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Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Accessory - Mittens, Late 20th Century
Elisabeth Moglia, volunteer at the Heritage, donated those mittens.Even though not made using one of the Mission's patterns, it is really similar in shape and probably closed to the colour chosen for seamen.Pair of woollen hand knitted mittensmittens, gloves, knitting patterns -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Digital photograph, Geraldine Brault, 5 April 2019
... : " A drawing room meeting in connection with the Victoria Missions... with the Victoria Missions to Seamen took place on July 13, at Crotonhurst ...Crotonhurst was the estate of Mr William F. Langdon and his wife Sophia, the daughter of judge George H.F. Webb. A drawing room meeting was organised here by the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild on 13 July 1926 hosted by Mrs Langdon. In an article published in the Australasian on Saturday 24 July 1926 we could read: " A drawing room meeting in connection with the Victoria Missions to Seamen took place on July 13, at Crotonhurst, Caulfield, the picturesque home of Mrs. W. F. Langdon, when the chaplain to the mission (the Rev. J. R. Weller) and other speakers explained the purpose of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild, and urged its claim to interest and support from the people of Victoria. The chair was taken by the mayor of Caulfield (Councillor Page), who spoke sympathetically of the fine work being carried on "week-in week-out" by members of the guild. The honorary treasurer of the guild (Miss Tracy) spoke of the need for more annual subscribers." The estate was demolished in 1937.Drawing room meetings were organised by the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild to raise awareness and recruit new members. The hostess of the meeting were often but not always the secretary of the local branch of the Guild.Colour photograph of street sign , Crotonhurst Avenue, Caulfield North.City of Glen Eira CROTONHURST AV.lhlg, drawing room meeting, crotonhurst, reverend weller, sophia sarah annie langdon, nee webb (1863-1948), willaim farrar langdon (1861-1943) -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Booklet - Loose newsletter page, We all Love Jack, early 20th Century
The page seems to be the opening paragraphs of an article describing the young apprentice seamen experience and system and attempting to defuse misconceptions and perceptions of rollicking but also vulnerable young "Jacks ashore" with money in their pockets. A long standing practice of 'crimping' a sailor's earnings, targeted by the Missions throughout the 19th and early 20th Century they campaigned to stamp this practice out. The title " we all love Jack" drawn from a popular song of the time.A useful rare visual reference for the Heritage archive at MtSV as it depicts Apprentices in a typical half deck quarters of the early 20th C. with newspapers and books, some of which may have been provided by an MtS.Page from a Mission newsletter, Heading: The Missions to Seamen with which is incorporated the Thames Church Mission. "We All Love Jack" / By a Cornishwoman / a Flying Angel flag of the Missions to Seamen heads the first paragraph. A black and white photograph of six "Apprentices in the half deck" is positioned after the 2nd paragraph. apprentices, jacks ashore -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Letter - Printed circular or letter, The Victorian Seamen's Mission, c. 1902
Composed and signed by WHC Darvall on the executive of the Victorian Mission to Seamen also with reference to three other officers: Mr Reid-President, Mr Allard Vice President, Mr Seymour Hon Treasurer. Darvall returned to Melbourne late 1901 early 1902. A former solicitor Darvall and the Mission Committee are concerned it seems at the 'appropriation' by other organisations of donations or funds usually promised to the VMTS. The seamen's home was being built or about to be on the site of the World Trade centre on Siddeley St. as at 2020. This letter was sent out at a pivotal period in the Mission story soon after the sudden death of Rev James after 20 constant years service, with the proposed arrival of a Seamen's home on Siddeley St to a location close by to one long sought by the Victorian Mission for their first Central Mission and just a few years before arrival of the London Mission to Seamen representative Rev A Gurney-Goldsmith. The ladies Committee of the Mission and volunteers had prior to appointment of a paid collector had done most of the collecting of donations.A 2 page printed circular or letter addressed to Dear Sir alerting the recipient to the new appointment of a paid Collector, Mr L Dangerfield, visiting supporters authorised to collect donations and subscriptions and not to be confused with other similarly named groups such as the Seamen's home. The pamphlet also includes extracts from a speech by "His Excellency the Governor" reminding the recipient of the authentic goals of the Mission which also, as ever, were essential to business interests in supporting seafarers.paid collector, mr l. dangerfield, whc darvall, rev james, rev geary -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Booklet - Leaflet, 1956
