Showing 1132 items matching "seamen"
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Mission to Seafarers Victoria
legal record (item) - Register, Marriages, The Victoria Missions to Seamen, Marriage Register, 1950
The register documents the weddings that took place in St. Peter's Mariners Church between October 1950 to January 1954. Each page is the legal documentation of the necessary information for the wedding to be registered in the Commonwealth of Australia. Two of the weddings registers also have Forms of Consent, as the brides were under age. Most of the weddings have been officiated by Reverend Frank Oliver.The register is a record of the weddings conducted in Peter the Marina Church between the 14th of October 1950 to the 16th of January 1954.On unattached front cover: REGISTER NO 7 (underlined) / 106 - 130 / 14-10-50 - 16-1-54 / NOTE NOS 107 PORT MELBOURNE / 114 WILLIAMSTOWN / 122 WILLIAMSTOWN / 120 PRIVATE ADDRESS GLENHUNTLY, handwritten in ink. There is an ink smudge just below the last line.wedding, marriage, 1950-1954, register, mission-to-seafarers, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, seamen's mission, marriages, weddings, chapel, st peter chapel, padre oliver, dio-marriages, dio-archives -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Booklet - Annual Report, The Missions to Seamen, Annual Reports 1981, 1982
Report containing photographs printed on a thick blue paper and printed in black inkannual report, new south wales, nsw, sydney -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - Relocated cornerstone, Seamen's Institute, Port Melbourne, 1930
During demolition of the 1937 Missions to Seamen building in October 1995, this stone was removed intact by developers Mirvac Victoria, and placed in the care of the PMH&PS.Photograph taken by member Bob Gooding in September 2015 of the cornerstone Cornerstone originally laid at the Victorian Seamen's Institute corner Nott and Beach Street (Fox Hay building today) during extensions in 1930.. Was relocated to interior wall near the chapel doors when the new Mission building at corner of Beach Road and Swallow Street was built in 1937.Engraved in gold lettering on a black background: To the glory of God and the welfare of seamen this stone was unveiled by the Most Rev. Frederick Waldeerave, Head B.D. Archbishop of Melbourne on the 23rd day of January 1930mission to seamen, frederick waldegrave -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Badge - Mission to Seamen Harbour Lights Guild, 2019
Small round metal badge. Light blue, navy and white. Mission to Seamen Harbour Lights Giuld. World War I (WWI) eraAround the edge "Harbour Lights Guild" on flag in centre "The Missions to Seamen"war - world war i, missions to seamen, societies clubs unions and other organisations, harbour lights guild -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Book (item) - Scrapbook, W.H.C. Darvall, Victorian Seamen's Mission Scrapbook No 1, c.1896
This scrapbook holds numerous newspaper clippings recording events, functions and visits to the Seamen's Mission starting in 1896 through to 1902, although a few documents date from 1895. These dates coincide with the commencement of Mr WHC Darvall's various terms of office with the Mission from the mid 1890s. Mr Darvall's involvement with the Mission possibly stems from his arrival in Victoria in 1853 part working his passage from England as a purser on the migrant ship Asia. He first encountered Captain Pascoe on arrival at Williamstown who was also on the Mission executive when Darvall returned to Melbourne from Beechworth in 1871. 1898: Death of Captain Crawford Pasco with a photographic portrait. 1899: Small ink sketch by artist Charles Georges Darvall, WHC Darvall's cousin. 1900 Foundation of Geelong mission 1901: Queen Victoria's death (22 January) Australian Federation (1st January) Boer War (189-1902) Death of chaplain Ebenezer James Nautical exhibition On the inside of the rear cover of the book a plan of Williamstown has been pasted with no date provided. 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 (politicians, supporters, artists) and shows the vivacity of the work at the Mission.Sticker on the front cover: "Victorian Seamen's/Mission/Scrap-book/No. 1/Commencing/ January 1896 Ending - victoria-missions-to-seamen, w h c darvall, mission to seamen, seamen's mission, maritime exhibition, queen victoria, royal merchant seaman orphanage, charles g. darvall, william henry charles darvall (1830-1906), queen victoria (1819-1901), boer war, charles georges darvall (1831-1924), sunbeam, lord brassey, crawford atchison denman pasco (1818-1898), concerts, library association, merchant seamen orphans asylum, snaresbrook, frederica mitchell, kitty grindlay, syllabus, amateur concerts, port melbourne standard, cole's book arcade, the port gazette, the port melbourne standard, hereward, maitland -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Religious Book, The Book of Common Prayer, Circa 1944
