Long awaited building renovations in 2019 commenced with the replacement and upgrade of the 102 year old floorboards in the main hall and old Billiard room of the Mission to Seafarers Victoria. Some stumping replaced and repaired in places. Many older seafarers especially recall the regular dances hosted by chaperoned local young women and members of the Ladies Harbour lights Guild that commenced in the 1930s and carried on through to the 1960s. (see also significance statement)These photographs are another historical record. As a listed Building of Heritage significance the Mission to Seafarers commenced in consultation with heritage advice as per Burra Charter, the first phase of renovations to the century old building complex at 717 Flinders St which is still providing services and facilities to seafarers as per the original purpose and design. The club room or main hall was the sight of many performances, slide shows, film screenings, and events to entertain or raise funds for the Mission. Series of photographs depicting the new floor boards in the main hall, Flying Angel Club after renovation winter 2019 and before recarpetingbuilding renovations, flying angel club

This Wesleyan Chapel was used as the first Sailor's Rest in Williamstown in 1875. Photograph of the first Institute locales in Williamstown.View looking across street to a brick building with arched doorway on a corner block. A sign on the left reads: Sailors' Re[st].Typed sheet attached to verso: No. 15: The Sailor's Rest, Ann Street, Williamstown, about 1885. Written on verso: Photograph - Andrew Rider. Written on verso: Sailors' Rest, Ann St., Williamtown, 1880's.williamstown, ann street, sailors' rest, seamen's mission, andrew rider (1821-1903), wesleyan church

The Brasseys visited Australia in winter 1887. Lady Annie Brassey mentions the Williamstown and Port Melbourne Sailors' Rest and Seamen's meeting. See p. 292 (18 June 1887)Lady Brassey and her husband Lord Thomas Brassey donated the proceeds of the Sunbeam visitation in Williamstown to the Sailor's Rest (£63). They also presented the Port Melbourne Sailors' Rest with a cheque of £50 as a contribution to the new building fund. Lady Brassey died of malaria at the end of their voyage and was buried at sea. Lord Brassey also donated £10 every year to the Seamen's Mission. Lady Brassey was remembered during the opening of the new building in Port Melbourne in February 1889. A portrait of her was dedicated in November the same year. The collection of photo albums is held in the Huntington Library in California. The lists describing each album are attached in the media. Lord Brassey came back in Victoria on the Sunbeam to become the new Governor in 1895.PDF copy with illustrationsnon-fictionlady anne brassey nee allnutt (1839-1887), sunbeam, sailors' rest, williamstown, sandridge, port melbourne, seamen’s mission

William Scott Purves Godfrey (1872-1953) designed the chairs and Miss Gladys Hawkey (1886-1974) carved them. W.S.P Godfrey was born in Toorak on 6 April 1872. He was was the cousin of Ethel Godfrey. Educated in Brussels and at Melbourne Grammar, he studied Architecture at the University of Melbourne. He and Henry Howard Spowers established the architectural firm Godfrey & Spowers, known for the design of the Argus building, around 1901. W S P Godfrey retired from practice in 1944. He died in August 1953, aged 81. He's buired in the St Kilda Cemetery with the Godfrey family. Gladys Hawkey was a member of the Guild. (photographed during the Norla Fete). She was born in Sandhurst, Bendigo and is buired in the Bendigo Cemetery. Little is known about Gladys Hawkey. She may have been a student of Robert Prenzel. Another mention of her work is made in an article in 1915 where her escritoire is offered in a raffle to raise funds for the Australian sick and Wounded. The chairs were donated in 1919 when the Flinders Street mission was open. In a style of Robert Prenzel with Australian Flora, the chairs are in the typical Arts and Crafts style. Like many women from the early 1900s, she was likely to have been inspired by the Australian exhibition of women's work and other female woodworkers of the time.Handcarvedgladys amy hawkey (1886-1974), william scott purves godfrey (1872-1953), lhlg, ladies harbour lights guild, chapel, flinders street, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, wood carving, godfrey and spowers, heritage listed, arts and crafts, gifts-1917