The re-drafting of the constitution set out by the British Mission to Seamen coincides with the centenary of establishment of the 1856 Mission in London. This pamphlet appears to have been received by someone who was offered a Life membership in 1957.6 pages of text pamphlet outlining a brief history and outcome of a Special meeting of members at Buckingham Palace gardens 16th May 1956, that is a redesigned Constitution of the Mission to Seamen. Designed to include non-British based Mission representatives. Blue print on white paper throughout with Mission flag at head of first page.in handwriting top edge in blue ink : " Rev'd with letter re Life Membership / May 1957constitutions, mission to seamen, london, the flying angel mission -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Sepia, Allan Studio, 18 July 1925
Moira Bird Oliver (nee Good) daughter of Rev Good of St Jude's Carlton first met Frank Oliver circa 1915. They were engaged for some 7 years while Frank did wartime service and then on return to Melbourne completed a Theology degree at Trinity College and was then ordained. They married on the 18th of July 1925 at St Jude's Church in Carlton. Frank Oliver was then naval chaplain on the HMAS Platypus. After various postings the married couple eventually arrived and were appointed to the Chaplaincy to the Mission to Seamen based at 717 Flinders St from 1930-1960. The Olivers weathered many significant issues between 1930 and 1960, a depression, WW2, strikes and waterfront unrest in the 1950s and financial struggles resulting from changed shipping patterns. This photograph was gifted by a descendant who told us that Mrs Oliver was a very enthusiastic photographer. Mrs Oliver was a well loved and respected woman and is memorialised by a window in the Mission Chapel. It is possible she is one of the many anonymous photographers who contributed various photographs especially of the 1930s and forties that make up a substantial part of the Mission Heritage Collection. Mrs Oliver died in 1969 see elsewhere this database for memorial plaque and window.Mounted studio b & w photograph portrait of a bride in white dress and trainpadre oliver, reverend good, st. jude's church, reverend frank leslie oliver, moira bird good, moira oliver, hmas platypus, royal australian navy, r.a.n. chaplain -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Letter - Letter with envelope, January 1956
The Reverend Frank Leslie Oliver, Senior Chaplain at the Mission to seamen from 1930-1960, was awarded an OBE in 1956.Indicative of the recognition of long service at the Mission and reflects early vice regal support for the Mission and services, ongoing Royal patronage by the Princess Royal, and previous interest with visits by HRH Prince of Wales in 1920 and the Governor of Australia Duke and Duchess of Gloucester circa 1945. Sheet of paper with calligraphic dedication and statement in heavy paper folder.see imagepadre oliver, order of the british empire, queen elizabeth ii, obe, padre frank leslie oliver -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Digital, Geraldine Brault, 25 July 2019
Margaret Evelyn Evans Gordon married Arthur Lyulph Stanley, 5th Baron of Alderley, in 1905. Appointed K.C.M.G. in 1914, Sir Arthur served as Governor of Victoria from 1914-20. Lady Stanley became the first President of the Australian Red Cross, Victoria, in 1914. The foundation stone of the St Peter chapel was laid by Lady Stanley on 14 November 1916. The trowel (see item 2074) used for the laying of the stone was gifted to Lady Stanley and ended up in Toronto, Canada, where one of her daughters, Victoria was living. The trowel was presented to the Mission in 2019. A picture of the stone can be seen on the article of the Leader dating from Saturday 25 November 1916, page 25. The photograph shows the state of the plaque before the renovation works that finished in 2020.Photograph depicting the foundation stone laid by Lady Stanley in November 1916, in 2019.missing "Greater Glory of God ..is Stone was laid by The Honourable Lady Stanley November 14th 1916" Walter R. Butler F.R.I.B.A. Architect A.B. Robertson Builderfoundation stone, lady margaret stanley (1875-1964), sir arthur lyulph stanley (1875-1931), flinders street, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen building, st peter chapel, chapel, seamen's mission, m -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Digital photograph, 25 July 2019