The book was previously part of the service at St Nicholas Seamen's Church in Williamstown, Melbourne. THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN (Brief History: for more, see our Reg. No. 611, Set of Pews) The Missions to Seamen was an Anglican charity that served seafarers of the world since 1856 in Great Britain. It symbol is a Flying Angel, inspired by a Bible verse. Today there are centres in over 200 ports worldwide where seamen of all backgrounds are offered a warm welcome and provided with a wide range of facilities. In Victoria, the organisation began in Williamstown in 1857 as a Sailors’ Church, also known as ‘Bethel’ or the ‘Floating Church’ in 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.This book 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 book is historically significant for its connection to the Ladies Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary, an organisation of women, formed to support seafarers. The connection of this book to the Mission to Seamen and to the Ladies Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary highlights the strong community awareness of the life of people at sea, their dangers and hardships, and their need for physical, financial, spiritual and moral support. This Book of Common Prayer was part of the original furnishings of St Nicholas Seamen's Church, Williamstown, Victoria. The church was operated by the Missions to Seamen organisation. It is one of a set of similar books. The hardcover is of red fabric over cardboard, with gold embossed letters on the spine. This book is part of the St Nicholas Seamen's Church Collection. On the front cover Symbol [CROSS]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, the book of common prayer, prayer book -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Postcard, c.1918
The postcard shows how the Mission to Seafarers, then known as the Seamens Institute, looked early in its operation - probably circa 1920. It also documents the types of activities were offered to visitors, and how the visitors used the facilities.The postcard records the fittings and furnishings of the Mission to Seafarers, then known as the Seamens' Institute: tables, chairs but also the paintings which were often donated. The largest one on the main wall above the stage is "Start Point Light, Devonshire" (see item 0230), painted and donated by Miss Madeline R. Lewellin (1854-1944) in 1918. A sepia-toned postcard, of the main hall/club room of the "Seamens Institute" Mission to Seafarers. The image shows the arrangement of tables, pool table and bar in the club room, as well as the decorations and fitting of the room.On front: INTERIOR OF SEAMENS INSTITUTE, FLINDERS STREET MELBOURNE VALENTINES SERIES M. 4968 printed in black. On reverse: VALENTINES / REAL PHOTO SERIES logo in the middle of the top of the postcard. Along the left-hand edge: PUBLISHED BY THE VALENTINE PUBLISHING CO. PTY. LTD / QUEEN ST., MELB. printed in black.postcard, seamens-institute, club-room, bar -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Flyer, Victorian Seamen's Mission, The Flying Angel, 1963-1966
The Mission accommodated seamen from all nationalities from the earliest days of operation. Asian seafarers are recorded visiting the Mission from the late 19th C. onwards. The first Chinese chaplain to be appointed was Rev Steven Wong who moved to Melbourne in the 1960s. Rev Wong served from 1963-1966 and according to his sons helped design these information brochures. Images of Rev'd Wong are included in the VC Database. The pamphlet gives days and times of activities such as dances and films and chapel services. The Chinese writing was made by Reverend Stephen WongA rare surviving period example of a non-english speaking flyer on information about the Mission to Seafarers Victoria Commercially printed paper single fold flyer providing directions and information to the Central Club, Missions to Seamen at Flinders St extension, in Mandarin. Contains a drawing of the central mission and a map of Docklands.In English: CENTRAL CLUB/THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN, FLINDERS STREET EXTENSION, MELBOURNE C.3 In Mandarin: Translation (from Google translate): date and time of services / date and time for dances, movie sessions, teareverend stephen wong, mandarin, chinese, asian, reverend perry mitchinson -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - 150th Anniversary of Seamens' Union, Janet Bolitho, 21 Sep 2022
Celebrating 150 years since the Seamen's Union was founded outside the Former New Great Britain Hotel, Stokes Street, Port Melbourne.Two digital images of the 150th Anniversary of the Seamens' Union. seamen's union of australia, built environment - commercial, new great britain hotel -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Colour, Autumn 2004
