events, community

This photograph records the interior of St Nicholas Seamen's Church at 139 Nicholson Street, Williamstown, Victoria, which was purchased and furnished around 1943. The furniture and furnishings are now part of the St. Nicholas Seamen's Church collection. HISTORY of the Missions to Seamen: - The Missions to Seamen is an Anglican (Church of England) charity that has been serving the seafarers of the world since 1856. It was inspired by the work of Rev. John Ashley, who, 20 years earlier, had pioneered a ministry to seafarers in the Bristol Channel in Great Britain. When Ashley retired, others continued the work, founding the Missions to Seamen. It adopted a Flying Angel as its symbol, inspired by a verse from the Bible in Revelation 14. Today, over 200 ports in the world have Missions to Seamen centres and chaplains. A Missions to Seamen’s club offers a warm welcome to sailors of all colours, creeds and races and provides a wide range of facilities. The Missions to Seamen organisation changed its name to the Mission to Seafarers in the year 2000 and continues, including Missions to Seamen clubs in Victoria’s cities of Melbourne, Portland, Geelong and Hastings. Flagstaff Hill’s St Nicholas’ Seamen’s Church is named after its namesake from Williamstown, Victoria, which began in 1857. Bishop Perry opened the first Sailors’ Church there, known as ‘Bethel’, on an old hulk floating in Hobson’s Bay, Port of Melbourne. In 1860, a Sailors’ Rest began operating from various rented premises at Williamstown. In 1878, the Sailors’ Church moved into an old Wesleyan chapel in Ann Street. By the end of that year, they were able to purchase the building, which they had already refurbished. In 1883, they affiliated with the Victorian Seamen’s Mission. A few years later, in 1906, the building had to be demolished as it was no longer safe. While they were raising funds for a new building, the Sailors’ Rest temporarily moved to a building in front of Customs House in Nelson Place. Around this time, in 1906, the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild was formed in Australia to support and raise funds for the Mission to Seamen organisation in Melbourne. Two of the most significant ladies of the Guild were founding members Ethel Godfrey and Alice Sibthorpe. During the Mission's time at Siddeley Street, Melbourne, the activities of the Guild raised funds for the Mission to Seamen's Chapel at their new, and still current, premises in Flinders Street, Melbourne, opened in 1917. The Guild continued its important work until the 1960s. In 1908, the Williamstown Mission had enough money to purchase the former Mascotte skating rink on Thompson Street, Williamstown. In August of that year, they were inaugurated into the Victorian Missions to Seamen. They continued at that venue for a few decades. In 1943, the former ES&A Bank building at 139 Nelson Place, Williamstown, was purchased to become the new Mission to Seaman’s Club. On May 6th, 1944, it was officially opened, described as a ‘distinctive little building’. Funds had previously been raised for the building and furnishing of the chapel at the rear. The chapel was named St Nicholas’ Seamen’s Church, after St Nicholas, fourth-century bishop and patron saint of sailors. Services were held on Wednesdays and Sundays. The church was supported by the Williamstown Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary, newly founded by Mrs Ethel Margaret Musther in 1943, as well as the Harbour Lights Guild and the League of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Friends. The Williamstown Mission to Seamen’s Church operated until 1966, when the Port of Williamstown was no longer used by large international ships. The Commonwealth Government then leased the premises. In the formative years of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, the Advisory Board decided to include a Missions to Seamen Chapel and Recreation Room in its village. The Missions organisation was a significant feature of ports during the late 1800s and early 1900s, the period that the Village represents. They often erected Missions to house social and worshipful activities for seamen. Flagstaff Hill’s curator, Mr Ken Marshman, approached the Melbourne Board of Management of Missions to Seamen regarding the Williamstown branch. Consequently, the Board gave its permission for the entire furnishings of the Williamstown chapel to be transferred to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. A provision of the transfer was that the Victoria Missions to Seamen be recognised, that the items would remain as a collection, and that the chapel would be called St Nicholas Seamen’s Church and conduct Divine services. The donation was approved on 21st May 1979. Flagstaff Hill's St. Nicholas Seamen's Church: - The conception of Flagstaff Hill’s Missions to Seamen’s Church was partly motivated by the offer of Stained Glass Memorial Windows, originally from the local Warrnambool and District Base Hospital, which was undergoing multi-storey development in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The hospital’s Manager/Secretary was keen to see the historical window installed in an appropriate location. The church, or chapel, was designed by a local architectural draftsman in conjunction with the Flagstaff Hill Planning Board and was built by Mr Leon Habel. The designers had the hope that the church would be used for formal worship such as weddings, funerals and multi-denominational special services such as War commemorations. The design is based on the ‘Missions to Seamen’ buildings in both Portland and the Port of Melbourne. Placement of the furnishings was done as accurately as possible according to photographs of the Williamstown St Nicholas Seamen’s Church and with assistance from local clergy. The Recreation Room was furnished and arranged on advice from experienced members of the Missions to Seamen organisation. A framed document in the building recognises the donor of the furnishings, Victoria Missions to Seamen, as well as the names of some of the original donors and their donated item/s. The design of the building incorporates local features such as Warrnambool sandstone, which was no longer commercially available but was procured from demolished buildings and uniformly cut, to be used as a veneer over the stronger Mt. Gambier stone. Also, traditional green American roofing slate was used, sourced from the 1908 local shipwreck “Falls of Halladale” by Flagstaff Hill volunteer divers. The bell tower includes a bell believed to be from a local shipwreck. The additional furnishings were acquired locally, and several items were donated by Warrnambool residents. Light fittings in both rooms were assembled to simulate 19th-century gas light fittings. The stained-glass window at the back of the church is a memorial to Dr Connell, a well-respected member of the Warrnambool community. It was originally installed in 1928 in what was then the main building of Warrnambool Hospital. The St Nicholas’ Seamen’s Church at Flagstaff Hill was officially opened by His Worship the Mayor, Cr. John Lindsay, on Sunday 11th October 1981. The event included a service of thanksgiving conducted by the Warrnambool Ministers Fraternal. Since then, the Chapel has been the historic venue for many weddings.This item is significant through its association with the St Nicholas' Mission to Seamen Church in Williamstown, Melbourne, established in 1857.Photograph of St Nicholas Seamen's Church, Williamstown. Sepia photograph. The photograph shows the inside of the Chapel of Mission to Seamen, including organ, pews and other furniture and furnishings. There is a circular stained glass window high on the back wall depicting a sailor at the helm of a ship and a man standing behind him and pointing the way - "Christ Showing The Helmsman The Way". A Sanctuary Light is suspended from the ceiling. The Sanctuary chars are visible. This shows the St Nicholas Seamen's Church in Williamstown, the furnishings and furniture of which is now part of the St Nicholas Seamen's Church Collection’.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, st nicholas mission to seamen's church williamstown, mission to seamen williamstown, mission to seamen victoria, st nicholas mission to seamen, chapel window, christ showing the helmsman the way, stained glass window, st nicholas seamen's church, religion, religious service, sailor's rest, ladies harbour light guild

The item is of the few programme flyers left used by the Mission to advertise the events to seafarers in the building.Brown sheet of paper. top left corner has The Mission To Seamen flag. Leaflet lists New Years events for seamen for the year 1907.lhlg, picnic, new year, 1907, new nears' eve, zoo, zoological gardens, melbourne, charles arthur holmes, alfred gurney goldsmith, chaplain, lay reader, port melbourne, sailors' home, williamstown, sailors' rest, siddeley street, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, events, services, tea