Photograph depicting the foundation stone laid in 1916.lady margaret stanley (1875-1964), sir arthur lyulph stanley (1875-1931), mission to seamen building, flinders street, 1916 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Digital photograph, Geraldine Brault, 6 August 2019
The bottom stone was the foundation stone for the main building laid Tuesday 5 February 1907, and the middle stone was the foundation stone for the chapel, laid Tuesday 1 December 1908. The two stones were inserted on the wall of the current Mission building probably when the Siddeley Street institute was demolished. The stones are located in the courtyard on the wall of the former chaplain's office. next to the chapel.The stones are the few remnants of the first Central Institute.Photograph depicting the two foundation stones of the former Seamen's Institute located on Siddeley Street.siddeley street institute, reverend a. gurney-goldsmith, sir thomas david gibson carmichael (1859–1926), governor of victoria, lord henry stafford northcote (1846–1911), governor general of australia, flinders street mission, australian wharf -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Digital photograph, Geraldine Brault, 25 August 2019
The foundation stone of the Victorian Seamen's Institute, which is to be erected in Beach street, Port Melbourne, was laid on Wednesday afternoon by His Excellency the Governor, in the presence of Lady Loch, the Post master-General (Mr. F. T. Derham), Sir James MacBain, Colonel Sargood, and Mr. S. Fraser, M's.L.C., the Dean of Melbourne, the members of the local council, Mr. John Blyth, and a large concourse, of spectators. Captain Pasco then presented His Excellency with a silver trowel and a silver-mounted ivory mallet, whereupon the stone was lowered into position. The stone was placed in the 1937 building then given into the care of the Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society during the demolition in 1995. Then it was placed in the bluestone wall in front of the building with the other building stones.The 1888 Mission was sold in the 1930s when the new building, designed by Harry Norris was open in 1937. The 1888 building is still standing but is now for commercial use (restaurant). Colour photograph depicting the foundation stone of the Port Melbourne Mission to Seamen 1888.THIS MEMORIAL STONE WAS LAID BY HIS EXCELLENCY SIR HENRY B. LOCH C.C.M.C. K.C.B. GOVERNOR OF VICTORIA ON WEDNESDAY THE 5TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER A.D. 1888.lord henry brougham loch, frederick sargood, sir james mcbain, simon fraser, john blyth, captain crawford pasco, port melbourne, beach street, nott street, frederick williams, brick, frederick thomas derham, pmhps, port melbourne historical and preservation society, port melbourne mission -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Digital photograph, Geraldine Brault, 25 August 2019
... at the Seamen's Institute, conducted by the Victoria Missions to Seamen... at the Seamen's Institute, conducted by the Victoria Missions to Seamen ...Built in 1888, the building at Port Melbourne was in need of renovation. In February 1929 a fundraising was organised by the Box Hill branch of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild: "The Mayoress of Box Hill (Mrs. C. Palling) opened a very successful Australian tea, held on Tuesday afternoon in St. Peter's Parish Hall, by members of the Box Hill branch of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild, to raise funds towards the cost of renovating the Port Melbourne Seamen's institute. The building is in a very dilapidated condition, and is totally inadequate for the extensive requirements of the Mission to Seamen." (1929 'AUSTRALIAN TEA.', Box Hill Reporter (Vic. : 1925 - 1930), 15 February, p. 7.) "Additional buildings at the Seamen's Institute, conducted by the Victoria Missions to Seamen, at Port Melbourne, were officially opened and dedicated yesterday (23 January 1930) by Archbishop Head. The additions, which have been erected at a cost of £3000, comprise an extension of the recreation hall, new canteen and office, ladies' rest room, apprentices' room, officers' room, and five-roomed dwelling, for the caretaker." 1930 'MISSION TO SEAMEN.', The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), 24 January, p. 13.Rectangular foundation stone with inscription inlayed in a bluestone wall.To the glory of God and the welfare of seamen/ This stone was unveiled by the most Rev. Frederick Waldegrave Head B.O. Archbishop of Melbourne, on the 23rd day of January 1930archbishop head, port melbourne, reverend h. s. bailey, building renovations, 1930, port melbourne mission -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Digital photograph, Geraldine Brault, 25 August 2019