For Ship To Shore newsletter published in Autumn 2004. Depicts both Reverend Dalling and Mrs Marjorie Duckett (nee McLellan) a key supporter of MTS who worked with Opportunity shop in Williamstown raising funds for the Mission to Seafarers. The house of the Duckett family of Riversdale, Hawthorn was host to seafarers for picnics and outings in the 1920s.Mrs Duckett nee Maclennan was linked to families of both names who according to membership records appear to have provided long standing support to the Mission through much of the 20th and into the 21st century. Colour photograph of Peter Seamen, his wife Robyn, Marjorie Duckett and Reverend Bill Dalling in the club of the 717 Flinders Street MissionFrom Left to right: Peter Seamen, his wife Robyn, Marjorie Duckett and Reverend Bill Dalling.chaplain, marjorie duckett nee maclennan, robin seamen, robyn seamen, peter seamen, reverend bill dalling, mission to seafarers, flinders street -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph - Historical, religious, mid-20th century
This photograph records the interior of St Nicholas Seamen's Church at 139 Nelson Place, 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: - DETAILED HISTORY of the Missions to Seamen: - The Missions to Seamen is an Anglican (Church of England) charity that has served the world’s seafarers 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 world ports have Missions to Seamen centres and chaplains. A Missions to Seamen’s club warmly welcomes 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 2000, continuing to include 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 started operating from rented premises in Williamstown. In 1878, the Sailors’ Church moved into an old Wesleyan chapel in Ann Street. By the end of that year, they managed 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 because it was no longer safe. While they raised funds for a new building, the Sailors’ Rest temporarily moved to premises 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 large international ships no longer used the Port of Williamstown. 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 permitted the 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 idea behind Flagstaff Hill’s Missions to Seamen’s Church was partly driven by the offer of Stained Glass Memorial Windows that originated from the Warrnambool and District Base Hospital, which was undergoing multi-storey expansion in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The hospital’s Manager/Secretary was eager to see the historic window installed in a suitable place. The church, or chapel, was designed by a local architectural draftsman in collaboration with the Flagstaff Hill Planning Board and was constructed by Mr Leon Habel. The designers hoped that the church would be used for formal worship such as weddings, funerals, and multi-denominational special services like war commemorations. The design is inspired by the ‘Missions to Seamen’ buildings in Portland and the Port of Melbourne. The furniture and furnishings were placed 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, and includes the names of some original donors and their donated item/s. The building’s design incorporates local features such as Warrnambool sandstone, which was no longer commercially available but was procured from demolished buildings and uniformly cut to use 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. Additional furnishings were acquired locally, along with several items 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 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 photograph is significant through its association with the St Nicholas' Mission to Seamen Church in Williamstown, Melbourne, established in 1857. The building in the photograph is the former English, Scottish and Australian Bank (ES&A bank), also known as the Mission to Seamen. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Database for having local historic and aesthetic interest. 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 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
photograph - Photograph, Sepia, Mr and Mrs Gurney Goldsmith, 1907
Monochrome photograph depicting three seamen standing in front of the Siddeley Street Mission siddeley, seamen, goldsmith album, walter richmond butler (1864–1949) -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Black and white
As the current Mission to Seafarers was originally called "The Missions to Seamen", this photograph shows an original flag with the Flying Angel Club logo on the front. The Flying Angel Club has been a universal environment for seafarers at every major port, and a place they can recognise as a place of respite from the seas.This is an example of an original Missions to Seamen flag dated between... and ... Partially faded black and white photograph of The Missions to Seamen flag. The photograph has a white border, and the pictured flag reads "THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN" with the Flying Angel logo in the centre.On the reverse side of the photograph is a stamp which is positioned at the top right and is upside down; it reads "H353". The photograph has discolouring around the edges (on both the front and reverse sides of the photograph), which is more extensive on the left side. There is also a large tear to the bottom left of the photograph which has taken away part of the image.flag, mission-to-seafarers, missions-to-seamen, flying-angel-club -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Administrative record (item) - Annual report, Clarke & Co. Printers, Forty-Second Annual Report of the Victorian Seamen's Mission, 1899, 1900
