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Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, photocopy, John Browne, July 1947
Photograph was taken by John Browne who was third officer on the S.S. Stanley Park in July 1947.1947, ss stanley park, john browne -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Painting, Kimberley Dunstan, Port Phillip Bay Bicentennial Fleet Departure, 1988
I was born in Guildford W.A. on 12 November 1940 and at an early age took an interest in painting. Over the years (between lapses) I have completed several hundred pieces of work including pencil and crayon sketches, lino cuts, oil colours - and water colours which have been my main focus. As painting has always been a hobby I’ve never bothered with selling my work through an art gallery - but have donated a good deal of work to fundraisers and charity auctions with some paintings attracting large prices, I’ve also sold quite a number (some years ago) via Joels Auctions before they went up-market, others have gone to friends and family. My pleasure has been in completing painting, I’ve never bothered about recovering costs (including framing) but happy when people take an interest in my work - and I know pictures have gone to a happy home – additional pleasure comes when people remind me they love the painting, sometimes I’ve forgotten what they have and other occasions have been able to see them in their homes and loved they way they have fitted-in. Regarding the little painting of the Bicentennial sailing ships – I did it as a quick sketch at the time (1988) when the ships departed Melbourne sailing down Port Phillip Bay - with the view to doing a larger painting which never eventuated and it has remained in my possession until recently when I decided to dispose of my remaining work/s as I have to move and ‘down-size’. As you will appreciate it is a very simple sketch but it captures a notable moment in time and would be very happy if the MTS could find a place for it in their collection. As it happens I spent 9 years in the Royal Australian Navy and feel a close connection to seafarers and would be honoured that you might wish to include the picture in your collection. Marine art, Maritime artKimberley Dunstan, Mission to Seafarers CollectionSmall rectangular oil painting (landscape format) depicting sailing shipsSigntaure of the artist bottom left corner: KHD At the back in black ink: 1988 / Kim Dunstan / Port Phillip Bay / Bicentennial Fleet Departure / From End Of Martin St Brightonbicentennial, 1988, fleet, kim dunstan, kimberley dunstan -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Article, Royal Victorian Institute of Architects, Visit to Seamen's Institute Building, September 1918
non-fictionrvia, royal victorian institute of architects, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), mission to seamen, flinders street, reinforced concrete, plans -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Plan - Architectural drawings, Walter Butler, New Missions to Seamen Institute Buildings Melbourne, 1916
In August 1916, Walter R. Butler presented the plans for the future central Seamen's Institute.The drawings show the original plans with rooms' names and intended use. They also show the original concept for the chapel which was in the Spanish Mission style.Plan copied from the 1983 Howden and Wardrop A4 report. A large plan on tracing paper (original or copy of the original) is held in the MSTV archives.flinders street, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), norla dome, st peter chapel, spanish mission, arts and crafts, 1916 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Plan - Architectural drawings, Walter Butler, New Missions to Seamen Institute Buildings Melbourne, 1916
In August 1916, Walter R. Butler presented the plans for the future central Seamen's Institute.The drawings show the original plans with rooms' names and intended use. They also show the original concept for the chapel which was in the Spanish Mission style.Plan copied from the 1983 Howden and Wardrop A4 report. A large plan copy of the original is held in the MSTV archives.flinders street, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), norla dome, st peter chapel, spanish mission, arts and crafts, 1916 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Plan - Architectural drawings, Walter Butler, New Missions to Seamen Institute Buildings Melbourne, 1916
In August 1916, Walter R. Butler presented the plans for the future central Seamen's Institute.The drawings show the original plans with rooms' names and intended use. They also show the original concept for the chapel which was in the Spanish Mission style.Plan copied from the 1983 Howden and Wardrop A4 report. flinders street, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), norla dome, st peter chapel, spanish mission, arts and crafts, 1916 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Plan - Architectural drawings, Walter Butler, New Missions to Seamen Institute Buildings Melbourne, 1916