... / THIS BRANCH INSTITUTE OF / THE VICTORIA MISSIONS TO SEAMEN... / THIS BRANCH INSTITUTE OF / THE VICTORIA MISSIONS TO SEAMEN ...Sponsored by Alfred M. Nicholas the Deco era Mission building facing Beach street built by Architect Harry Norris opened in 1937. The building was then in WW2 requisitioned with the Mission returning to full use of the complex some years after the War ended. The building in later years was relinquished due to decreasing shipping at Port Melbourne and need to consolidate seafarers services in the Central Mission at 717 Flinders St. The building was used as an art centre just prior to demolition in the 1990s. The Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society was instrumental in ensuring the the old foundation stone was preserved in the sea wall opposite the original site. A single brick from the building is also part of the MtSV Heritage Collection. This stone is one of the few items remaining from this building demolished in 1995.Photograph depicting the foundation stone laid on the 18 May 1937 for the new Mission in Port Melbourne.TO THE GLORY OF GOD/AND THE WELFARE OF ALL SEAFARERS / THIS FOUNDATION STONE WAS LAID BY / HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR OF VICTORIA / THE LORD HUNTINGFIELD K.C.M.G. / MAY 18th 1937 / THIS BRANCH INSTITUTE OF / THE VICTORIA MISSIONS TO SEAMEN / WAS ERECTED THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF / ALFRED M.NICHOLAS ESQ. / OFFICE OF HARRY A.NORRIS ARCHITECTSfoundation stone, lord huntingfield, port melbourne, beach street, art deco, brick, harry a. norris, alfred m. nicholas, maurice nicholas -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
administrative record (item) - Letter book, W.H.C. Darvall, The Victorian Seamens' Mission, Institutes and Rests: No 1 Letter Book, late 19th Century
One of 2 volumes of late 19th early 20th Century letter books. Each volume provides us with extensive listings of correspondence with supporters, fundraisers, patrons, architects, Mission staff and business transactions carried out by the Honorary Secretary Mr WHC Darvall over the period of a decade. Queen Victoria, Governors of Victoria: Earl of Hopetoun, Lord Brassey, Sir George Sydenham Clark, Lord Talbot and Governors General: Baron Northcote, performers such as Nellie Melba, Kitty Grindley, Sir Samuel Gllott president of the Law Institute, Hugh Reid, Crawford Pasco R.N. FRGS are just a few. The late 19th C - early 20th C period covered by the 2 vol collection of correspondence records together with annual reports and minutes documents a significant transition period not only across centuries but also towards a new framework of operations for the original mid 19th C founded Mission to seamen. The death of a long-standing Chaplain, Wesleyan, Ebenezer James in 1901 eventually led to a proposed merger in 1905 which resulted in the amalgamation of the Victorian Mission with the Anglican based Mission to Seafarers under the leadership of Rev'd Gurney Goldsmith who arrived in 1905. The new Mission was launched in 1906 with a long planned and much needed new central building opened in 1907 on the Australian Wharf. Mr Darvall, in his time produced a handwritten 40 page epitomised history, drawn from annual reports and was exceptionally meticulous in his efforts to cross reference related correspondence, press clippings, report material and documents. He was a strong supporter of Libraries and first town clerk of Beechworth.Primary inscription on title page ( see title field this record) also: "Commencing on Sunday 1st of February , 1895. / Ending on Saturday 18th December , 1902 / Indexed to / Page 18,22,29,32,34,35,44,45,48,53,63,75,80,82, 90, 112, 120, 121,136,151,167,171,173,174, 185, 200, 212, 216, 218, 232, 233, 241, 361, 362, 373, 375, 378, 428, 455, 477, 508, 509, 516, 520, 521, 543, 562, 607, 657, 658, 667, 669, 706, 718, 724, 732, 735, 738, 741, 745 748, 749 ./ WHC Darvall / Hon'y Secretary. "correspondence records, seafarer advocacy, seafarer shore facilities, ship to shore, index, missions to seamen, seamen's missions, mission to seafarers, correspondance, letters, letter book, welfare, nellie melba, kitty grindley, crawford pasco, lord thomas brassey, william henry charles darvall (1830-1906) -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
administrative record (item) - Letter book, W.H.C. Darvall, The Victorian Seamens' Mission, Institutes and Rests: No 2 Letter Book, c. 1890
