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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 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Furniture - Altar and Reredos, Hadwen and Houghton, ca 1944
This altar and rear reredos were 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 reredos was donated to the Williamstown chapel by Miss. M. Breaks, in memoriam Miss. L.A. Breaks, who served a very active part in the Seamen's Mission, and the altar was donated by Mr and Miss J R Schutt. 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 altar and reredos are 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. They are historically significant for their connection to the Ladies Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary, an organisation of women, formed to support seafarers. The connection of this furniture 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. Altar and reredos or altar panel, wooden. The timber is panelled, stained and has a varnished finish. The base has a detachable vertical panel with the decoration of a sword and two anchors, the reredos has a cross on a panel. It was made by Hadwen and Houghton, Malvern, Victoria. A plaque at the bottom right edge is marked with the maker's name. The altar is part of the St Nicholas Seamen's Church collection.On removable panel; logo of [sword and two anchors] On bottom right of base: "Hadwen and Houghton, Malvern"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, altar, reredos, church furniture, religious furniture, miss m breaks, miss l a breaks, mr and miss j r schutt., worship service -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Print - Religious Print, Reinthal & Newman, Jesus Chrisus, ca 1906 - 1960s
... St Nicholas Seamen's Church ...Print of an original oil painting created in 1874 (these numbers are in the top left corner) by artist Gabriel Max ("Gab Max" is in top right corner) and reproduced by Kodak. The reproduction was likely made for the Mission to Seamen from the early 1906 to the 1960s to hang in its chapel. The publisher Reinthal & Newman, New York, was in business between 1906 and 1928. The company originally published postcards, but from 1920 they published prints of art from original works of famous and not so well-known artists. The published items were distributed by the House of Art, NY, which continued on into the 1950s. The print was part of the original furnishings of St Nicholas Seamen's Church, Williamstown, Victoria. The church was operated by the Missions to Seamen organisation. 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 organisation 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 print is significant because of its association with the Mission to Seamen in Williamstown, Victoria. This organisation had strong connections to the colonisation of Victoria by people travelling and arriving by sea. The picture is also significant as a representation of 19th century religious art by Gabriel Cornelius von Max.Print of an oil painting representing Jesus Christ, closed eyes, tear on cheek, with a crown of thorns, titled “Jesus Christus”, produced in 1874 by 19th century artist Gabriel Cornelius von Max (GAB MAX). Print on paper; black and grey drawing on beige canvas-look background with image of fixing pins in each corner, edges look like torn fabric. Published by Reinthal & Newman, New York. Print is behind glass, mounted in heavy wooden frame that is painted dark brown. Reverse has numbers on small white label. Base of reverse has two small holes, each with indentations from something round. Backing board has indentations from nails no longer there. There are remnants of original hanging wire, but this has been replaced. Part of the St Nicholas Seamen's Church Collection.FRONT: Top left :1874” Top right “GAB MAX” [Gabriel Cornelius von Max] Handwritten script under picture “Jesus Christus”. Printed bottom left on front “A33 © REINTHAL & NEWMAN PUBS. N.Y.” REVERSE: “162” written in black felt pen on white label. Pencilled on reverse "11 3/8 x 9 1/4" and "Kodak" and other indecipherable markings.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, christian art, picture of jesus christ, jesus christus, photographic print of jesus christ, missions to seamen victoria, mission to seafarers, flying angel’s club, religious worship, reinthal & newman new york, jesus christ with crown of thorns, religion, religious service, sailors rest, bethel sailors’ church, bethel floating church, ladies harbour light guild, harbor lights guild, joy club for fighters, ladies lightkeepers’ auxiliary, st nicholas mission to seamen church williamstown, mission to seamen williamstown, st nicholas seamen’s church flagstaff hill, 139 nelson place williamstown, print, religious print, jesus christ, 1874, 19th century artist, gabriel cornelius von max, gab max, gabriel max, reinthal & newman, oil painting, st nicholas seamen's church, a33 © reinthal & newman pubs. n.y., kodak, house of art -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Archive - Minutes, Port Mission Action Group, 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: minutes, correspondence and membership details of National Trust-auspiced Port Mission Action Groupmission to seamen, arts and entertainment, mission arts centre, national trust of victoria, harry a norris, pat grainger, barry merat, brian couldrey -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Sepia, Starting for Christmas picnic, 25 December 1913