In August 1916, Walter R. Butler presented the plans for the future central Seamen's Institute.The drawings show the original plans with rooms' names and intended use. They also show the original concept for the chapel which was in the Spanish Mission style.Plan copied from the 1983 Howden and Wardrop A4 report. flinders street, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), norla dome, st peter chapel, spanish mission, arts and crafts, 1916 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Plan - Architectural drawings, Walter Butler, Missions to Seamen Buildings, West Melbourne, Dome Over Gymnasium, 1916
In August 1916, Walter R. Butler presented the plans for the future central Seamen's Institute.The drawings show the original plans with rooms' names and intended use. They also show the original concept for the chapel which was in the Spanish Mission style.Plan copied from the 1983 Howden and Wardrop A4 report. flinders street, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), norla dome, st peter chapel, spanish mission, arts and crafts, 1916 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Furniture - Chancel Screen, 1917
choir stalls, st peter chapel, heritage listed, chancel screen -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Furniture - Prayer desk, c. 1917
Mrs Geo Higgins was Beatrice Elizabeth Shuter, the daughter of Mr and Mrs Charles Shuter. The plaque to Cecil De la mare Goldsmith who died in 1917 may have been added at a later date.st peter chapel, beatrice elizabeth higgins (nee shuter), george higgins (c.1860-1943), orchard house, cecil de la mare goldsmith (1862-1917), gifts-1917 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Drawing - Architectural drawings, Howden & Wardrop Pty Ltd, Mission to Seamen Building, 1983
3 of the 4 plans by Howden and Wardrop Pty Ltd part of their 1983 report for renovations. They were made from the T. Howes and P. Demetrios plans which were their submission for the Mathew Flinders Measured Drawing Competition as mentioned in the report.A4 copies of original planshowden and wardrop pty ltd, 1983, vhr 1496, t. howes, p.demetrios -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Artwork, other - Stained glass window, Brooks Robinson & Co, In memory of Thelma Forster, 1946
Thelma Jessie Forster (1892-1945) was a member of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild. Daughter of Henry William Forster and Jessie Graham Wheeler. On electoral Rolls she is registered as typist so it is likely she was typing the documents, newsletter or administrative documents for the Mission or the Guild.Arched windows st peter chapel, flinders street, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, st peter, sailors, seamen, stained glass windows, win, memorial chapel, ww2, jesus, hlg, thelma forster, n. martin, b. martin, typist -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Flag, Melbourne Harbour Trust
The first Seafarers Service was held on 23 October 1905 in the St Paul's Cathedral in London to celebrate the Centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson on 21 October 1805. Reverend Alfred Gurney Goldsmith launched the first Seafarers Service two years later and the first service was held on Sunday 10 November 1907. National and house flags are used during the annual Seafarers Service. The Melbourne Harbor Trust was established in 1877 to improve and operate port facilities for the growing city of Melbourne. It was superseded by the Port of Melbourne Authority in 1978 and later by the Port of Melbourne Corporation. The service continue to reflect the full range of the maritime activities in Australia. Representatives come from the Royal and Merchant Navies, the commercial world, shipping companies, mission and philanthropic societies, veterans’ associations, labour unions, youth and leisure organisations, but anyone is welcome to attend.Large blue rectangular flag with the Blue Ensign and two white anchors on the rightM.H.T written in black penflag, melbourne harbour trust, m.h.t., seafarers service -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Flag - House flag, Messageries Maritimes
The first Seafarers Service was held on 23 October 1905 in the St Paul's Cathedral in London to celebrate the Centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson on 21 October 1805. Reverend Alfred Gurney Goldsmith launched the first Seafarers Service two years later and the first service was held on Sunday 10 November 1907. National and house flags are used during the annual Seafarers Service. Messageries Maritimes was a French merchant shipping company. It was originally created in 1851. In 1977 it merged with Compagnie générale transatlantique to form Compagnie générale maritime. In 1996 CGM was privatized and sold to Compagnie Maritime d'Affrètement (CMA) to form CMA CGM.The service continue to reflect the full range of the maritime activities in Australia. Representatives come from the Royal and Merchant Navies, the commercial world, shipping companies, mission and philanthropic societies, veterans’ associations, labour unions, youth and leisure organisations, but anyone is welcome to attend.Large red rectangular flag with large M.M in black on a white diamond shape.Messageries Maritimes written in black penflag, seafarers service, messageries maritimes, m.m., shipping company, house flag -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Flag - House flag, Adelaide Steamship
