Photograph taken in the Celia Little Room at Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. The Celia Little Room was named in honour of the aunt of one of the serving (and resident) chaplains. The room is a multi-function room, being used at times for banquets or, as the photograph shows, for relaxation, by visiting seafarers. The magazine read by the man on the right is the International version of the Life magazine published dated from 24 November 1958, with actress Kim Novak holding a black cat on cover. This photograph was published in the Port of Melbourne Quarterly (July-September 1959) held in the Mission's archives. It was probably donated by the trust to Padre Oliver.Photograph displays the way in which the Celia Little Room, and by extension the Mission to Seafarers, was used by those who utilised the facility during this period.Black and white photograph of three men sitting in Celia Little Room at Mission to Seafarers. Man on left is in a suit, sitting on the arm of a chair, reading a newspaper. There is a coffee table with flowers separating him from the second man, also sitting reading a newspaper. The third man is seated in an armchair reading a copy of Life International magazine, with an ashtray resting on the arm of the chair.armchairs, reading, newspapers, wainscoting, ashtray, robin kent, life magazine, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, celia little room, coffee table, bell, moreton bay, flowers, seamen, sailors, memorial plaque

The photograph shows a ship visit. It is historically significant and thought to be one of a series of photographs linked to a publicity campaign circa 1955-1956 promoting the work of the Mission. The campaign partly inspired by the Centenary year of the Mission in Australia (1956) also resulted in the production of a black and white short film "The Flying Angel", featuring and Padre Oliver and the work of the Mission was deposited in 2016 with the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, (ACMI) Federation Square, Melbourne.Padre Frank Oliver, Chaplain to the Mission to Seafarers 1930 - 1960 led the Mission through a period of significant changes through the mid 20th C. This image is one of a series of key images showing the work of the Mission Chaplain in the Post WWII period. Father Frank Oliver wearing uniform including officers cap walking up a gangway and being met by a group of four men. There is a fifth man standing slightly to the left of the photograph.Discolouration on the bottom left and top centre of the photograph.uniform, machinery, ship, crew, gangway, deck, handshake, chains, rope, buoy, pulleys, rivets, padre oliver, frank leslie oliver, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, seamen's mission, robin kent, kerr bros studio

Photograph was taken at the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. It is historically significant as it marks a royal visit made by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester during the Duke of Gloucester's term as 11th Governor General of Australia (1945 - 1947). Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, GCB, CI, GCVO, GCStJ, GBE (born Lady Alice Christabel Montagu Douglas Scott; 25 December 1901 – 29 October 2004) was the wife of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, the third son of King George V and Queen Mary. Frank Oliver was MTS chaplain during this period. The Gloucesters did not return to Australia on any official visit until 1965. (see ADB entry for Duke of Gloucester) According to the list of engagements from the Argus, on Saturday the Duke and Duchess left Governor House to visit the Central Institute at 11am where they were received by the Governor and Lady Dugan, the chaplain (Padre Oliver) and members of the committee. They left at 11.15am : the legend of the picture "AS THE DUCHESS LEFT THE MISSION TO SEAMEN Central Institute on Saturday morning, Padre Frank Oliver, chaplain, called for three cheers, which were given heartily."This photograph reveals the contemporaneous relationship between Australians and the British Royal family and connection through the International organisation that is the Mission to Seafarers. Current President is HRH the Princess Royal.Black and white photograph of Princess Alice the Duchess of Gloucester. The Duchess at middle left with Chaplain Frank Oliver at middle right. The Chaplain is waving and possibly leading a cheer. He is wearing a naval uniform. The Duchess is wearing a black hat and white short-sleeved dress holding a bunch of flowers. In the left of the photograph is a man holding his right arm up hiding his face from view. In the background there is a crowd of onlookers behind a railing.Front: "Duchess of Gloucester 1969" in blue pen in the bottom right corner. (see also notes re this date) There is also what appears to be a watermark on the middle left side. Back: "H.R.H. Duchess of Gloucester visiting Missions to Seamen, Melbourne." in the top left corner on an angle. "Copyright The Argus, Melbourne. Photograph Neg. No. U-646 Ref. No." in purple ink in the middle. The Neg. No. is in pencil.uniform, flowers, chaplain, princess alice, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, duke of gloucester, duchess of gloucester, governor general, frank leslie oliver, padre oliver, royal visit, flinders street, melbourne