The sailors, officers and Reverend Gurney Goldsmith (centre) were picked up from the Siddeley Street mission by two double deck motorbuses. On the buses is written: "Motor Tyre, The place for tyre, 400-3-5 Swanston Street, Melbourne - Red Cross Hospital - The Globe". The Mission flag and the Union Jack are brought with the men to the St John's College, St Kilda East. The photograph appears in the Annual Report 1913. In the Age we could read: "SAILORS' PICNIC. The seamen from ships in port, were hospitably entertained on Christmas day by friends of the Victoria Missions to Seamen. The day was spent at St. John's College, East St. Kilda, by invitation of the warden and Mrs. Hart. The sailors enjoyed the treat, and entered heartily into the sports held during the afternoon. The evening was spent at the institute on the Australian wharf when every sailor received a Christmas' present from 'the brig." The photograph was used in the "Jottings fro our log" quarterly publication of the Mission in 1916.Sepia photograph with a thin black frame depicting seamen gathering in front of the Central Institute, Siddeley Street, where buses are waiting for them to take them on an outing.Handwritten at the back in pencil: "168" / Starting for Christmas picnic Handwritten in blue ink: "8" Handwritten twice in blue ink: 1914? at the top and 1914 at the bottom.siddeley street institute, ww1, christmas, transport, rev gurney goldsmith, flag, red cross, the globe, union jack, motorbus, 1913, xmas -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Furniture - Prayer Desk, Circa 1940s
This small desk was donated to the St. Nicholas' Mission to Seamen's Church by Mrs R Hidgekiss. It was used as a prayer desk or missal desk and was part of the original furnishings of the church at 139 Nelson Place, Williamstown, Victoria. 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 prayer disk 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 organisation originated in Bristol, England when a Seamen's Mission was formed in 1837. Desk: Cedar wood desk of plain design with a sloped top. It has plain tapered legs, a hinged lid, a keyhole at the front, and raised edges at the front and back. Storage space under the lid has a tongue and groove wooden base. It has been referred to as a prayer desk, missel desk or writing desk. This desk is 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, desk, writing desk, office furniture, domestic furniture, writing slope, clerk's desk, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, maritime museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, religion, religious service, religious worship, worship service, st nicholas seamen’s church, williamstown, missions to seamen victoria, mission to seafarers, st nicholas missions to seamen’s church williamstown, missions to seamen, st nicholas missions to seamen’s church flagstaff hill, 139 nelson place williamstown, anglican church, prayer accessory, church furniture, religious furniture, prayer desk, missal desk, mrs r hidgekiss -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Film - VHS Tape, Flying Angel Project, 1999
The service of dedication of the "Flying Angel" stained glass window was filmed on 29th September 1999. The Windows was made by Peter Echter-Baltrunas from Lothlorian Glasss Art Studio and constructed. by Portland Leadlighters Guild for the St Peter's Mariners Chapel in the Portland (not to confuse with the St Peter chapel of the Flinders Street Mission in Melbourne).The Portland Mission opened in 1962. VHS video tape in plastic case. Front of case has a thin cardboard label/insert with an image depicting a stained glass window, with the text 'Portland Missions to Seamen' above the image and 'Flying Angel Project' below the image. The back of the case has a thin cardboard label/insert with a zoomed shot of the centre of the same stained glass window, with text 'Service of dedication of the "Flying Angel" stained glass window 29th September 1999' 'Portland Missions to Seamen' 'Flying Angel Project' 'Service of dedication of the "Flying Angel" stained glass window 29th September 1999' portland, dedication, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, victoria, stained glass windows, flying angel, peter echter-baltrunas, lothlorian glass art studio, portland leadlighters guild, 1999 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Sepia, Anne Treverton Goldsmith (nee Lobb), Picnic at Glenfern, King's Birthday 1906, 9 November 1906