The first Seafarers Service was held on 23 October 1905 in the St Paul's Cathedral in London to celebrate the Centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson on 21 October 1805. Reverend Alfred Gurney Goldsmith launched the first Seafarers Service two years later and the first service was held on Sunday 10 November 1907. National and house flags are used during the annual Seafarers Service. The Adelaide Steamship Company was an Australian shipping company and later a diversified industrial and logistics conglomerate. It was formed by a group of South Australian businessmen in 1875. The service continue to reflect the full range of the maritime activities in Australia. Representatives come from the Royal and Merchant Navies, the commercial world, shipping companies, mission and philanthropic societies, veterans’ associations, labour unions, youth and leisure organisations, but anyone is welcome to attend.Large white rectangular flag with a navy cross and a red 8 arms star.Adelaide Steamship written in black penflag, seafarers service, adelaide steamship, shipping company, house flag -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Flag - House flag, Eastern & Australian (E&A)
The first Seafarers Service was held on 23 October 1905 in the St Paul's Cathedral in London to celebrate the Centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson on 21 October 1805. Reverend Alfred Gurney Goldsmith launched the first Seafarers Service two years later and the first service was held on Sunday 10 November 1907. National and house flags are used during the annual Seafarers Service. Eastern and Australian Steam Ship Company, a small line which played a strong part in Australian maritime history, providing links from Australia (in particular Queensland) and New Zealand to South-east Asia from 1873 to 1983.The service continue to reflect the full range of the maritime activities in Australia. Representatives come from the Royal and Merchant Navies, the commercial world, shipping companies, mission and philanthropic societies, veterans’ associations, labour unions, youth and leisure organisations, but anyone is welcome to attend.Large green flag with crest of a gold lion rampant holding a gold fouled anchor on a red stripe.E & A written in black penflag, seafarers service, shipping company, e&a, eastern and australian, house flag -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Flag - House flag, Eastern & Australian (E&A)
The first Seafarers Service was held on 23 October 1905 in the St Paul's Cathedral in London to celebrate the Centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson on 21 October 1805. Reverend Alfred Gurney Goldsmith launched the first Seafarers Service two years later and the first service was held on Sunday 10 November 1907. National and house flags are used during the annual Seafarers Service. Eastern and Australian Steam Ship Company, a small line which played a strong part in Australian maritime history, providing links from Australia (in particular Queensland) and New Zealand to South-east Asia from 1873 to 1983.The service continue to reflect the full range of the maritime activities in Australia. Representatives come from the Royal and Merchant Navies, the commercial world, shipping companies, mission and philanthropic societies, veterans’ associations, labour unions, youth and leisure organisations, but anyone is welcome to attend.Large green flag with crest of a gold lion rampant holding a black fouled anchor on a red stripe.E & A written in black penflag, seafarers service, shipping company, e&a, eastern and australian, house flag -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Flag, Australian Border Force, 1909-1988
The first Seafarers Service was held on 23 October 1905 in the St Paul's Cathedral in London to celebrate the Centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson on 21 October 1805. Reverend Alfred Gurney Goldsmith launched the first Seafarers Service two years later and the first service was held on Sunday 10 November 1907. National and house flags are used during the annual Seafarers Service. The service continue to reflect the full range of the maritime activities in Australia. Representatives come from the Royal and Merchant Navies, the commercial world, shipping companies, mission and philanthropic societies, veterans’ associations, labour unions, youth and leisure organisations, but anyone is welcome to attend.Large white rectangular flag with the Australian Blue Ensign and the letters HMC.flag, seafarers service, australian border force, h.m.c., customs -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Programme, Violet Teague, Mother and Lover of Men the Sea, 1910