One of 2 volumes of late 19th early 20th Century letter books. Each volume provides us with extensive listings of correspondence with supporters, fundraisers, patrons, architects, Mission staff and business transactions carried out by the Honorary Secretary Mr WHC Darvall over the period of a decade. Queen Victoria, Governors of Victoria: Earl of Hopetoun, Lord Brassey, Sir George Sydenham Clark, Lord Talbot and Governors General: Baron Northcote, performers such as Nellie Melba, Kitty Grindley, Sir Samuel Gllott president of the Law Institute, Hugh Reid, Crawford Pasco R.N. FRGS are just a few. The late 19th C - early 20th C period covered by the 2 vol collection of correspondence records together with annual reports and minutes documents a significant transition period not only across centuries but also towards a new framework of operations for the original mid 19th C founded Mission to seamen. The death of a long-standing Chaplain, Wesleyan, Ebenezer James in 1901 eventually led to a proposed merger in 1905 which resulted in the amalgamation of the Victorian Mission with the Anglican based Mission to Seafarers under the leadership of Rev'd Gurney Goldsmith who arrived in 1905. The new Mission was launched in 1906 with a long planned and much needed new central building opened in 1907 on the Australian Wharf. Mr Darvall, in his time produced a handwritten 40 page epitomised history, drawn from annual reports and was exceptionally meticulous in his efforts to cross reference related correspondence, press clippings, report material and documents. He was a strong supporter of public Libraries and first town clerk of Beechworth.In handwritten black ink primary inscription on title page (see title field this record...) also: "Commencing on 19th October 1902 Ending ...1905 / Indexed to:.../ WHC Darvall / Hon'y Secretary. "correspondence records, seafarer advocacy, seafarer shore facilities, ship to shore, william henry charles darvall (1830-1906), letters, sailors' rest, welfare, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, correspondence, letter book, nellie melba, kitty grindley, lord thomas brassey, crawford pasco -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Magazine (sub-item) - Newsletter, The Victoria Missions to Seamen, Jottings From Our Log, Number 4 - Michaelmas 1906, 1906
... - Michaelmas 1906 Magazine Newsletter The Victoria Missions to Seamen ...Content: WHC Darvall's death Mission's motor boat New central mission Institute Williamstown Rest condition LHLG and their work Thanks Opening hours AdvertisingPublished for some 30 years by the Victorian Missions to Seamen issued to supporters the series contributes to the history of the organisation. It is a key cross reference supplying many details and dates of Chaplain and LHLG activities in both Melbourne, Port Phillip and other States where Missions were gradually established and information not able to be included in Annual Reports. It is also a source of images.newsletter, victorian seamen's mission, melbourne misson to seamen, jottings from our log, lhlg, rope, flying angel, seagull, advertising, port melbourne, williamstown, sailors' home, australian wharf, seamen's institute, sailors' rest, services, concerts, events, socials, deaths, captain press, w.h.c. darvall, motor boat, geelong, boat builder, manx king, glenlui, dovenby, marion woodside, ainsdale, robert reid, bagatelle board, billiard table, sir wilmot fawkes, lady fawkes, book bags, woolies, michaelmas, 1906, ladies harbour lights guild, captain strickland, quarterly, patron, sir reginald talbot, president, archbishop of melbourne, vice president, f.t. derham, w.h. allard, frederick thomas derham (1844-1922), william henry allard (1860-1927), committee membres, archdeacon hindley, archdeacon crossley, william george hindley, owen thomas lloyd crossley, mary danne, mrs e.w. underwood, captain parsons, captain creswell, captain j.h.fearon, ethel augusta godfrey, hugh r. reid, charles blunt, ditty bags, donachy and sons, rope manufacturers, robur tea, mackenzie mustard, excelsior baking powder, admiral wilmot fawkes, bobs, games -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Magazine (sub-item) - Newsletter, The Victoria Missions to Seamen, Jottings From Our Log, Issue 14 - Easter 1909, 1909