Gathering of seafarers and MTS clergy and LHLG members, at Glenfern 1906. Mrs Mary Danne daughter of Reverend Kerr Johnston was a widow at the time and was renting Glenfern, the property once owned by the Boyd family, and started a private primary school she called Newington College. A member of the Mission's committee from 1905 to 1926 when she passed away, a bras plaque was made in her memory and placed in the chapel of the Flinders Street Mission. (see item 0690) In the Standard published on Saturday 17 November 1906, page 4 we could read: "In connection with the Victoria Missions to Seamen a successful and pleasant outing, was given to the sailors in port on King's Birth day. Mrs. Danne, of "Glenfern," St. Kilda, threw her house and grounds open tor sports and tea. Cricket, football and sports were enthusiastically pursued, and ample justice was done to the substantial tea provided by Mrs. Danne and her friends. The Misses Danne, Miss Godfrey and other ladies were untiring in their attentions. Mr. Axell, first officer of brig Fairy Rock, in a few appropriate words thanked Mrs. Danne and the ladies, on behalf of the sailors, for their kind hospitality. Snapshots of the party were taken by Mrs. Goldsmith. Mr. C A. Holmes and Mr. Cedric Campbell acted as stewards and starters for the races. On the invitation of the chaplain (Rev. A G. Goldsmith*) ringing cheers were given for Mrs. Danne and the ladies. Before the party broke up Mrs Danne addressed a few kind words to the men and gave them all a shake of the band at the gate. The rest of the evening was spent at the Institute, Beach street, where games and competitions were carried on to the accompaniment of vocal and instrumental music. The prizes won at the sports etc., were distributed, and after singing the National Anthem the party broke up."Thanks to the article in the Standard, Saturday 17 November 1906, page 4, we learn that some of the early sepia photographs were taken by Mrs Gurney Goldsmith herself.Small monochrome photograph depicting a group of seamen and ladies with the Mission's Flagstaff.1906, glenfern, st kilda east, picnic, lhlg, king's birthday, edward vii, mary alice isabelle danne nee johnston, 1851-1926, reverend kerr johnston, 1812-1887, boyd family, sailors, seamen, seafarers, bowler hat, cap, boater hat, snapshots, camera, photographer, sports, cricket, football, ethel augusta godfrey 1861-1935, mr axell, fairy rock, charles arthur holmes (-1947), mrs gurney goldsmith, anne treverton goldsmith (nee lobb), cedric campbell -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Black and White, circa 1944
The Mission to seamen provided special services and support for cadets and officers of the merchant fleets. Officers had access to accommodation at the Mission and were encouraged as senior crew to improve pastoral and counselling skills that may benefit crews at sea. Padre Oliver is in his office, holding the book: Clanbrae: A Golfing Idyll by Pentland PeileThis image depicts Chaplain Oliver and three young seafarers possibly all officers / cadets (one is wearing a Merchant Navy badge) at the Mission circa 1944. Unclear if any of these men were related to Frank Ware.Black and white photograph depicting Padre Oliver, holding an open book and three seamen, one in naval uniform standing and two other men seated next to the Padre. A Mission to Seafarers Flag is in the background. mission to seafarers, frank ware, frank oliver, padre oliver, merchant navy, mn, clanbrae a holding idyll, josephine atkinson -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Book, Water works, Trust - Inwards Correspondence, 1890s
Originally a correspondence record for the Warracknabeal Waterworks, this book was recycled for use as a visitors' register for the Missions to Seamen building, during the years the Mission Arts Centre occupied it (1987 - 1990). Included are signatures of visitors during the Bicentenary celebrations, January 1988 as well as casual visitors and attendees at exhibitions, performances, concerts, community days, private parties, etc.Large bound volume, blue with tan leather binding, stamped in gold "Water Works, Trust - Inwards Correspondence", used as visitors' register for the Mission Arts Centre, Missions to Seamen building 1987-89missions to seamen, mission arts centre -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Flyer - Newsletter, Missions to Seamen, London, The Church and the Sailor March- April 1949, no 392, 1949
This newsletter was received as one item of 5 linked to and formerly the property of a member of the Lightkeepers of the Mission to Seamen,Vancouver, Canada circa 1940 - 1950s. See Donor file for details. This Newsletter is of particular interest as the leading article references the financial difficulties of Missions to Seamen around the world in the post world War 2 era. 8 page A 5 size Newsletter (pp 17-31 Cumulative issue) - Vol XXXVIII commercially printed with graphic masthead featuring ships. Features brief articles on International Missions to Seamen. Back page titled 'Our Lightkeepers'Page' features The Senior Lightkeepers' Guild of Vancouver. Illustrated thoughout with photographs.nora o'connor, edward o'connor, vancouver, canada, british columbia, lightkeepers' auxiliary, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, overseas missions -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Booklet - Rules, Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild 'Rules for Working Members 1939', 1939