On the 19th and 20th September 1910, the Mission organised a fundraising evening at the Masonic Hall on Collins Street. The "Tableaux vivants", called "Tennison's Dream of Fair Women" were arranged by artist Violet Teague. She arranged and painted the decors for the "tableaux vivants" in the Siddeley Mission. It's likely she also created the cover of this programme. "Mother and Lover of Men the Sea" is a verse form the poem: The Triumph of Time by Algernon Charles Swinburne While she was working, seamen from the Carnarvon Bay shipwreck were welcomed to the institute and subsequently invited to the evening. "They went through a large room, where a lady was standing on a scaffolding pointing a scene for the enter" tainment which is to take place this evening in the Masonic-hall. The lady was Miss Violet Teague, but she took her mind and her brush off the effects in marine blue sufficiently long to learn the main outlines of the story. " (Argus 19 September 1910). "During the evening the Rev W F Haire, acting chaplain to the mission announced that among those present were the shipwrecked survivors of the Carnarvon Bay, which was wrecked at King Island on Thursday last The men, who bore no traces of the hardships they endured took their places on the platform, whilst the large audience cheered itself hoarse and sang "For They Are Jolly Good relics". (Argus 20 September 1910) In 1935, Violet Teague was on the passengers on the C.B. Pedersen, one of the last windjammers. She Drew and painted during her voyage and exhibited the artworks in 1938.This rare programme is the last remaining testimony of the relationship between the Mission and famous artists of the time who provided illustrations for quotation calendars (Daryl Lyndsay, John Shirlow).12 pages programme. The cover is light blue paper with the design of the Greek ship printed in black ink.violet teague, tableaux vivants, 1910, fundraising, theatre, play, algernon charles swinburne, sponsors, advertising, carnarvon bay, shipwreck, una le souef, masonic hall, lady gibson-carmichael, willsmere certified milk and co, fry's cocoa, remington typewriter, hypol, lhlg, ladies harbour lights guild -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Postcard, Professor Uma Kothari, Encountering people, places and things, 2019
2 postcards advertising for the exhibition of photographs curated by Uma Kothari. One displays the Mission around 1925 and the second the Mission in 2018.pr uma kothari, now and then, exhibitions, 2019, university of melbourne, university of manchester, nicholas walton-healey -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Film - VHS, Flying Angels, 1995
In the Annual Report 1995: " During the year, a group of young people sponsored by the L.E.A.P. organisations, spent some weeks at the 717 Flinders Street, designing and making a video about the work and life of the Mission." The documentary filmed in VHS, mixes interviews, images from the MTSV collection and shooting of the port, the mission under renovation. Intro: Yarra River Images of the Sherlock Holmes Hotel. Archbishop Rodney Oliver, son of Reverend Padre Oliver, and Chairman of the State Council talks about the history of the Mission. John Phillips, caretaker Joan Leslie, volunteer The film has been transferred onto DVD, USB key and saved on digital form.john rodney oliver, dora simpson nee walker, john phillips, caretaker, joan leslie -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Article - Sketch, Harry Norris, New Seamen's Mission, 17 May 1937
The 1888 building becoming too old and small, a new building was designed by Harry Norris and open in 1937. The funds were given by Alfred Nicholas from the Aspro company. In the Art Deco style, the building was unfortunately demolished in 1995 for a new development.harry norris, port melbourne mission, beach road, 1937, lord huntingfield, alfred nicholas, aspro -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Silver gelatin prints, John Murray, 1998
John Murray photographed and developed the 3 prints in 1998.The photographs depict the weathervane stolen on March 2022.3 8x10 inches glossy silver gelatin prints (Ilford Photographic Paper) depicting the weathervane on the roof of the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne in 1998. The photographs were taken on Ilford film 3200 ISO or ASA.weathervane, windvane, finial, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), john murray, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, 717 flinders street, melbourne -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Film - Documentary, Glenford Noble, Sacred Spaces, 2010
Documentary produced in 2010 part of the series Sacred Spaces and broadcasted on community channel C31, produced by Glen (Glenford) Noble.The Mission to Seafarers building is a significant heritage building in Victoria.Documentary part of the series Sacred Spaces and broadcasted on community channel C31, produced by Glen Noble.glen noble, c31, sacred spaces, andrea fleming, mission to seafarers, melbourne, 717 flinders street, heritage victoria, grocon, glendford noble, heritage council victoria -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Flyer
The trade of wool and grain was The ladies from the Guild, having often been educated in good school had learned French which was the only foreign language taught in Victoria at the time.The flyer is a rare example of the flyer in foreign language.french, francais, soirees speciales -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Flyer - Draft, La Guerre est finie