Colour 3 folds bookletmission to seafarers, seamen's mission, flinders street, marketing, melbourne

The building is clearly what is now known as the Mission to Seafarers, however there seems to be a sign on the building describing it as the Mission to Seamen. Depicts actual road outside the Mission, Flinders st which seems to still be undeveloped with wooden? drainage covers still in place suggesting a period for the photograph circa late 1930s to the immediate post WW2 era.The image is part of the century long record of the central location of the Mission at 717 Flinders St. Black and white photograph depicting the Flinders Street building circa 1945. victoria-missions-to-seamen, melbourne-missions-to-seamen, cottage, windvane, flinders street

In 1936, the old Port Melbourne building dating from 1888 was too small and not longer suitable for the purpose of the mission. So architects were asked to design a new building. Harry Morris 's project was chosen.Louis Reginald Williams (1890–1980) was s sought after ecclesiastical architect in Australia. He designed churches throughout the country, particularly in Victoria. The Anglican Church was his major client but he also Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans and Christian Scientists churches. Williams was probably the major church architect in Australia in the Arts and Crafts tradition from the 1920s to the 1970s.Plans port melbourne, louis reginald williams, louis reginald williams (1890–1980), arts and crafts, art deco, harry norris

This photograph taken by the Australasian, depicts the central Institute in September 1917. It was published on the 15th of September 1917 along with other photographs taken during the dedication of the St Peter chapel on the 6th of September. The photograph was also used in a Jottings mentioning "Courtesy of the Australasian".This is one of the first photographs of the Mission's building opened in 1917 before the Norla Dome was erected in 1920. Black and white postcard with a photograph taken at a 45 degree-angle showing the front of the mission in Flinders Street probably in 1917. Three men are standing in front of the church and three cars are parked in front of the mission. The Flying Angel flag. Behind the mission we can see the masts probably from ships berthed on the Australian wharf.Right bottom corner: Seamens Church and Institute, Melbourneflinders street, melbourne, central institute, walter richmond butler, men, cars, sailors, seamen, mission to seamen, seamen's mission, mission to seafarers, flying angel flag, australian wharf, ships, australasian, 1917

Hand-inked prayer text, as used by the Archbishop of Melbourne, at the opening of MTSV, 717 Flinders Street, 6th of September, 1917 Hand crafted piece, of significance because of the use of this prayer at the opening of the new MTSV building at 717 Flinders Street, Melbourne.Thick card with ornate/styled hand-inked text and decoration, of Archbishop's prayer. Thinner, slightly larger backing card glued to front card.

The Chinese Methodist Church uses the St Peter chapel for its services and is a hiring a room for its equipment.Small light card/ticket, printed text on one side with MTSV building picture as background.ticket, methodist, chinese, ticket, methodist church, city light methodist church, chinese, interest group

Nothing is known about this young sailor but the photograph was possibly taken by the mission's staff for their newsletter or report.This photograph demonstrates this importance of the mission in delivering messages, letters and news to the seafarers.The young sailor is probably in front of the Seamen Institute Siddeley Street. The building in the background on the right of the photograph could be the Goods Shed.sailor, seaman, letter, seamen's mission, melbourne

The photograph was taken after 1910 when the chapel, on the left, was built.This is a rare photograph of the Central Institute built in 1907 replaced by the Flinders Street Institute in 1917. The two buildings coexisted for many years until the this one was demolished (date still unknown).Small monochrome photograph at 45 degree angle depicting a horse carriage passing in front of the Siddeley Street mission, known as the Central Seamen Institute.In pencil: 137seamen institute, siddeley street, brick, huddard company, australian wharf, horse carriage, smoke, flag, chapel, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), goldsmith album

This house is probably "Findon", Studley Park in Kew, belonging to Mrs Aubrey Bowen, widow of eye surgeon Thomas Aubrey Bowen (1837-1893). She welcomed large groups of seamen (up to 125) for Boxing Day at least on three consecutive years in 1906, 1907, 1908. Small monochrome photograph (faded) depicting outdoor gathering of seamen in front of a building with arches at one of the summer venues.findon, mrs aubrey bowen, thomas aubrey bowen, boxing day, kew, studley park