The "letters to Lillie" show the international nature of the Mission to Seafarers. They are an important display of the handwriting style of the time, revealing courting attempts and give us an insight into life in 1925. Page 1 S/S City of Norwich Port Said My Dear Old Lillie, Well, I never got so much of a shock in my life, when your postcard turned up 2 days before my birthday, wishing me many happy returns, for which I thank you sincerely, and am sorry to say I had forgotten yours, or being very quiet about your various qualities, you would not tell me. Well to get on with the news, the next day I had a telegram to report at the Line head office, on the 15th Aug. early, imagine how I swore, as a little do was to [be] held at night, they immediately shored me on this ship S/S City of Norwich to go to Port Said, then join the City of Corinth bound for Boston & New-York so I may come out to “little Aussie” again from there with a little luck, any way we ought to be in New-York about the 19th Sept to stay a month, I will write you more in detail from there, if you feel inclined and have forgiven me for being so long about answering your last letter, could you write to S/S City of Corinth, C/o Norton Lilly & Co, New-York. U.S.A. I would jump like L”l Page 2 how is the cow milking going on, but still that joke is as unfair as the small joke about my age now, both afflictions being cured by now I hope. Well really I am no letter writer and can find very little to interest you on paper Lillie, and my photo, I hate being taken as much as you, but will do my best, if you can wait a little please, hoping you are getting one that awfully exciting week with the mission as you call it. You must be A.1 actresses to amuse such a motley crew. Hoping you are all well at home, give Mr & Mrs Duncan my kind regards, sending my best love to you dear. Hoping you will recognize me if I can come along. with tons of love, Howard. P.S. I hope to be a little more sophisticated when I come next time [-] you may be able to tell me. Lillie Duncan was a member of the Harbour Lights Guild and this letter forms part of a collection of letters sent to her by different seafarers.Letter addressed to Miss L Duncan, 11 Paxton St, East Malvern, Melbourne, Australia from Howard in three parts: Part 1.1 (0007.1) Envelope Part 1.2 (0007.2) First page of letter Part 1.3 (0007.3) Second page of letter The pages, as is the envelope, are a creamy yellow colour with black cursive writing on one side of the page. Page 1 of the letter begins with the salutation "My Dear Old Lillie...". Page 2 of the letter concludes with "...you may be able to tell me".The envelope is torn across the top for access to its contents. It has two stamps on the top right hand corner both with the text "Port Said 23AU25.4.5P".lillie duncan, howard, port said, lhlg, ss city of norwich

The "letters to Lillie" show the international nature of the Mission to Seafarers. They are an important display of the handwriting style of the time, revealing courting attempts and give us an insight into life in 1925.Lillie Duncan was a member of the Harbour Lights Guild and this letter forms part of a collection of letters sent to her by different seafarers.Letter addressed to Miss L Duncan, 11 Paxton St, East Malvern, Melbourne, Australia from Howard in four parts: Part 1.1 (0008.1) Envelope Part 1.2 (0008.2) First page of letter Part 1.3 (0008.3) Second page of letter Part 1.4 (0008.4) Third page of letter The envelope is blue grey in colour whilst the pages are creamy yellow in colour. Page 1 of the letter begins with the salutation "My dear Lillie, here comes the promised letter...". Page 2 of the letter begins with "...in her birthday book". Page 3 of the letter concludes with "...yours Joe".The envelope is torn across the top for access to its contents. It has two stamps, a circular one in black ink towards the top left of the envelope reading "Durban, 2, May 21, 5.45AM, 1925", and a rectangular one coloured red and white reading "Union of South Africa, Postage, 2d" on the left-hand side of the circle and the right-hand side circle seems to say the same in South African perhaps. It is obscured by 6 large ink lines covering the top portion of the envelope from left to right. Within the circle is a mans head showing his left side profile. He has a beard and short hair. On the right side of the red and white stamp there is a second ink stamp that is also obscured but seems to be the same ink stamp as the first. letter, joe, handwriting, 1925, lillie duncan, lhlg, durban, lillian duncan, ladies harbour lights guild, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, seamen's mission, east malvern, my little melbourne girl