This book of rules for members of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild was created to cement the 'unwritten rules' that guide the way the ladies support seafarers at the Mission to Seamen (Mission to Seafarers).The Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild was instrumental in securing funds to construct the current building at 717 Flinders Street. They were also dedicated volunteers who organised many social functions and events to offer visiting seafarers an opportunity to relax, have fun and socialise away from the ship.Small brown paper book consisting of one page folded in half. On the front is the title. 'The Victoria Missions to Seamen/Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild/Rules for Working Members/1939'. The inside left page details the rules for members of the Guild. The inside right page details what members of the Guild should not do. The back page is blank.lhlg, rules, ladies harbour lights guild, working members, 1939 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Album (item) - Photographic Album, digital copy, Freda Kathleen Oxley (1882-1969), Album of photographs of a voyage to Australia and visit to the Mission to Seamen, Melbourne [picture] / Freda Oxley, 1925-1928
This is a copy of an album of photographs held at the National Library of Australia. The album was photographed by Reverend's Weller grand daughter. Freda Oxley was a friend of the Wellers. She was born in Windsor in 1882 and Alexina Weller (nee Caley) was born in 1885 also in Windsor. She travelled on the SS Persic from England and arrived in 1925. She stayed at the Mission for several years, and became a host of the many picnics, making friends with the ladies from the Guild, taking photographs of people and events. Page 1 to 3: Outward Bound - SS Persic - September 26th .... November 12th 1925 Page 4: Interiors of the Mission to Seamen Melbourne Page 5: Page 6: Page 7: Page 8: Freda Oxley, the Wellers, Alexina Weller, Xmas Day 1927, Dora Walker and Rev. Weller Page 9: Gardens: the photographs show the garden's plants in its early years / Botanical Gardens / Nellie Melba's gardens in her estate Coombe: Walter Butler, the architect of the Mission had designed some extensions for Nellie Melba's estate and part of the gardens of the property, so it was likely through they acquaintance that the Mission's reverend and friends were invited. Page 10:This album provides photographs of the Mission's interiors, garden, staff, guests and activities during the Wellers stay. It also provides the provenance of the Weller album held in the Mission's collection.The album was donated to the National Library of Australia by Miss Elizabeth Phillips, with her address in England, with a typed note attached that reads: 'These photographs were taken by my aunt Miss Freda Oxley between 1925 and 1928. She went out to Melbourne at that time and stayed at the Mission to Seamen with her friends the Revd Jack Weller and Mrs Weller. The Revd Weller later became Bishop of the Falkland Islands.'freda kathleen oxley 1882-1969, ss persic, gardens, botanical garden, picnics, officers, portsea, sydney, rev. w.m robertson, dora simpson nee walker, wedding, alice sibthorpe tracy, ethel augusta godfrey 1861-1935, royal botanical garden, nellie melba, coombe, zoo, seamen, sailors, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), juan oyarzo, john oyarzo, fern tree gully, kerferd family -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Ceremonial object - Font, 1940s
This font is a piece of church furniture used in a baptism or christening service. It was originally installed in the St Nicholas Seamen's Church at 139 Nelson Place, Williamstown, Victoria. The church was a branch of the Victoria Missions to Seamen. 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 font is significant through its association with the St Nicholas' Mission to Seamen Church in Williamstown, Melbourne, established in 1857. The collection of items from the Missions to Seamen in Williamstown, Victoria, has historical and social significance. They show that people of the 1800s and 1900s cared about the seafarers’ religious, moral, and social welfare, no matter what their religion, social status or nationality. It had its origins in Bristol, England, when a Seamen's Mission was formed in 1837. The first Australian branch was started in 1856 by the Rev. Kerr Johnston, a Church of England clergyman, and operated from a hulk moored in Hobson’s Bay; later, the Mission occupied buildings in Williamstown and Port Melbourne. Baptismal font: four-legged, varnished oak wood pedestal supporting a wooden box with a hand-beaten, rolled edge, copper ewer, bowl or basin insert. The box has a removable cover that has a round wooden knob. The sides of the box section have a decorative, diamond-shaped motif. The box and lid are octagonal, with four short sides and four long sides. The tops of the legs have an ornamental design. This is one of the original items in our St Nicholas Seamen's Church Williamstown Collection.