The reports were produced and readily distributed annually to a number of organisational stakeholders and included reports from the Committee, Chaplain, extracts of letters, Ladies auxiliary and a list of subscribers. In the Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Saturday 24 February 1900, page 15: VICTORIAN SEAMEN'S MISSION The annual meeting of the Victorian Seamen's Mission was held in the institute at Port Melbourne last night. There was a fair attendance, the large proportion being ladies, and the chair was occupied by Sir Frederick Sargood MLC. Mr Hugh R Reid, the president of the institute, was also president. The annual report, which was lead and adopted, stated that the Seamen's Institute at Port Melbourne, and also the Sailors' Rest at Williamstown, had sustained their reputation for usefulness and attractiveness. The attendances had been very large at each place and 114 seamen had taken the pledge at the Port Melbourne Institute. Regreat was felt that owing to the preliminary steps having met with opposition in Parliament the building of the long contemplated additional institute near the Melbourne wharves was deferred but the project had not been abandoned. Large parcels of literature had been distributed gratuitiously among ships' crews and the concerts held for the entertainment of seamen had been very successful. The mission had been in existence for over 40 years. It aimed at promoting the temporal and spiritual welfare of seamen. It had been the means of completely eradicating "crimping" and the sailors' "boarding masters" curie, and otherwise removing many of the abuses which still exist in other ports. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, referred to the great benefits which seamen derived from the institute. He was particularly struck by the fact that during the past year close on 2,000 letters had been written by visiting seamen from the institute namely, 1,720 at Port Melbourne, and 261 at Williamstown. It was also a very note-worthy feature, which perhaps the residents of Williamstown might be able to explain that, whilst out of 49,567 attendances at the Port Melbourne institute 114 had taken the pledge there, there was not a single instance on record of the pledge having been taken at the Sailors' Rest, Williamstown, out of 8,218 attendances. (Laughter) Referring to the projected new institute near the wharves, he was amazed to find that its construction had been, according to the report, orefused by some of the labour members. He did not know the details of the matter, but was of opinion that there was no institution more deserving of the support of labour members than the one advocated. In his opinion, the representatives of labour should disown the action of their delegates in Parliament in this matter. (Cheers ) Selections of vocal and instrumental music were given during the evening.These reports were produced annually and include a number of smaller reports from the Executive Committee, Chaplain and auxiliary. They sometimes included photographs and a list of subscribers and amounts pledged. These reports provide an organisational overview as well as many stories of the people who populated the Mission to Seafarers.Handwritten in ink on top right hand corner: "F T Derham [indecipherable]" Handwritten in ink on bottom left hand corner: "Melbourne Sailors' Home" Cover back page written in black ink: W. Siddley Esq. / 529 Collins Street / Melbourneannual report, 1899, victorian seamen's mission, port melbourne, williamstown, sailors' rest, seamen's mission, mission to seafarers, seamen's institute, sailors' home, f.t. derham, reverend ebenezer james, whc darvall, frederick sargood, hugh r. reid, administrative document-annual report -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Postcard - Postcard, Colour
The Mission to Seamen Hostel, Victoria Dock Road, Londonsmall colour photographic postcard of Mission to Seafarers London, tear at top centre of postcardprinted info: Natural Colour / J. Arthur Dixon / Photogravure / Post Card / Printed and published by J. Arthur Dixon Ltd., Newport, I.W., England / The Mission to Seamen / Victoria Dock Road, London, E16 / SP 832mission to seamen, hostel, victoria dock, london, united kingdom, welfare, seamen, seafarers, sailors, accomodation, windvane, galleon, cars, overseas missions -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - Handpainted organ pipes, Missions to Seamen, Port Melbourne, Alison Kelly, 1990
Photographed by Alison Kelly at the Missions to Seamen after National Trust bought and returned the organ to the buildingColour photograph of handpainted pipes of Missions to Seamen organ (item 463) in close up on left and centre sectionmissions to seamen, arts and entertainment -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Black and white, c.1948-1956