Early 20th C. image of crew members on board ship. It is thought that the basins were used to collect their meals as a way of ensuring minimum spillage when the vessel was under way. The Barque Crocodile out of Liverpool is documented in an Annual report as donating 15 shillings and sixpence from the crew towards the building fund for the Mission Building. This image may well depict some of those crew members who 'chipped in'.Small monochrome photograph (faded) depicting small group of seamen aboard the Barque Crocodile performing chores.Hanwritten in pencil on verso: 12barque crocodile, crew, apprentices, life on board, dinner, meals

The exhibition was held in the Royal Exhibition Building from 25 August to 3 September 1955. The proceeds went to the the Mission.The magazine is one the many fundraising efforts from the Mission.A4-sized magazine of multiple pages. Front cover of magazine is in blue, white and black ink. At the top of the cover is a stylised depiction of the world globe linked to a gear by a drive chain. The lower part of the cover depicts a stylised abbreviated city and seaside scene. Inner pages are monochrome and detail ship model builds, with pictures.'1955 All models exhibition, International trade fair' 'August 25 - September 3' 'All proceeds to Missions to Seamen'trade fair, 1955, probus club, ship models, fundraising

large b & w photograph street view of the Art Deco Mission in Port Melbourneart deco, mission, harry a. norris, alfred m. nicholas, brick, king george v memorial building, beach street, port melbourne, 1937, seamen mission, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, phone booth, bus stop, bill doyle

In 1944 the Williamstown Mission moved to the former English, Scottish and Australian Bank (ES&A Bank) building.large b & w photograph street view of the Williamstown Missionwilliamstown, es&a bank, claude james eldridge-doyle

In 1944 the Williamstown Mission moved to the former English, Scottish and Australian Bank (ES&A Bank) building.large b & w photograph street view of the Williamstown Missionwilliamstown, es&a bank, bill doyle

The Port of Portland opened in 1959. Straight after the Mission had the desire to establish a Mission at this location. A building was found in November 1961 on Cliff Road (AR 1961). After alterations and renovations, it was officially dedicated and opened the 30 June 1962. The Portland Mission was the fourth building to be opened in Victoria.small b & w photograph depicting outdoor empty chair setup for Mission to Seafarers outdoor service.stamp: K7020portland-victoria, 1962, dedication, opening

The Port of Portland opened in 1959. Straight after the Mission had the desire to establish a Mission at this location. A building was found in November 1961 on Cliff Road (AR 1961). After alterations and renovations, it was officially dedicated and opened the 30 June 1962. The Portland Mission was the fourth building to be opened in Victoriasmall b & w photograph depicting outdoor Mission to Seafarers church service, with attendees seated in chairs.stamp: "PORTLAND GUARDIAN" PHOTO / COPYRIGHTportland-victoria, 1962, victoria, opening, dedication

The Port of Portland opened in 1959. Straight after the Mission had the desire to establish a Mission at this location. A building was found in November 1961 on Cliff Road (AR 1961). After alterations and renovations, it was officially dedicated and opened the 30 June 1962. The Portland Mission was the fourth building to be opened in Victoria.Large rectangular (landscape orientation) monochrome photo, depicting 6+ clergymen gathered in a 'U' shape, conducting an outdoor servicePortland Guardian stampmission to seamen, portland, victoria, 1962, dedication, opening

This set of six original chairs (2 armchairs + 4 chairs) along with the dining table was originally used in the dining room of the Manse, the chaplains' residence. Upon completion of the Institute building in 1917, the Goldsmiths moved in after living for many uncomplaining years in a flat on Australia Wharf, which had “many disadvantages and discomforts”. It was photographed in the Manse dining room by the reverend or Mrs Weller c. 1926.It is not known when they were purchased or gifted. But they are likely originating from Europe. Reverend Weller photographed the dining suite during his stay betwenn 1926-1929 (see item 1568).Wooden oakwood dining chairs with two heart-shaped carvings on the backrest. Two of the chairs have armrests. Eucalyptus green leather cushion seats. Canvas webbing underneath. Set of 6 original chairs used in the Manse. chair, dining, manse, heritage listed, dining suite, arts and crafts