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, font, baptisimal font, church furniture, religious ceremony, copper ewet, religious furniture, christening font, religion, religious service, sailors rest, bethel sailors’ church, bethel floating church, ladies harbour light guild, missions to seamen victoria, mission to seafarers, 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, anglican church, flying angel club, copper ewer, copper bowl, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, maritime museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, religious worship, worship service, st nicholas seamen’s church, williamstown, st nicholas missions to seamen’s church williamstown, missions to seamen, st nicholas missions to seamen’s church flagstaff hill, baptism, christening, ceremony, tradition, hand-beaten copper ewer -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph, Christmas Day 1914 at St John's College, 1914
The Mission and the Ladies Harbour Light Guild organised many social events for seamen especially during the Christmas period. This one is one o the many events organised at the St John's College (formerly Cumloden College between 1891-1905) on 195-201 Alma Road, St Kilda East, in what seems to be the gymnasium (as per the ring hanging from the ceiling on the right). The reverend seen at the back could be Canon John Stephen Hart, successor of Canon Reginald Stephen, who welcomed the groups at the school on this occasions.The photograph depicts a group of seamen seated at tables inside a room waiting for a dinner to be served. Only one lady dressed in white is amongst them. At the back a reverend can be seen standing.Xmas Day 1914 at St John's Collegewwi, st john's college, cumloden college, dinner, christmas, lhlg, st kilda east, alma road -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph, Crossing the Line ceremony, 7 June 1927
Seamen are preparing the "pollywog" for the initiation ritual.duncan album, crossing the line -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - Bay views from Missions to Seamen, Port Melbourne, Pat Grainger, 1988
Bay views from Seamen's Missionbeacons, piers and wharves - station pier, bicentenary -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Postcard - Mission to Seamen, Port Melbourne, Alison Kelly, 1991
Postcard showing Mission to Seamen buildingMr J Coffey Box 255 Mansfieldreligion - anglican (holy trinity), local government - city of port melbourne, rev john coffey, alison kelly -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Religious Book, William Clowes & Sons, Limited, Hymns Ancient and Modern, bef. Sept 8th 1884
This book was a gift from Mrs. Cornish to her husband Nefiea, given to him on September 8th, 1884. It became part of the original furnishings of the St Nicholas' Mission to Seamen's Church at 139 Nelson Place, Williamstown, Victoria, and was used in services held there. The Church was operated by the Mission to Seamen organisation. The book is now part of Flagstaff Hill's St Nicholas Seamen’s Church collection. 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 hymn 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 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. The brown leather-covered bound book has an embossed inscription on the spine and an impressed cross symbol on the front cover. It has red leaf pages (681 pages). The music and words were compiled and arranged by editor William Henry Monk, and published in London. This Revised and Enlarged edition was printed in London by William Clowes & Sons Ltd. The book's title is "Hymns Ancient and Modern". The inscription shows it was given as a gift in 1884. It has since been added to our St Nicholas Seamen's Church Collection. Spine: "HYMNS AND TUNES" Front cover: symbol [cross] Fly Page: "HYMNS ANCIENT AND MODERN FOR USE IN THE SERVICES OF THE CHURCH WITH ACCOMPANYING TUNES COMPILED AND ARRANGED UNDER THE MUSICAL EDITORSHIP OF WILLIAM HENRY MONK, PROFESSOR OF VOCAL MUSIC IN KING'S COLLEGE, LONDON." , "Revised and Enlarged Edition", "Young men and maidens, old men and children, praise the Name of the LORD" Inside cover in handwriting: "Nefrea (?d) Cornish from his wife, September 8th 1884"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, worship service, worship music, hymn book, music book, william clowes and sons, st nicholas seamen's church, london, hymns ancient and modern, revised and enlarged edition, 1884 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Booklet - Leaflet, 1956