Original owner, Nora O’Connor, the donor’s adopted aunt migrated to Canada during WW2 and also worked as volunteer at the Vancouver Mission to Seamen where she met her husband Edward O’Connor who later migrated to Australia.Black and white photograph of women at an event at the Vancouver club of lightkeepers of the missions to seamenphotograph, event, lightkeepers' auxiliary, british columbia, canada, nora o'connor, ww2, vancouver, mission to seamen, seamen's mission, overseas missions -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Furniture - Stool, ca. 1944
This low kneeling stool was used for prayer and was part of the original furnishings of the St Nicholas' Mission to Seamen's Church at 139 Nelson Place, Williamstown, Victoria. The Church was operated by the Mission to Seamen organisation. THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN (Brief History: for more, see our Reg. No. 611, Set of Pews) The Missions to Seamen was an Anglican charity that served seafarers of the world since 1856 in Great Britain. It symbol is a Flying Angel, inspired by a Bible verse. Today there are centres in over 200 ports worldwide where seamen of all backgrounds are offered a warm welcome and provided with a wide range of facilities. In Victoria, the organisation began in Williamstown in 1857 as a Sailors’ Church, also known as ‘Bethel’ or the ‘Floating Church’ in 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. This kneeling stool 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. The Church originated in Bristol, England when a Seamen's Mission was formed in 1837. The stool is historically significant for its connection to the Ladies Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary, an organisation of women, formed to support seafarers. The connection of this stool to the Mission to Seamen and to the Ladies Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary highlights the strong community awareness of the life of people at sea, their dangers and hardships, and their need for physical, financial, spiritual and moral support. Stool; kneeling stool with textured vinyl cover and wooden base, with 4 wooden legs. The stool is part of the St Nicholas Mission to Seamen's Collection.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, religion, religious service, prayer, church furniture, prayer stool, worship -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
administrative record (item) - Book, History, W H C Darvall, The Victorian Seaman's Mission and Institutes: An Epitomised History of Matters of Interest contained herewith. Compiled by WHC Darvall, Honorary Secretary, 1905
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) -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Digital photograph, copy, 1956-1958
David Conolly, Lay Reader, Mission to Seamen, Melbourne 1956-1958David Conolly had a long standing connection with the Mission.Black and white gloss print photograph made in studio depicting David Conolly in profile wearing naval uniform and cap and Flying Angel badge in lapel.Hand written in black texta; David Conolly, Lay Reader, Mission to Seamen, Melbourne 1956-1958david conolly, lay readers, mission to seafarers, flinders street, mission to seamen -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Postcard - Postcard, Colour, Alison Kelly, c. 1990
Also known as the King George V memorial building this branch of the Mission to Seamen opened in 1937 as a replacement for the old Mission in Port Melbourne. The Foundation stone was laid by the Victorian State Governor and a photograph of the event is also held in the MTSV collection. The Art Deco style building was commissioned by merchant and philanthropist, Alfred Michael Nicholas (1881-1937) and designed by prolific Melbourne-based architect Harry A. Norris (1888-1966) in 1937 best known for his commercial work in Melbourne city centre. NB PMHPS Kindly allowed MTSV heritage to take scans of the Kelly series notes in their collection for reference in 2019.One of the few full colour images of this building originally classified by the National Trust and now demolished. An example of architect Harry Norris' work 1937. All that remains are a ceramic plaque, a brick and several items of chapel artefacts. Alison Kelly, a photographer, was part of the group supporting the Port Melbourne Seamen's Mission in the 1980s and 1990s. She took a series of photographs of the building now held by the Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society.Full colour Postcard featuring colour image of a large red brick building in a 1930s era Architecture. There is a green wrought iron gate ajar in the foreground with the word SEAMAN spelled out. MISSIONS TO SEAMEN can also be seen spelled ut in white across and down the central clock tower of the building and this is surmounted with a white flagpole.On verso: Printed: "Heritage Series / POST CARD " at right angles in small print from lwr edge to upper: "PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON KELLY PORT HERITAGE SERIES NO 6". At Lwr left crnr printed:" Missions to Seamen Building, Port Melbourne/ Designed in the Modern style by architect Harry Norris,/ this 1937 National Trust classified structure was until 1972 / an entertainment and spiritual centre for seamen, with / important roles during the war [WW2] and immigration periods"king george v, memorial chapel, harry a. norris, brick, art deco, alfred m. nicholas, beach street, mission to seamen, alison kelly, 1937, arts centre, seamen mission, mission to seafarers, port melbourne -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Sepia, Alfred Gurney Goldsmith, He Biles the Mighty Kittles which drive 'er on 'er Track, c. 1916