... Mission to Seafarers Victoria 717 Flinders Street Docklands ...The earliest example of this newsletter published two to three times per year issued by the Mission to Seamen and LHLG. The Mission holds a photograph of this publication being packed in calico by the members of the 'Ladies Harbour Lights Guild' for distribution to branches and supporters.Published for some 30 years by the Victorian Missions to Seamen issued to supporters the series contributes to the history of the organisation. It is a key cross reference supplying many details and dates of Chaplain and LHLG activities in both Melbourne, Port Phillip and other States where Missions were gradually established and information not able to be included in Annual Reports. It is also a source of images.newsletter, victorian seamen's mission, melbourne misson to seamen, jottings from our log, lhlg, rope, flying angel, seagull, advertising, port melbourne, williamstown, sailors' home, australian wharf, seamen's institute, sailors' rest, services, concerts, events, socials, deaths, captain press, w.h.c. darvall, motor boat, geelong, boat builder, manx king, glenlui, dovenby, marion woodside, ainsdale, robert reid, bagatelle board, billiard table, sir wilmot fawkes, lady fawkes, book bags, woolies, michaelmas, 1906, quarterly, ladies harbour lights guild, captain strickland, pulpit, mr haire -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Sepia, Andrew Rider, c. 1885
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 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Book - PDF copy, Lady Anne Brassey, The Last Voyage to India and Australia, in the Sunbeam, 1889
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 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Book (item) - Ledger, The Victorian Seamen's Mission Institutes and Rest
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Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Print - Engraving, The Chapel For Seamen, c. 1818
The text reads: "This Print Represents The Chapel for Seamen... Port of London Society... Instituted March 18th 1818... Chapel for Seamen is moored off Wapping Stairs in the River Thames. View of the Interior (inset)"Excerpt from the autobiography of Robert Humphrey Marten (1763-1839) which he wrote at the request of his children on his 60th birthday. (As far as the donor's knowledge it only circulates within the family, so some of these details may not be recorded elsewhere about how the Mission to the Seafarers began. --------- Robert Humphrey Marten (1763-1839) left school at the age of about 14 to be employed in a “Counting House” in the City of London. Unfortunately, before the five years of his apprenticeship expired, the merchant ceased trading as he had lost a lot of money gambling. Marten made his way however and took opportunities which offered and eventually set up his own business with two of his sons, Robert and Charles. He was a Dissenter (non-conformist), active in his church and in many charitable works, as overseer of the poor for his parish, raising money for families in Germany impoverished by the Napoleonic wars, was a member of the Royal Humane Society and so it is not altogether surprising to find him in 1817 taking up the cause of sailors discharged from warships living on the streets: --- The Autobiography of R H Marten Esq of Plaistow Essex (1763-1839) “The deplorable condition of sailors discharged from the ships of war and now wanted for commerce – (trade being most woefully dull) attracted towards the close of the Year the notice and began to press upon the feelings of the Public. To relieve their urgent and personal distress I proposed a Public meeting – This was agreed to and Mr. Wilberforce was voted into the chair – A committee was formed and a noble subscription was most voluntarily supplied – Navy Captains and others gave most efficient assistance and Govt. lent some large ships to which the sailors were sent from the streets – were clothed and fed and the sick attended to and on the Sabbath Public Worship was performed on board. I was on this Committee which fully accomplish’d its humane purpose – and out of the Surplus fund sprang the present seaman’s floating Hospital where a sick or diseased seaman is received only on his presenting himself alongside and without any ticket or recommendation. For the greater benefit of seamen was sketched the present excellent establishment of the Merchant Seaman’s Auxiliary Bible Society of which Admiral Lord Viscount Exmouth is President. This was more formally instituted on the ---[space left to add date later]. I drew the outline of the address to the Public which was afterwards much improved by the Revd. Mr. Draltry and I had the honour to chalk out the plan which has been so well executed by the pious Lieut. Cox at Gravesend – to whose zealous and judicious activity the success of the institution is much indebted, and in December I published my ideas on the necessity and advantage of making some permanent accommodation for preaching the Gospel to the numerous sailors always to be found in the Port of London. This led ultimately to a public meeting on the 5 Feb. 1818 and to the formation of the Port of London Society for promoting Religion