The re-drafting of the constitution set out by the British Mission to Seamen coincides with the centenary of establishment of the 1856 Mission in London. This pamphlet appears to have been received by someone who was offered a Life membership in 1957.6 pages of text pamphlet outlining a brief history and outcome of a Special meeting of members at Buckingham Palace gardens 16th May 1956, that is a redesigned Constitution of the Mission to Seamen. Designed to include non-British based Mission representatives. Blue print on white paper throughout with Mission flag at head of first page.in handwriting top edge in blue ink : " Rev'd with letter re Life Membership / May 1957constitutions, mission to seamen, london, the flying angel mission -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Musical, Organ, Mason and Hamlin Organ and Piano Co, circa 1880
This early 1880s Mason & Hamlin reed organ was part of the original furnishings of the St Nicholas' Mission to Seamen's Church at 139 Nelson Place, Williamstown, Victoria. It was donated to the Williamstown St Nicholas Seamen's Church by the Joy Club for Fighters around the time of the opening of the church. The front panel displays the front and back of six medallions, showing the year and location of exhibitions that Mason & Hamlin participated in, adding perceived notability and prestige to the value of this organ. These medallions date from 1867 - 1881: Paris 1867, Vienna 1873, Philadelphia 1876, Paris 1878, Sweden 1878 and Milan 1881. MASON & HAMLIN Mason & Hamlin organ manufacturer was founded by Henry Mason and Emmons Hamlin in Boston, Massachusetts in the 1850s, making about 450 organs per year. By 1905 the annual turnover was around 10,000 instruments. The Cable Co. purchased the company in 1911, which in turn was taken over by the American Piano Co. in 1924. By 1927 the production reed organs had ceased. Mason & Hamlin, like many other manufacturers, publicised its instruments at county fairs and exhibitions. They were quick to advertise any awards they won, or even recognition for displaying at these events, by adding matching medallion decals to their products. JOY CLUB FOR FIGHTERS The Joy Club for Fighters was formed in Williamstown in 1940 to raise funds to support Australians fighting in Australia and overseas in World War II. Activities such as dances were organised in venues such as Mechanics' Institutes, and enthusiastically supported. Donations were given to several hospitals and other care facilities, and local fighters, for distribution to the servicemen. Items such as food hampers and cigarettes were amongst the tributes given. THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN (Brief History: for more, see our Reg. No. 611, Set of Pews) The Missions to Seamen, an Anglican charity, has served seafarers of the world since 1856 in Great Britain. It symbol is a Flying Angel, inspired by a Bible verse. Today there are centr4es in over 200 ports world-wide where seamen of all backgrounds are offered a warm welcome and provided with a wide range of facilities. In Victoria the orgainsation began in Williamstown in 1857. It was as a Sailors’ Church, also known as ‘Bethel’ or the ‘Floating Church’. Its location was an old hulk floating in Hobson’s Bay, Port of Melbourne. It soon became part of the Missions to Seamen, Victoria. In the year 2000 the organisation, now named Mission to Seafarers, still operated locally in Melbourne, Portland, Geelong and Hastings. The Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild was formed in 1906 to support the Missions to Seamen in Melbourne and other centres such as Williamstown. Two of the most significant ladies of the Guild were founder Ethel Augusta Godfrey and foundation member Alice Sibthorpe Tracy (who established a branch of the Guild in Warrnambool in 1920). The Guild continued its work until the 1960s. In 1943 a former Williamstown bank was purchased for the Missions to Seaman Club. The chapel was named St Nicholas’ Seamen’s Church and was supported by the Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild, the Williamstown Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary and the League of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Friends. It ceased operation in 1966. A Missions to Seamen Chapel and Recreation Room was a significant feature of ports during the late 1800s and into the 1900s. It seemed appropriate for Flagstaff Hill to include such a representation within the new Maritime Village, so the Melbourne Board of Management of Missions to Seamen Victoria gave its permission on 21st May 1979 for the entire furnishings of the Williamstown chapel to be transferred to Flagstaff Hill. The St Nicholas Seamen’s Church was officially opened on October 11, 1981 and closely resembles the Williamstown chapel. The organ is historically significant for its creation, being circa 1880 and still in use in the 1960s. This organ is significant historically for its origin in the St Nicholas Mission to Seamen's Church in Williamstown, established in 1857 to cater for the physical, social, and spiritual needs of seafarers. It originated in Bristol, England when a Seamen's Mission was formed in 1837. The item is historically significant for its connection to the Joy Club for Fighters, a support charity for Australian servicemen and women of World War II. The connection of this item to the Mission to Seamen and to the Joy Club for Fighters highlights the strong