The photograph was first published in the Jottings issue 44, Michaelmas 1916. He was republished in January 1922 (issue 65).Small sepia tone photograph with a thin white frame depicting three seamen onboard their ship.Handwritten at the back in pencil: A G Goldmsith / Shipping News / Melbourne Blue ink stamp: 640 (the "6" is replaced by a handwritten "5")seamen, life on board, life onboard, sailors, crews and ships -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Equipment - Projector, from Huntingfield Hall, Missions to Seamen Building. Port Melbourne, 1930s
An occasional cinema night was held in Huntingfield Hall at the Mission to Seamen building where dances and concert entertainments for the crews of ships also took place.A slide projector from bio-box projector room above Huntingfield Hall, in the Missions to Seamen building. (Ref 1613)arts and entertainment - film/cinema, missions to seamen -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Sepia, Alfred Gurney Goldsmith, c. 1910
Small monochrome photograph (faded) of seamen aloft a sailing shipaloft, reverend alfred gurney goldsmith, ship visit, life on board, seamen, rigging, sails, mast, windjammers -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Functional object - Sundial, Missions to Seamen, Port Melbourne
Positioned on pedestal in centre of circular garden bed in front of main entrance to the Missions to Seamen building in Beach Street, probably when built in 1937 (it's showing in a 1940s photo). Bronze sundial from the Missions to Seamen garden, with Roman numerals, 8-pointed star in centre indicating points of the compassmissions to seamen -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Textile - Seat Squabs, mid-20th century
The term 'seat squabs' is no longer commonly used, but is sometimes referred to in the upholstery and motor vehicle industries. Squabs are padded cushions frequently added to wooden chairs or benches to add comfort to their hard forms. They have been made to an 18th-to-19th-century pattern using beautiful, richly coloured satin fabric and fancy cord tassels. The weighted flap at the rear of the squabs helps to keep them in place on the chair, and could be used on the top of the backrest instead of on the seat. These days, squabs are attached with fabric ties or hook-and-loop tabs. These seat squabs were once used in the St Nicholas Seamen's Church at 139 Nelson Place, Williamstown, Victoria, which was purchased and furnished around 1943. The furniture and furnishings are now part of the St. Nicholas Seamen's Church collection. DETAILED HISTORY of the Missions to Seamen: - The Missions to Seamen is an Anglican (Church of England) charity that has served the world’s seafarers 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 world ports have Missions to Seamen centres and chaplains. A Missions to Seamen’s club warmly welcomes 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 2000, continuing to include 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, which was known as ‘Bethel’, on an old hulk floating in Hobson’s Bay, Port of Melbourne. In 1860, a Sailors’ Rest started operating from rented premises in Williamstown. In 1878, the Sailors’ Church moved into an old Wesleyan chapel in Ann Street. By the end of that year, they managed 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 because it was no longer safe. While they raised funds for a new building, the Sailors’ Rest temporarily moved to premises 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 for the new Mission to Seaman’s Club. The official opening was on May 6th, 1944. It was 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 large international ships no longer used the Port of Williamstown. 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 permitted the 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 idea behind Flagstaff Hill’s Missions to Seamen’s Church was partly driven by the offer of Stained Glass Memorial Windows that originated from the Warrnambool and District Base Hospital, which was undergoing multi-storey expansion in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The hospital’s Manager/Secretary was eager to see the historic window installed in a suitable place. The church, or chapel, was designed by a local architectural draftsman in collaboration with the Flagstaff Hill Planning Board and was constructed by Mr Leon Habel. The designers hoped the church would be used for formal worship, such as weddings, funerals, and multi-denominational special services like war commemorations. Its design was inspired by the ‘Missions to Seamen’ buildings in Portland and the Port of Melbourne. The furniture and furnishings were placed 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, and includes the names of some original donors and their donated item/s. The building’s design incorporates local features such as Warrnambool sandstone, which was no longer commercially available but was procured from demolished buildings and uniformly cut to use 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. 