The flyer reads: The War is over! We are inviting all the seamen to come tonight to the Mission in Melbourne to take part to our big celebration. We will pick you up from your ship at 5.30pm and will take you to the Mission by train. In French: La Guerre est finie! Nous invitons tous les marins [de] à venir ce soir à la Mission à Melbourne [pour prendre part] pour participer à nos Grandes Réjouissances. On viendra vous chercher à 6 1/2 h du soir a bord, pour vous [conduire] accompagner à la Mission par train.This draft is a rare draft for a flyer and of historic significance as it was written on the calendar page dating 11th of November 1918.Draft for a flyer written on a calendar page dating from the 11 November 1918, advertising for the mission celebrating the end of the war. Some corrections in pencil are visible.La Guerre est finie! Nous invitons tous les marins [de] à venir ce soir à la Mission à Melbourne [pour prendre part] pour participer à nos Grandes Réjouissances. On viendra vous chercher à 6 1/2 h du soir a bord, pour vous [conduire] accompagner à la Mission par train.ww1, 1914-1918, first world war, great war, french, francais -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Flyer, The Victoria Missions to Seamen, Victoria Sjodmandsmision [sic:sjødmandsmission], 1907-1917
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, a large number of seamen were from Scandinavia. The Mission adapted by translating its flyers in different languages and ladies from the Harbour Lights Guild would even learn langages to be able to talk to seamen.Printed in blue program of events in Norwegian on cream colour paper.Written in black ink: corrections of mistakes made social events, norwegian, thompson street, williamstown, port melbourne, seafarers welfare, australian wharf -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Film - DVD, Port of Melbourne Corporation, The Making of Crowd Theory, 2008
In 2008, the photographer Simon Terrill, organised a photo shoot of a crowd in the industrial port of Melbourne. The photographs were exhibited in the Norla Dome. The film tells about the making of the photo shoot and documents the exhibition.crowd theory, 2008, norla dome, the port of melbourne, simon terrill, footscray community arts centre, mission to seafarers -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Article, A Woman's Melbourne Letter
A detailed description of the Mission and its activities written by a woman: Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954), Friday 13 December 1918, page 34 A WOMAN'S MELBOURNE LETTER. Melbourne, Dec. 4. There is an idea abroad, which as regards Melbourne, at any rate, is quite erroneous, that our sailors are not as well looked after as our soldiers, and that the noble men of the Mercantile Marine are much neglected ! For once, perhaps, my readers will pardon a letter dealing with only one subject, but the steady, unostentatious work done by the Ladies' Harbour Light Guild, in connection with the mission to seamen in Melbourne could not be adequately explained if dismissed in the usual short paragraph. Some of the most prominent names in Melbourne are associated with this guild and with the Mission Chaplain, and Mrs. Gurney Goldsmith, the members have made the Seamen's Institute a real home for those sailors of the Mercantile Marine, who touch our port. What we as a community owe to those men by their heroism in recent hostilities is certainly more understood by this band of enthusiastic workers than by the community generally. By using their unflagging energies, and influence on the sailor's behalf they endeavour to discharge a debt to which in some way or other we could and should all contribute. Even the most casual person can, if he thinks at all, sum up a few of the things our sailors - other than those belonging to our glorious navy - have done for us. On the spur of the moment we remember that those of the Mercantile Marine, are the men who manned our transports, who carried our wheat and wool, to oversea markets; who kept us in touch with our loved ones abroad; who kept the fires going in the furnaces of the great leviathans, bringing our wounded soldiers home again; who never flinched when self-sacrifice was demanded; who cared, with that tenderness, innate in all sailors, for the women and children, when the passenger ships were struck a dastardly blow by the wicked enemy; who, mocking death, gave up life with a heroism all the more heroic because it was always taken as a matter of course! Is it any wonder, then, that the members of the Ladies' Harbour Light Guild make it their business to provide a bright, homelike, spot in Melbourne, where the sailors are always certain of a cherry welcome ashore? The members of the guild are admirably drafted! The 360 non-workers each pay £1 1s. per annum. The workers, of whom there are between 700 and 800, donate 2s. 6d. and school members - it is confidently hoped that gradually all the schools will take an active interest in the mission - 1s. a year. The knights of the guild - as the men members are designated - are responsible for any sum they wish to name, from 5s. a year upwards. Everything is paid for out of these revenues, with the exception of a small grant from