community awareness of the life of people in the armed forces, their dangers and hardships, and their need for physical, financial, spiritual and moral support.Organ; reed organ, mahogany wood with decorative carving and colourful inlaid floral design. Has two pedals that are decoratively covered in floral patterned tapestry. Inscriptions are on the panel above the keyboard. Organ has five octaves and eleven stoppers. Made by Mason & Hamlin, America, circa 1881. This organ is part of our St Nicholas Seamen's Church collection."Mason & Hamlin" and below the music rest "No 113032" and other indiscernible print Medallions, left - right "PARIS, 1878." "SWEDEN, 1878." "PHILA., 1876." "MILAN, 1881." "VIENNA, 1873." "PARIS, 1867."flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, religion, religious service, st nicholas seamen’s church, williamstown, missions to seamen victoria, joy club for fighters, musical instrument, reed organ, mason & hamlin, worship service, worship music -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Flyer - Programme, The Victoria Missions to Seamen, The New Year 1907, 1906
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 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph, Anne Treverton Goldsmith (nee Lobb), At the Zoo, Jan. 1sr 1908, A Group, 1 January 1908
Small monochrome photograph, group photograph of seamenWritten in pencil: 3/4/4lhlg, picnic, zoo, loch etive -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Sepia, Anne Treverton Goldsmith (nee Lobb), Boxing Day at Findon, Kew 1906, 26 December 1906
Wednesday 26 December 1906: Mrs Audrey Bowen received over 70 sailors on her property. According to the article published in The Standard (5 January 1907): "On Boxing Day a most enjoyable time was spent at "Findon," by the kindness of Mrs. Aubrey Bowen and the trustees. During the afternoon Mrs Bowen drove on to the ground and was received with hearty cheers by over 70 sailors. A game of football and races filled up the time only too rapidly, and the party returned to the tea a the Institute." Another outing at Findon was organised for Boxing Day in 1907, this time 125 men took part to the party.Group of seamen standing and sitting in front of house.findon, boxing day, mrs audrey bowen, football, races, seamen's institute, lhlg, kew, sports, tea, ladies harbour lights guild, mansion, anne treverton goldsmith (nee lobb, picnics -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - Seamen's Mission, Alison Kelly, 1990
Laserprint copy of colour photo of Seamen's Missionmissions to seamen, alison kelly -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - Beach front from Missions to Seamen, Port Melbourne, Alison Kelly, 1988 - 1990s
View of beach front from Seamen's Missionmissions to seamen, centenary bridge, piers and wharves - station pier -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Religious Book, Cambridge University Press, The Holy Bible containing the Old and New Testaments, circa 1942
This Bible was presented to the St Nicholas Mission to Seamen's St Nicholas Church in Williamstown by Mrs R J Ewart in 1942 according to the inscription on the inside page. She also presented a table desktop, candlesticks and a religious cross. The Bible was part of the original furnishings of St Nicholas Seamen's Church, Williamstown, Victoria. The church was operated by the Missions to Seamen organisation. Within the Bible are three pages of inscriptions and signatures under the heading of NOTABLE EVENTS.. This Bible 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 Bible is historically significant for its connection to the Ladies Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary, an organisation of women, formed to support seafarers. The connection of this Bible to the Mission to Seamen 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. Book with black textured leather cover, ribbed spine, gold embossed letters, and logo on spine. Titled The Holy Bible containing the Old and New Testaments. The inside section has a list of signatures (after page 872). An inscription is written inside the front opening and three pages of inscriptions within the pages. The book was presented by R.J. Ewart in 1942.Inscribed on spine "HOLY BIBIE" and "CAMBRIDGE" Inscription inside "Presented by R J Ewart in memory of the fallen as sea, 1942" INSCRIPTIONS on the pages within include signatures, names, occupations and ship names: "(-) Service held in St Nicholas Seamen Church" "NOTABLE EVENTS" "MIV "Centaur" " MV Centaur" SS Fort "Pembena" " MV JOLTEN'" "SS Kooringa" "SS Nairana" "SS Hobart" "flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, the holy bible containing the old and new testaments, book, bible, the bible, r j ewart, cambridge bible, holy bible, st nicholas seamen’s church williamstown, centaur, pembena, jolten, kooringa, niriana, hobart -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Ceremonial object - Foundation stone, Victorian Seamen's Institute, 1888