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 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 pair of seat squabs is historically significant for its origin in the St Nicholas Mission to Seamen's Church in Williamstown, established in 1857 to cater for seafarers’ physical, social, and spiritual needs. The organisation originated in Bristol, England, when a Seamen's Mission was formed in 1837. The squabs are also significant for their use in the St Nicholas Missions to Seamen's chapel, Williamstown, as the original building is now listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. Squabs or padded seat cushions, a pair of two. These 18th to 19th-century design squabs have crimson and cream satin fabric on top and underneath, and weighted tassels are attached to their rear corners. They can be used for comfort on hard seats and benches. The squabs were furnishings from the Missions to Seamen chapel in Williamstown, and they are 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, st nicholas seamen's church, religion, religious service, sailor's rest, ladies harbour light guild, squab, seat covers, cushions, squabs, religious furnishing, padded seats, seating, accessory -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Flyer - Promotional material from Mission Arts Centre, 1988
The Missions to Seamen building, designed by architect Harry Norris and built in 1937, was located on the site proposed 50 years later for development by the Sandridge Development Company. The building fell into disrepair after it was closed by the church in 1972, but enjoyed a brief and energetic period in 1987-90 when it was used as a community arts centre. These documents record the campaign waged to save the building from demolition. It was demolished in October 1995.Material relating to a campaign to save the Missions to Seamen building, 1987-88: items relating to an open day at the Missions to Seamen building for Heritage Week, 22 to 25 April 1988, including notes for accompanying guided tourmission to seamen, arts and entertainment, mission arts centre, national trust of victoria, harry a norris, pat grainger, barry merat, brian couldrey, town planning, heritage -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Plaque - Commemorative, circa August 1947
This commemorative plaque was made for the round, stained glass window titled “Christ showing the helmsman the way” that was originally installed at the St Nicholas Seamen’s Church in Williamstown. The window was donated as a memorial to the members of the Merchant Navy whose lives were lost in the Second World War, 1939-1945. The donor was the Williamstown Lightkeepers Auxiliary, an independent ladies association working with the Williamstown Missions to Seamen (re-named the Mission to Seafarers in the year 2000). The window was officially dedicated on December 14, 1947 by Geelong's Anglican Bishop, Rt. Rev. J.D. McKie. In the early months of 1948 this bronze plaque was also placed in the chapel above the altar. The Williamstown St Nicholas Seamen’s Church ceased operation in 1966. In 1979 the Victoria Missions to Seamen donated this round, stained glass window and the memorial plaque to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, along with many other items and furnishings. These items have been used to simulate the Williamstown Mission and Chapel as much as possible. THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN The Missions to Seamen was an Anglican charity that served seafarers of the world since 1856 in Great Britain. It symbol is a Flying Angel, inspired by a Bible verse. Today there are centres 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 as a Sailors’ Church, also known as ‘Bethel’ or the ‘Floating Church’ in 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. This plaque is significant for its connection with the round Sanctuary window above the altar in the chapel at Flagstaff Hill. The window was originally installed at the chapel of the St Nicholas Seamen’s Church in Williamstown in 1947, and is listed on the Victorian War Heritage Inventory No. 196973 as an object of significance. The plaque is also significant for its recognition of the members of the Merchant Navy who lost their lives in service to our country during World War II. The plaque is important for its connection with the Williamstown Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary and Missions to Seamen, which were dedicated to supporting seafarers from all over the world. The funds the group raised helped to furnish the St Nicholas Seamen’s Church in Williamstown, including the Sanctuary window, pews, carpets and hangings. These items are now part of the St Nicholas Seamen's Church Williamstown Collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Warrnambool. Plaque: rectangular brass commemorative plaque. Each corner has a round hole. Inscription impressed into the metal and filled in with black paint. It is now part of the Williamstown Missions to Seamen Collection. “IN MEMORY OF THE MEMBERS / OF THE MERCHANT NAVY WHO WERE LOST / IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR 1939-1945 / FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH / THE WINDOW ABOVE THE ALTAR / WAS ERECTED BY THE WILLIAMSTOWN / LIGHTKEEPERS AUXILIARY / 1947.”