the Home Mission Fund - and such is the organisation, and management, that the entire concern is quite free from debt. The Seamen's Church and Institute, where the "Harbour Lights" gleam so brightly, is situated right in the midst of all the bustle and turmoil of the wharves, at the end of Flinders-street. The building, comprising chapel, and institute under the one red tiled roof, is grey stuccoed, with a small tower, from which flaunts the flag of 'The Flying Angel" - the badge of the guild. A visit to the institute makes one fully appreciate the boon the place must be to the voyage worn, weary, sailor. The atmosphere is eminently social in its best sense. While the architecture imparts an elegance, and quiet dignity which soothes by the very subtlety of its charm. With its comfortable furniture, its wealth of flowers, and the happy, wholesome, feminine influence which prevails everywhere, the quality which stands for the magic word "home" abounds. The Chaplain in the course of conversation said: -"We try to make this really a free club for sailors." But the habitues would probably tell you it was far more than that to them. The Institute is excellently appointed, and every little corner seems to have its particular history. It was built after the model of one of the old mission churches in California, and retains something of the old world attraction, while yet it combines all the advantages of modern, practical, conveniences. On entering the door the first thing, one notices is a huge compass, inlaid upon the floor, evidently to indicate one's proper bearings for it points due north - to the chapel! Only one other seamen's mission in the world boasts such a compass. As the sailor swings through the entrance he finds the office on his right, and there is, here, always a smiling face to welcome the shy, or timid, new comer. Quite a real post office is staffed by members of the guild, and all the letters received are listed alphabetically. Therefore, the expectant sailor has just to run his eye down the list, and he can immediately see whether there is a letter for him or not. If he is fortunate, he comes up to the member in charge, who unlocks the box, and produces the longed for missive. The boys are always encouraged to answer letters - and to write them. Often a few words about their mother, and their own home, will provoke a sleeping memory into activity. The writing room is well stocked with paper, envelopes, pens, and ink. The tables are so divided to ensure the utmost privacy, and through a calculated chain of circumstances, many an anxious mother receives a letter from her sailor lad, who, perhaps, might not have written but for these kindly inducements. The central hall - where social evenings are held every other night besides two special concerts a week - is inviting in the extreme. A handsome piano affords opportunity for those musically inclined. The tables are strewn with papers. The walls are bright with pictures, and here, and there, is a carved model, of a ship. One, of especial interest, is a model of "The Roon" carved, and presented by a French sailor. This German vessel will always be remembered in Australia. For it was across her bows that the first hostile shot was ever fired in Australian waters. In the corner is the canteen. It was fitted up entirely from the proceeds of a quotation calendar compiled by one of the members. The sailors may at any time, get a teapot of tea, or a tray of eatables, at a nominal cost. Before the canteen was in existence they had to go out for refreshments! - and sometimes they did not come back! Groups of sailors sit chatting at the tables. Half a dozen Swedes laugh and talk among themselves, for the simple reason they know no other language than their own. Several British sailors cluster about a dark-eyed Welsh lad - a perfect Celtic type - who, although only about twenty years of age, has been the victim of the Hun five times. Mines and torpedoes sank the ships he was in, either in the Channel or off the English coast, four times; and it is to his fifth experience, when the Inverness was wrecked, that everyone is eagerly listening. "We were in the boats eight days," he was saying, "I was pretty well mangled when they picked me up. The sufferings we endured were awful. At last we managed to reach Rapa, a Hawaiian island. The natives thought we were Germans, and came at us with spears. When they found we were British, they were awfully good to us. They even cried when we left, and the day before the rescue boat arrived they begged us to go into the hills and hide." At another table a Canadian lad - once a sailor - then a soldier, who trained at the Broadmeadows camp - was telling his experiences : - "The voyage which will always stick in my memory," he said, "was to a place which must be nameless. We left the United States not knowing whether we were bound, or what we were going to do. After some weeks we sighted a group of wonderfully beautiful islands, and we headed for the most remote and most lovely of them all. Then, and only then, we learned our mission from the skipper. We were taking their year's supply to a leprosy station! Oh no! I don't blame the skipper for not telling