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. It is now located as part of the seawall around the car park in Beach St opposite Nott St. There is a photo of the item on the database, taken in the 1990s while the stone was stored at St Joseph's school in Stokes St..01- Cornerstone 1888, originally laid at the Victorian Seamen's Institute corner Nott and Beach Street (Fox Hay building today). 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: This memorial stone was laid by His Excellenvy Sir Henry B Loch GGMGKCB, Governor of Victoria on Wednesday the 5th day of September AD 1888missions to seamen, henry b loch -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Textile - Altar Cloth
This altar cloth is representative of ecclesiastical linen in use in the early to mid-20th century. It is decorated with the Mariner's Cross symbol, connecting it to the history of the early Christian church. The cover for the cloth shows the respect the maker had for the cloth and what it stands for. The Mariner's Cross symbol also makes it appropriate as an altar cloth for the St Nicholas Seamen's Church at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. MARINER'S CROSS symbol: - The symbol of an anchor that also looks like a cross is called the Mariner’s Cross (also called the Anchored Cross or Cross of Hope). It looks like a ‘plus’ sign with anchor flukes at the base and a ring at the top. The anchor is one of the earliest symbols used in Christianity and represents faith, hope and salvation in times of trial. The Mariner’s Cross is linked to the scripture in Hebrews 6:19, which says, “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil”. This particular Mariner’s Cross also has the letter ‘X’ under the post of the anchor. In Greek, the language of the New Testament, the word for Christ is ‘Christos’, which begins with the Greek letter ‘X’ or ‘Chi’. Together, the elements on this Mariner’s Cross - anchor, cross and ‘X’ - symbolise to the Christian that Jesus Christ the Saviour gives security and safety, hope and salvation. Many church organisations still use various forms of the Mariner’s Cross. 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. The altar cloth is representative of the ecclesiastical linen in use in the early to mid-20th century, when the original St Nicholas Seamen's Church was opened in Williamstown, Victoria. The Mariner's Cross embroidered onto the altar cloth gives it a connection with the early Christian church and with the Missions to Seamen. The fine hand stitching and embroidery are examples of traditional handcraft skills used over the centuries and continuing in use today.Altar cloth, white linen, with custom-made white cotton cover. The long rectangular cloth has the symbol of a Mariner's Cross (anchor and cross) embroidered with white silk thread on each short end. The wide hems are hand-stitched. The cover has two white tape ties and embroidered text in blue silk thread. This cloth and cover is part of the St. Nicholas Seamen's Church Collection. On cloth: symbol of (anchor with an 'X' stitched behind the centre of it). On cover, text "FLAGSTAFF/ HILL" flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, religion, religious service, st nicholas seamen’s church flagstaff hill, altar cloth, church linen, ecclesiastical linen, mariner’s cross, anchor cross, cross of hope, symbol of christianity, anchored cross, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, maritime village, religious worship, worship service, st nicholas seamen’s church, williamstown, missions to seamen victoria, mission to seafarers, st nicholas missions to seamen’s church williamstown, missions to seamen, st nicholas missions to seamen’s church flagstaff hill, 139 nelson place williamstown, anglican church -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Religious Book, Cambridge University Press, The Book of Common Prayer, 1952-1953
This Book of Common Prayer, with Psalms, 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 was dedicated to John Thomas and Rev A Gurney Goldsmith. It is one of 48 similar books. 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. Book, titled The Book of Common Prayer. It has a textured black leather cover with embossed lettering on the spine and an embossed gold cross on the front cover. The spine is decorated with horizontal ribs. The fly page has a printed red shield with animal figures in each quadrant and a cross in the shield's centre. The book was printed by Cambridge University Press. Inscriptions and the emblem of a large cross are inlaid in gold on the cover. The edges of the 591 pages are gold leaf. There is an inscription on the inside of the front cover. The book was dedicated to John Thomas and Rev A Gurney Goldsmith. The book is one of forty-eight similar books in the St Nicholas Seamen’s Church Collection.On the spine "COMMON PRAYER" "CAMBRIDGE" On the front cover Symbol [CROSS] Inside the front cover "John Thomas and Rev A Gurney Goldsmith"flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, religion, religious service, prayer book, the book of common prayer, cambridge university, john thomas, rev a gurney goldsmith, book 47