This photograph was taken at the Mission to Seafarers, Melbourne. Frank Leslie Oliver served as chaplain at the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne for 30 years from 1930 - 1960. He is in this photograph, second from the left.Frank Leslie Oliver served as chaplain at the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne for 30 years from 1930 - 1960, including time served as chaplain with the Royal Australia Navy aboard HMAS Australia. He was a live-in chaplain and was supported by his entire family, including wife Moira, for whom a memorial window exists in the chapel.Black and white photograph of a group of eight men at the Mission to Seafarers. Frank Oliver is second on the left and along with the man on his right they are facing the other six men. Robin Kent stands second on the right. Only his face can be seen. Peter Smith is in the middle of the photograph, fourth from the left. There are at least two additional men in the background.On the back of the photograph are three names: Robin, Peter Smith, and 'dad' to signify who some of the men in the photograph are. There is also a number 4 in the top left corner.pipe, mission to seafarers, frank leslie oliver, robin kent, peter smith, billiard, snooker, memorial plaque, flinders street, melbourne, padre oliver, chaplains

This photograph was taken at the Mission to Seafarers, Melbourne, from the Celia Little Room looking into the kitchen. It was published in the Port of Melbourne Quarterly (July-September 1959) held in the Mission's archives. The little girl is Rosamond Kent, granddaughter of Padre Oliver.Frank Leslie Oliver served as chaplain at the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne for 30 years from 1930 - 1960, including time served as chaplain with the Royal Australia Navy aboard HMAS Australia. He was a live-in chaplain and was supported by his entire family, including wife Moira, for whom a memorial window exists in the chapel. It shows the contribution of the members of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild providing the comfort of home to visiting seafarers.Black and white photograph of four women plating up and serving several meals in the Mission to Seafarers kitchen. They are being assisted by a young girl, Rosamond Kent (daughter of Beverley and Robin Kent - Beverley was the only daughter of the Revd. Frank and Mrs. Moira Oliver), who is holding a white jug in her right hand. She is positioned on the right of one of the women, who is on the furthest right of the photograph. The woman on the far right is wearing a string of pearls. The three women that can be seen from the waist up are wearing nice clothes, two with aprons (one is hidden by Beverley Kent). The head of the fourth woman is the only part of her that can be seen as she is positioned behind the woman on the left-hand side.On the back of the photograph there are two names: one is undecipherable and the other says 'Ro Kent' to signify Beverley Kent. There is also a number 5 in the top left corner with what appears to be a tick underneath it.kitchen, food, vinegar, mission to seafarers, celia little room, ladies harbour lights guild, pearls, aprons, plates, jugs, necklace, lhlg, children, rosamond kent