Domestic recording of free- to-air TV news bulletin about the Mission to Seafarers from ABC News showed in October 2001. As mentioned in the Ship to Shore 2002, the broadcast brought Ron Reid, great garndson of Hugh Reid to visit the Mission.This type of program brings the attention of the public to the Mission.Black plastic domestic VHS tape in printed-card slip cover, with white sticky label affixed to spine on tape, blue ink handwritten note describing contents. Handwritten tape label: M.T.S 717 FLINDERS STREET / ABC NEWS EXTRACTtelevision news, reporting, flinders street, melbourne, historic buildings, abc news, mission to seafarers, media copy

The Chapel of Saint Peter was dedicated on September 6, 1917 by His Grace the Archbishop of Melbourne. The total sum necessary for the construction of the chapel was collected by the L.H.L.G and the chapel stands as a tribute to the honoured memory of the officers and men of the Mercantile Marine who lost their lives in the Great War. Note that the building was erected to commemorate fallen Mercantile Marines in the Great War before the war was concluded. This shows that the war and death toll thus far was significant enough at this point that it was having a serious impact on Australian society. Highly significant as the identifier of the raison d'etre for the chapel building and the massive fundraising effort made by the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild to fund the building prior to the end of the Great War.Large rectangular engraved brass plaqueMEMORIAL CHAPEL OF SAINT PETER / THIS CHAPEL WAS BUILT WITH FUNDS / COLLECTED BY THE LADIES HARBOUR LIGHTS GUILD/ TO THE GLORY OF GOD / AND TO THE COMMEMORATE THE/ BRAVE AND FAITHFUL MEN / OF THE MERCANTILE MARINE WHO/ GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE/GREAT WAR / THEY ARE TOO NEAR TO BE GREAT / BUT OUR CHIDREN SHALL UNDERSTAND/ WHEN AND HOW OUR FATE/ WAS CHANGED AND BY WHOSE HAND/ ERECTED 1917 At the bottom manufacturer's name and address: P.J. King / 175 Collins Stmemorial, memorial chapel, wwi, first world war, great war, 1917, lhlg, merchant navy, mercantile marine, st peter chapel, walter richmond butler, p.j.king engraver

This image appears to have been taken from the second storey of the Mission to Seamen, on Beach Rd Esplanade, Port Melbourne circa 1912 - 1920. One of several images on loose album pages.An early image taken from the building established in Port Melbourne initially in the mid 19th C and operating up to the 1930s until replaced by a modern deco building in 1936. Shows examples of vintage cars.Small Landscape B and W image of ships moored alongside a pier in distance and small early car in foreground on unsealed road travelling left to right. Handwritten descriptive inscription is written underneath on an album page.port melbourne, mission to seamen building, port melbourne pier, fan album

Dora Walker (married 1928 taking the name Simpson) had a long association with the Mission as a member of the Ladies Harbour light guild. This image is similar to another image in the collection which depicts the garden of the Walker family where many fund-raising events and hosting of seafarers took place. Rev Weller dates the image to around mid to late 1920s. In the 1960s and 70s Dora was president of the LHLG which later merged with the Flying Angels. She was awarded the MBE for her services to the community in the 1970s. Dora's son David Simpson is a volunteer still iat MTS n the 21stC. The Walker and Simpson families are examples of long association and commitment supporting the Mission to Seafarers. As they are researched it is clear the stories of these families document not only support for the Mission but are also shown to have been significant contributors, leaders and donors to the broader Melbourne and Victorian community from the 19th Century and up to the present day. The photograph shows the garden in its early years.Group portrait depicting 4 men in suits standing (reverend Weller on the right), a man sitting on the grass, next to a woman in white summer dress (Dora Walker), sitting on a chair in front of the men. They are photographed outdoor probably in the mission's garden (in the background we can see the letters E-EX on a building wall, thought to be from the Extension Bond and Free Stores located next to the mission at the time)dora walker, reverend reginald weller, picnic, cadets, officers, lhlg, amy dora walker, dora simpson, mission's garden, flinders street, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, ladies harbour lights guild, melbourne, lawn, grass, trees, plants, peppercorn tree, weller album, dora simpson nee walker