us ! Someone has to do these things, you know. A naval guard saw they didn't come near - and we all got sixty dollars extra. When the job was over we were quarantined on another island for two months, and one little chap - the baby of the crew, not eighteen - developed leprosy, and died before we left. Yes! I'll never forget that voyage, mates! Sometimes, I seem to see Leper's Island yet, with its lavish tropical vegetation and the gorgeous sunsets which stained all the water with blood. Then, too" - here the voice deepened - "there was an English girl - a leper - there. We heard she used to be an actress, and she contracted the disease somehow or other. She was always alone, and always watching us. In the distance we could see her come to the water's edge, and from there she would watch. Just watch . .. . watch . . .watch. ..." "Here come a couple of North Sea chaps," broke in an elderly man after pause. "One of them wounded, too, poor lad." It is not strange that all the sailors flock to the Institute. It is so comfortable, and essentially inviting, besides being full of human interest. The men's quarters comprise reading, writing and dressing rooms - hot and cold baths are always available - billiard room, and a special baggage room, where any sailor may leave his kit for as long as he likes. The payment of 3d. covers its complete insurance. Upstairs are the officers' quarters. These also have their own billiard room, writing and reading rooms, bath and dressing rooms. Just close are the apprentices' quarters - "The Half Deck," as popular parlance has it! The lads also have a billiard room of their own, and indulge in an easy armchair - amongst others - which was a donation from the Milverton School branch of the Guild. It is hoped by the committee to some day utilise the huge empty rooms, which run the length of the whole building. Their ultimate intention is to fit them up as cubicles, or "cabins," as they are to be called. They trust these "cabins" will be donated, either in memory, or in honour, of someone dear to the donor. Another forward movement soon to be put in hand, now that materials are available, is the establishment of "Norla Gymnasium." In a sailors' club such facility for exercise is absolutely essential. The men both need, and miss, exertion. As one boy, who had been backsliding, once said pathetically : -"If only there was something to do to get me into a good sweat, I would be all right." Soon such an one will be helped to swing from the trapese of the Norla Gymnasium into the right track! Sunday is always a fete day at the Institute, for 40 or 50 sailors generally come into tea. The up-to-date kitchen, which is fitted with every labour-saving appliance - all paid for out of working members' half crowns - is then a hive of animation, and methodical order. A formidable row of teapots await filling. Mrs. Goldsmith -, the chaplain's wife - rightly thinks it is far more homely to pour out the tea from a pot, than to serve it straight from the urns. So tea is poured out by a member, who sits at the head of a table gay with flowers, and chats to the guests. These latter are of all nationalities. But the French, the Spanish, Scandinavian, Norwegian - or any other sailor is equally welcome with the British. Two enthusiasts belonging to the Guild actually learnt Norwegian, so that men of this nation would have someone to talk to, and so be less lonely when they reached this, to them, foreign port ! The members of the Guild have their own private suite where they arrange the flow-err and do other necessary odds and ends undisturbed. No one appreciates flowers like a sailor, and the earliest and most beautiful may always be seen adorning the tables and rooms. Teas are served and lectures are held in the "Celia Little Hall," one of the most beautiful portions of the institute. It was erected by the chaplain in memory of his aunt from whom the hall takes its name. The Gothic windows open upon the cloisters, where, in the hot weather, the sailors enjoy their meals out of doors. The cloisters, indeed, form an exquisite spot. They are between a series of sweeping arches which lead to the chapel, and are sheltered by the open balcony of the chaplain's quarters. Grace of contour marks the architecture on every turn. Just around the corner is the chaplain's garden - a patch of green and colour, transformed from a desert waste, by a well-known woman horticulturist. The book room is a department especially valued by the sailors. There are two secretaries, one for home and the other for foreign literature. Books in French, English, Spanish, Scandinavian, Norwegian, and German may be found on the shelves. Each week about 36 convenient parcels of reading stuff are made up. These contain illustrated papers, books in various languages, and magazines. These parcels are eagerly accepted by the sailor with a long monotonous voyage before him. But complete as is every corner of the institute, no part is so well equipped as the memorial chapel erected by the Ladies' Harbour Light Guild, in memory of the officers and men, who have lost their lives during the war. St Peter's - for it is called after the sailor's patron saint - with its hallowed