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

The scene on the postcard depicts the Spanish courtyard (or Cloisters) as a space within the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. The view to the courtyard is from the Celia Little Room. The Spanish mission design was inspired by a need to make the 1917 Mission complex at Flinders st extension distinctive and easily found. (ref Church and Sailor journal) This scene shows the way in which the courtyard leads into the Chapel and that it is a large space for varied uses.Sepia toned scene on front of postcard depicting "The Cloisters" or Spanish Courtyard at Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. There is ivy growing up the pillar to the right of the scene, tall plants in the garden bed in the corner of the courtyard and pots with plants placed between the archways to the rear of the photograph.Label on front of postcard: "No. 9 THE CLOISTERS, MISSIONS TO SEAMEN, MELBOURNE, VIC." Reverse of postcard: "POST CARD/A Real Photograph Produced in Australia" There is also a divided line down the centre of the reverse for writing a message.plants, cloisters, ivy, pillars, archways, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, st peter chapel, spanish courtyard, melbourne, flinders street, valentine's postcards, real photo series

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

Seafarer playing snooker in the Billiard Room.This photograph shows that the room marked "Billiard Room" in gold lettering on the door, was once used exclusively for that purpose, although no longer. Billiards was once a very popular pastime for visiting seafarers. The billiard table has long since gone and the room is now used as a karaoke and music room. There is still the option of playing pool or table tennis but these have been moved out in the main hall.Black and white photograph of a man leaning across the billiard table in the Billiard Room of the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. The man is aiming to take his shot. There are curtains covering the windows in the background and pendants lights handing down over the table. There is a couch against the rear wall of the Billiard Room.Pen on reverse of photograph: "2" enclosed in a circle.couch, curtains, pendant-lighting, billiard, billiard room, balls, pool, seamen, sailors, seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seafarers, flinders street, melbourne, billiard table, billiard cue

This photograph shows one of the many social functions organised for visiting seafarers. In this instance, as there is a band. It is possibly a photograph from a weekend dance. The photograph is part of a serie likely to have been taken by Bill Doyle (Reverend C.J. Eldridge-Doyle), who was a keen photographer like many of the chaplains as he often uses the Ilford paper to print his images.The Mission to Seafarers as an organisation is dedicated to not only providing spiritual and practical support to seafarers, but has long found it important to provide social opportunities as well. In the past there have been many dances, concerts and other social events that have been designed to cater for visiting seafarers.Small black and white photograph with white border showing a band playing on the stage at the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. There is a drummer to the left, a female saxophonist in the centre and a pianist to the right. There is also a large flower arrangement in the front centre stage and two women sitting on chairs in front of the stage.flowers, piano, drums, curtains, saxophone, stage, fan, women, chairs, microphone, flying-angel-club, mission-to-seafarers-melbourne, social-functions, sheet-music, dance, entertainment, screen, cinema, projection

The Mission to Seafarers held many social functions to raise funds for the work of the organisation and to benefit visiting seafarers. Many dances were held on a Saturday with good attendance. On the pillar on the left of the stage there is a photograph of a monarch, possibly King George VI, thereby dating the photograph at pre-1953.The Mission to Seafarers as an organisation is dedicated to not only providing spiritual and practical support to seafarers, but has long found it important to provide social opportunities as well. In the past there have been many dances, concerts and other social events that have been designed to cater for visiting seafarers.Small black and white photograph of people dancing in the Flying Angel Club at Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. There is a band on the stage in the background of the photograph and several couples dancing.photograph, flying angel club, monarch, band, floorboards, stage, dance, king george vi, lhlg, seamen, orchestra, mission to seamen, melbourne, seamen mission, mission to seafarers, entertainment, music, musicians, drums, piano, saxophone

Social events were used both as fund raisers to continue the work at the Mission to Seafarers and as social events for visiting seafarers. This photograph depicts one such event where it is likely that the majority of men were seafarersThe Mission to Seafarers as an organisation is dedicated to not only providing spiritual and practical support to seafarers, but has long found it important to provide social opportunities as well. In the past there have been many dances, concerts and other social events that have been designed to cater for visiting seafarers.Small black and white photograph of couples dancing at Mission to Seafarers Melbourne, in the Flying Angel Club.ladies, floorboards, women, dance, couples, seafarers, suits, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, flinders street, flying angel club, archer windows