The illustration published in the Illustrated Australian News (Melbourne, Vic. : 1876 - 1889), p. 144, on 2 September 1885, depicts Sandridge now Port Melbourne in 1885 from a seamen's point of view on board a ship.This engraving is a rare depiction fo the Bethel church as there is no early photograph. The Sailors' Rest is located at the back. In 1887, the church was demolished to erect the building still standing on the corner of Nott Street and Beach Road.Copy of an engraving depicting a sailor sitting on the mast of the ship and looking at the shore from the sea. A Bird's-eye View Of Melbourne From Sandridge.nott street, sandridge, melbourne, port melbourne, beach road, seamen, ships, sails, sailing ships, customs house, bethel church

This plaque was erected in the Williamstown Sailors' Rest, the former skating ring in Thompson Street. It's one the three memorials to Ethel Godfrey with the stained glass window in the St Peter chapel in the Central Institute (See 0064.2) ) and the optus sectile plaque in the 1888 Port Melbourne Institute (See 2053) . This plaque was moved to the Nelson Place building when the Mission purchased the E,S&A Bank in 1943. In 1982, the plaque ws removed from the Williamstown mission along with 4 other plaques, objects and furniture to furnish the chapel of the new Flagstaff Maritime Museum. The transfer of the 5 plaques was requested in 2020 and they returned to the Mission's collection in 2022.The plaque along with the two other memoriels erected in the memory of Ethel Godfrey demonstrates the gratitude for the her 30 years of work.Rectangular plaque for Ethel Augusta Godfrey ethel augusta godfrey 1861-1935, williamstown, thompson street, seamen's mission, sailors' rest, flasgstaff maritime museum, lhlg

A Williamstown local, Ethel Margaret Musther nee Barber (1872-1956) was the daughter of Captain John Henry Barber (1842-1924), a sea pilot and Janet Lidell (1846-1891) Her grandfather, Captain Lidell, was also a seaman. In 1900, she married Nathan George Musther,(18..-1933) a chemist, and dentist in the Navy. They had two daughters: Rosamund Janet Musther(born 1903) and Nanoya Gwendoline Musther (born 1906). She was the principal of the Ladies' College in Footscray. She was involved in many philantropic associations especially for sailors but also during WWI and WW2. She worked for the Anzac Club, the Red Cross, She formed: 1941: the R.A.N. Friendly Union of Sailor's Wives and Mothers. 1943: the Lightkeepers Auxiliary to help the Mission raised funds. The plaque was a gift of the Lightskeeper Auxiliaire and unveiled on 30 July 1959 at the St Nicholas Chapel, by her eldest daughter, Mrs Jean McDonald. It was originally on stained and polished hardwood mount made by Mrs Murdoch (AR1959, page 24). On the day, a desk service-book was also dedicated in memory of Dr John Thompson at the request of his daughter, Mrs Sparrow.In early 1943, Ethel Margaret Musther formed the Lightkeepers' Auxiliaire and raised funds for the third building purchased for the Williamstown branch of the Victorian Seamen's Mission, the former E,S & A Bank. Thanks to her philanthropic work, she was rewarded with a Medal of the British Empire in 1953 for all her charitable work. Large rectangular with decorative clover corner Engraved: "In affectionnante and grateful memory / of / Ethel Margaret Musther, M.B.E. / Founder of / The Williamstown Lightkeepers Auxiliary / Of the / Victoria Missions to Seamen / Remembered always for this and many other / Philantropic works / Died 17th of September 1956 / Her deeds live after her.1956, ethel margaret musther, m.b.e., medal of the british empire, 1953, lightkeepers' auxiliary, williamstown, seamen's mission