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, mission to seamen williamstown, st nicholas seaman’s church williamstown, missions to seamen victoria, mission to seafarers, lightkeepers auxiliary, ladies harbour light guild, 139 nelson place williamstown, religion, religious service, sailors rest, bethel sailors’ church, bethel floating church, e. s. & a. bank williamstown, christ directing a sailor, christ showing the helmsman the way, quartermaster’s hand on the wheel, stained glass window, church window, religious window, sanctuary window, memorial window, war memorial window, victorian war heritage inventory, victorian heritage database, merchant navy ww2, 1939-1945, anglican church, bishop mckie, flying angel club, williamstown lightkeepers' auxiliary, ladies' harbour lights guild, commemorative window, memorial plaque, merchant navy, ww ii -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Ceremonial object - Kneeling Mat, ca. 1944
This pair of comfortable kneeling mats is from the original furnishings of St Nicholas Seamen's Church, Williamstown, operated by the Williamstown Missions to Seamen organisation. THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN (Brief History): - The Missions to Seamen was an Anglican charity that has served seafarers of the world since 1856 in Great Britain. Its symbol is a Flying Angel, inspired by a Bible verse. Today, there are centres in over 200 ports worldwide where seamen of all backgrounds are offered a warm welcome and provided with a wide range of facilities. In Victoria, the organisation began in Williamstown in 1857 as a Sailors’ Church, also known as ‘Bethel’ or the ‘Floating Church’ in 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. This pair of kneeling mats is historically significant for its origin in the St Nicholas Mission to Seamen's Church in Williamstown, established in 1857 to cater for seafarers’ physical, social, and spiritual needs. The organisation originated in Bristol, England, when a Seamen's Mission was formed in 1837. Mat, quantity of two. Kneeling mats used during prayer. Mats are rectangular and made of blue cloth with sewn edges and padding inside. The mats are part of the St. Nicholas Seamen's Church Williamstown Collection.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, religion, religious service, sailors rest, bethel sailors’ church, bethel floating church, ladies harbour light guild, lightkeepers’ auxiliary, missions to seamen victoria, mission to seafarers, flying angel’s club, st nicholas seaman’s church williamstown, st nicholas mission to seamen church williamstown, mission to seamen williamstown, st nicholas seamen’s church flagstaff hill, 139 nelson place williamstown, religious worship, anglican church, prayer accessory, kneeling mat, prayer mat, religious custom, religious tradition -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Furniture - Set of Pews, c.1944
This set of seventeen church pews was originally used in St. Nicholas Seamen’s Church, 139 Nelson Place, Williamstown, Victoria, during religious services there. The Church was operated by the Mission to Seamen organisation. The pews were donated to the St Nicholas Seamen’s Church by the Williamstown Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary, founded by Ethel Margaret Musther, M.B.E.. 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 set of pews 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 set of pews id historically significant for their connection to the Ladies Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary, an organisation of women, formed to support seafarers. The connection of these pews to the Mission to Seamen and to the Ladies Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary highlights the strong community awareness of the life of people at sea, their dangers and hardships, and their need for physical, financial, spiritual and moral support. Set of seventeen varnished oak wood church high back pews. The pews have a shelf fitted behind the backrest. This is a set of original items in our ‘St Nicholas Seamen's Church Williamstown Collection’.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, religion, religious service, lightkeepers’ auxiliary, mrs musther, missions to seamen victoria, mission to seafarers, flying angel’s club, st nicholas seaman’s church williamstown, st nicholas mission to seamen church williamstown, mission to seamen williamstown, st nicholas seamen’s church flagstaff hill, 139 nelson place williamstown, church furniture, church seats, church pew, religious furniture, religious worship, anglican church