Mission to Seafarers regularly held social events as both a means of fundraising for the continuation of the organisation's work and providing social activities for visiting seafarers. On many Saturday nights there would be dances, concerts or other social events. This photograph depicts one such event.The Mission to Seafarers as an organisation is dedicated to not only providing spiritual and practical support to seafarers, but has long found it important to provide social opportunities as well. In the past there have been many dances, concerts and other social events that have been designed to cater for visiting seafarersSmall black and white photograph of a group of people in the main hall (Flying Angel Club) of the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. Some are dancing and some are standing together. The photograph is taken from an angle that has the bar (canteen) in the background.Pen on reverse of photograph: "5" enclosed in a circle.canteen, clock, ladies, floorboards, women, dance, couples, seafarers, suits, bar, flying-angel-club, mission-to-seafarers-melbourne, arched-doorways, lhlg, flying angel club, central club, plaque, jukebox, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, seamen, sailors, dancing, events, social, asian, flinders street, melbourne

The image portrays how the Celia Little room (Celia Little plaque on the wall) was used mid 20th C. and date of similar image (see record 0221) The inclusion of the bell from the 'Moreton Bay' vessel dates the image to post 1957 when the bell was presented to the Mission. Used as a sitting room or lounge area at the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. The image also shows the style of dress and style of magazine covers of the time. On the table stands the shield for the annual competition by crew of merchant ships presented by Wally Nancarrow, Sydney. (see item 0608)The photograph is significant in that it captures the essence of the Mission to Seafarers mid-20th century. It identifies the main use of the Celia Little room as a reading area. It also helps date and track locations of other objects in the heritage collection. A black and white photograph of two men in the Celia Little room at the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. The top left of the photograph is a bell fixed to the wall that has a bell pull with a long piece of decorative knot-work attached to the clapper. The room is set up as a lounge area with at table left of the centre against the wall. The table is laden with magazines and papers on top of a tablecloth. A picture frame is sitting on the table and leaning against the wall that has a 'shield' or 'coat of arms' displayed. (see also VC records 221 and 0608) One of the men is standing central in the photograph, in a white jumper holding a magazine and half turned towards the wall.The second man is sitting in a chair in the bottom right side of the photograph and appears to be reading. A few tops of chairs are seen at the very bottom of the photo and on the wall are a plaque to the left, a framed picture to the right of the first man's head and another in the far right top corner. The room appears to be lit from the left.melbourne, bell, men, magazine, chairs, wains coting, papers, mission-to-seafarers, celia-little-room, bell-pull, picture-frame, 1940s, celia little, plaque, shield, soccer, football

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

Photograph taken in the Celia Little Room at Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. The Celia Little Room was named in honour of the aunt of one of the serving (and resident) chaplains. The room is a multi-function room, being used at times for banquets or, as the photograph shows, for relaxation, by visiting seafarers.The age of the photograph consolidates the history of the Mission to seafarers. The people in the photograph are drinking hot beverages, sitting and chatting in a relaxed environment which is significant to the services provided by the Mission.Black and white photograph of two men and one woman seated in the Celia Little Room at the Mission to Seafarers.The man on the far left is wearing a light coloured sports coat and trousers, holding a cup and saucer. The man in the middle is wearing a dark suit, holding a cup and saucer. The woman is on the right and also seated, wearing a dress. Pin holes have been placed in the top corners of the photograph. Dated between late 1950s and early 1960s."8940" faded stamp on back of photograph.dress, suit, 1950s, 1960s, victorian-seamens-mission, cup-and-saucer, sports-coat, armchairs, seamen's mission, mission to seafarers, seamen, seafarers, sailors, lhlg, flying angel, celia little room, flinders street, melbourne, men, woman, social