gentle dignity is a veritable sanctuary of peace, perhaps all the more so because it sprang out of war. The fittings are entirely of Australian wood. The pews, given in memory of some loved one by one of the members, are of Tasmanian hardwood. The reredos and altar chairs of carved blackwood. The rich carpet was provided by the members' magical half-crowns. Already this chapel holds memorials of peculiar historical interest. The altar lectern was given in memory of Commander Elwell, who, it will be remembered, was killed at Rabaul, in the early part of the war. The font commemorates two heroes - Nigel Hockley and Fred Hyde, who lost their lives at the hands of the Germans, although they survived the actual torpedoing of their ships, the Galgorn Castle off the coast of Ireland. The mother of one of them wrote out that her son had died as an Englishman should - fighting for the right. This noble sentiment is suitably paraphrased upon the inscription engraved upon the font. Practically every-hing enshrined in the chapel has its own sentimental value. The alms salver of beaten copper, studded with agate, is fragrant with the memory of a saintly woman.The eye of the sailor is caught and held by the pulpit, which is fashioned like a ship's hull and only a twist of rope guides the chaplain up the steps. For the last 13 years the Rev. A. Gurney Goldsmith, M.A., has acted as chaplain to the Seamen's Mission in Melbourne. Before that he and his wife worked in China. Mr Goldsmith visits all the boats and gets in touch personally with the sailor, over whom he has great influence. He is not only their chaplain and friend, but, amongst a wide range of other things, their banker besides. An exchange system exists between the various Missions, and the sailor who has "banked" his money with the chaplain, upon going away, receives a cheque which is cashed - minus exchange - by the chaplain of the next port. Mr. Goldsmith will tell you he has a soft spot in his heart for on old sailor he calls "Paddy." This ancient mariner has been wrecked ten times. It was a long time before the chaplain prevailed upon "Paddy" to partake of the spiritual and secular advantages afforded by the institute. He would not come, he said, until he could do so "with a good heart." Finally he frankly admitted that he had no "friends like those of 'the Flying Angel,' " and that he eventually proved his own "good heart" will be shown in this story. One day he came in to the chaplain and said bluffly, "Well, sir, I've been payin' off some old scores up Carlton way, an' I tells yer, plain, sir, not one of 'em would have seen a penny of their money but for the Mission." The Ladies' Harbour Light Guild has over thirty working suburban branches, and the excellent results achieved at the Institute now will no doubt be considerably augmented in the future. The practical actions of the members do more than anything else to convey the subtle meaning of the name of the Guild. To the visiting sailors the word "ladies" signifies the bread givers; "harbour" safety ; "lights" welcome; "guild" the welding of fraternity, and they one and all tell you the ideals thus embodied are unselfishly carried out by all the ladies who have banded together to care for the sailors' welfare.The article describes the Mission and the use of several spaces a year after its opening and gives details about the daily activities.Digital copy of an article published in the Western Mail on the 13th of December 1918. 717 flinders street, seamen's mission, norla dome, lhlg, reverend alfred gurney goldsmith, celia little room, garden, frederica godfrey -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Digital photograph, colour, 28 December 2019
Myrniong in Hamilton was built in 1906-07 as a country residence for wealthy Melbourne businessman Leslie Jenner. Mrs Jenner, Gulielina Bertha (Gulie) (1874–1972) was a daughter of Frederick Sargood, of Ripponlea. "Recently Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Jenner threw open their beautiful drawing-room at Mvrniong, Hamilton, for the purpose below. Mr. Leslie Jenner presided, and gave the chaplain from Melbourne, Rev. A. G. Goldsmith, a cordial welcome. The Rev. A. Barber offered prayer, and was followed by Mr. Goldsmith, who, with the aid of limelight views (well managed in the darkened drawing-room), succeeded in giving his audience an idea of the work of the Missions to Seamen in the 93 ports of the world in which its operations are carried on. The Ven. Archdeacon Harris added his personal testimony to the value of the work. A branch of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild (the ladies' organisation of the Victoria Missions to Seamen) was then formed, and the Misses Laidlaw and Eva Brougliton were appointed joint hon. secretaries for Hamilton. This makes the twentieth branch formed in Victoria. Miss Ethel Godfrey and Miss Tracy, Graylings, St. Kilda, are general secretaries of the guild, which numbers between 500 and 600 members."myrniong, hamilton, lhlg, drawing room meeting, leslie jenner, ethel augusta godfrey 1861-1935, alice sibthorpe tracy, miss laidlaw, eva broughton, frederick sargood, gulielina bertha jenner nee sargood, supporters