As a wedding photograph, this photograph shows the fashions of the time, which can be traced back to the 1930s, based on the length and style of the dress. This photograph shows one of the many uses of the Mission.This photograph shows one of many weddings held at the Mission to Seafarers. The image is relevant to the Mission and the services of the affiliated Anglican Church.This is a copy of a black and white photograph of wedding party in the courtyard at Mission to Seafarers. The bride is wearing an ankle length gown with peep toe shoes and a floral headpiece with veil. The groom is in full naval uniform.Pin hole through the top centre of the photograph.hat, coat, uniform, veil, wedding, dress, suit, courtyard, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, wedding dress, flinders street, melbourne

The organisation is obliged to complete an annual report. This book contained the report for the year 1865 , only eight years after commencement of services aboard the Bethel Floating Chapel. The report was presented on Thursday 26 April 1866 during a public meeting taking place at the schoolroom of the Congregational church, Collins Street East. His Honor Judge Pohlman was chair of the meeting.The report lists the members of the executive committee, chaplain, patron and other prominent members of the organisation. Further the report provides a summary of the workings of the organisation for the year as well as financial details. Through the succession of years the annual reports provide a clear overview of the Mission fulfilling its purpose and the people who helped to accomplish that purpose.1865, annual report, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, reverend kerr johnston, judge pohlman, administrative document-annual report, captain mccallum

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

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

Marra was a refrigerated cargo ship built by Ardrossan Dry Dock & Ship Building Co. in 1955. The first owner was the Adelaide Steamship Co. Ltd., Melbourne . 1,396 gross tons. Lbd: 233'2" x 37'8" x 14'9". in May 1965 it was sold to the Australian Army and renamed AS3051 (John Monash) and provided a shuttle service from Australia to Vietnam transporting cargo for the Australian Task Force. In September 1974, it was sold to unknown buyers however prior to that sale, she worked the West Australian coast being used on the Ord River Project under 'Stateships' perhaps under lease. The Clydebuilt shipsite states she was renamed Asian Queen in 1976 , Arabian Victory in 1980 and finally Sea Rose in 1981. The ship was scrapped in May 1984 at Gadani Beach, Pakistan. Lifebuoys are an essential piece of equipment on a ship. Because the name of the ships it belongs to is written on it is often the only memorabilia left from the ship when it is sent to scrapyard.Round buoy decorated in red and yellow sections with the word "Marra Melbourne" painted on the front. There is a rope that is strung through sections of the exterior.In black paint on the front of the buoy: "MARRA MELBOURNE"safety wheel, lifebelt, water wheely, ring buoy, lifering, lifesaver, life donut, life preserver, perry buoy, lifebuoy, lifesaving equipment, rescue, drowning, vietnam war, adelaide steamship, john monash, australian army, life buoy

This photograph of Lillie and Olive Duncan is one of a number featuring the sisters. They were active members of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild during the 1920s and 1930s and the objects we have relating to the women highlight the relationships forged between seafarers and those who offered their time and energy to the Mission.The Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild was instrumental in raising the necessary funds for the construction of the current Mission to Seafarers building. They also worked to provide the tangible elements of seafarers' welfare, such as procuring donations of goods and money. However, their most important work, in many ways, was to provide company, conversation and support to seafarers. Lillie, Olive and their entire family were involved with the Mission over an extended period of time.Black and white photograph of Lillie Romana Duncan and Olive Harriet Duncan. Olive is on the left wearing a dark coloured dress with a 'V' neck, little coloured coat and gloves, carrying a clutch under her arm and wearing a dark hat. Olive (on the right) is wearing a ladies' suit and gloves, carrying a clutch under her arm, wearing a dark coloured hat and a brooch at her neck. The photograph has been turned into a postcard, complete with printed postcard division on reverse.In pencil on reverse: Lillie Morgan/Olive Hall/RHS/(DUNCAN) Printed: POST CARD/CORRESPONDENCE/ADDRESS

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

This handwritten ledger lists all annual meetings by date and includes all those in attendance. There is also a register of elections and other committee information. Stuck in behind all this statistical data are flyers advertising functions and events at the Mission.This ledger outlines the people involved in decision making at the Victorian Seamen's Mission in the late 19th C , the forerunner to Mission to Seafarers and 10 years prior to amalgamation with the group led by Rev'd. Alfred Gurney-Goldsmith. The ledger includes meeting dates as well as flyers advertising events and functions at the venue.Stuck to front cover and handwritten in ink: "The Victorian Seamen's Mission/Statistical Register/Attendance Record & General Memoranda./W.H.C. Darvall/Honorary Secretarywilliam henry charles darvall (1830-1906), office bearers, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, seamen's mission, victoria, administration, committee, ledger, annual meetings, statistics, functions, events, register, elections, attendance, 1895

This platter is one of the objects in the St Peter chapel used for service. It appears to be an Alms' Dish and was recorded in the 1917 Annual Report as being donated to the Chapel by the Misses Godfrey: Ethel, Frederica and Winifred whose initials are engraved. Miss Godfrey is also listed as being a member of the Executive Committee as well as the Honorary Secretary (b.1871 d. 1938). The gift commemorates the Misses Godfrey's parents. Their father Frederick Race Godfrey was a squatter and significant 19thC settler and citizen of Victoria ( arr. 1847 ) esp Boort, Craigeburn and St Kilda besides serving in the Legislative Assembley see ADB, ANU and Ancestry links above. Misses Godfrey were instrumental in raising funds for the new Memorial Chapel to merchant seamen when it opened in 1917 and several gifts were presented by the Godfrey family.The Mission to Seafarers is now an Anglican based charity organisation with strong ties to the Anglican tradition. At one point services were held regularly for patronage by locals as well as seafarers. . The relationship between the organisation and the Anglican faith still exists, particularly through the establishment of the Chapel, the existence of many items used for worship, and representation on the board of the Mission. Circular brass platter hand beaten with four cabochon-set semi-precious stones (chrysoberyl or onyx) inserted in quarters around the edge. Also referred to by some as an offertory plate There is simple ornamental engraved scroll work in an Arts and crafts style, connecting the four semi-spherical stones. In the centre of the platter is a simple relief work cross and the quartered sections surrounding it have a dimpled effect. On the reverse the design is still evident as are the engraved inscriptions. The perimeter edge is probably hand rolled.Engraved around the edge, between the scroll work, on the reverse of the platter: "TO THE GREATER GLORY OF GOD/IN MEMORY OF OUR BELOVED PARENTS/MARGARET LILLIAS GODFREY/DIED SEPT. 23rd 1895/FREDERICK RACE GODFREY/DIED SEPT.11th 1910" Engraved in the centre of the reverse: "E.G./F.M.G./W.O.H.G." standing for "Ethel Godfrey/Frederica Mildred Godfrey/Whinifred Godfrey"art nouveau, alms, offertory, ethel augusta godfrey, winifred godfrey, frederic race godfrey, margaret lilias godfrey, frederica godfrey, rica godfrey, rita godfrey, gifts-1917, offertary plate

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

This book contained newspaper clippings with a number of flyers and other advertising material inserted inside the front cover. This material covers events and functions held at and by the Mission during the period 1906 - late 1930s.This scrapbook outlines the many events, concerts, important visits and social occasions held at and by the Mission. It includes the names and activities of many prominent Melburnians and shows the vivacity of the work at the Mission. The 1930s was a significant period for the Mission during the Depression years, a new Chaplain, Rev'd Frank Oliver was appointed who would serve as senior chaplain for the next 30 years. Dancing with hosts at the Mission was introduced for seafarers and this was the last main period of the thrice yearly Jottings from our log newsletters, and in 1936-7 erection of the MTS building at Port Melbourne funded by Alfred Nicholas.Gold lettering on front cover: "News Cuttings"mission to seafarers, seamen mission, events, concerts, newspaper articles, scrapbook, depression, padre frank leslie oliver, alfred nicholas, port melbourne