among seaman [sic]. As the Founder of the Society I became its Chairman and Treasurer and on its formal Institution on the 18 March 1818 the public appeared much gratified with the attempt about to be made to raise the moral character of a class of men who had been unaccountably and far too long in this respect overlooked. The large ship fitted by the Society most commodiously as a Chapel was in May following moored nearly on the spot where in October 1803 I was run down by a Gravesend Hoy and narrowly escaped with life – Churchmen and Dissenters contributed cheerfully to the cost – Officers of the Navy became subscribers, Noblemen visited this strange and converted ship – the Admiral Lord Gambier became the avowed President and the Chairman of the public Meetings, and what is of far more importance – sailors came to it on the Sabbath by hundreds willingly to worship their maker, and listen to instruction – until the Language in common use on the Thames was divested of its Blasphemy – and the voice of Prayer was heard from the mouths of Seamen; and the outposts and many Foreign ports imitated and thus honored the example of the Port of London in her society for promoting Religion among Seamen. The Floating Chapel was solemnly dedicated for divine worship on the 4 May 1818 when the morning sermon was preached by the Revd. Rowland Hill to a very crowded auditory. “[see illustration in separate email] Autobiography of R H Marten esq pp 33-34 (privately published monograph) Note: The incident (c 1803) he refers to in which he “was run down by a Gravesend Hoy…” is graphically described earlier in his memoir. The donor's family has a connection with R.H. Marten. through his sister Mary, who married Cornelius Berry on 9 February 1793. The donor's father, Hugh William Berry (1905-?) reprinted the autobiography of R.H. Marten. And, she has herself a connection with the Mission as she used to collect money for the Mission at school. Large print depicting a floating church in Londonfloating church, seamen, sailors, religion, london, r.h. marten esq, wapping stairs, river thames, port, robert humphrey marten (1763-1839), cate lewis, seamen's hospital, welfare, napoleonic wars, royal navy, merchant navy -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
administrative record (item) - Minute Book, Minute Book of Ladies Seamen's Mission
william henry charles darvall (1830-1906), ladies committee, port melbourne -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Administrative record (Item) - Minute Book, 1905-1906
seamen’s mission, archdeacon hindley, reverend c. e. drought, captain creswell, alfred gurney goldsmith, r. g. alcock -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph, Picnic at Miss Slaney's, 26 December 1913
Miss Slaney, (Henry Slaney and Margaret Harriott Hart had 9 daughters so it's unknown which one is mentioned), organised a picnic for seamen in her property, Cattarno, in Caulfield (Hawthorn Road) for Boxing Day 1913. A inscription at the back of the photograph indicates: "Miss Chase in centre".Picnic at Miss Slaney's - Miss Chase in Centremiss slaney, henry slaney, margaret harriott hart, cattarno, caulfield, picnic, glen eira, goldsmith album, lhlg, picnics, social events, entertainments -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph, Picnic at Orchard House, Cup Day 1909, 1909
The photograph depicts a large group (around 100) of merchant seamen, apprentices and officers at Malvern property, Orchard House, belonging to Mr George Higgins, in November 1019. Mr Higgins was a civil engineer, MCE, engineer in chief for the Victorian Railway, he also managed the contractors for the Princes Bridge.His sister Ina Higgins was first woman to graduate in Horticulture at Burnley and may have known another graduate there, Frederica Godfrey who established the Mission garden circa 1917-18. This image adds to the record of significant supporters and hosts across Melbourne that the Mission could call on to entertain seafarers in the early 20th C.Small monchrome photograph, fading to upper righthand quarter1909, cup day, malvern, george higgins, orchard house, beatrice elizabeth higgins (nee shuter), mrs shuter, charles shuter, ina higgins, picnics, social events, entertainments, sailors, goldsmith album -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Badge, The Missions to Seamen: Honorary Worker
Badge of Honorary Worker of the Mission.Small circular badge, lapiz lazuli blue enamel on metal, depicting the Flying Angel flag of the Missions to Seamen. Around an inscription: Honorary Workerbadge, missions to seamen, honorary worker, flying angel -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Booklet, Mission to Seafarers Victoria, A Brief History of the Building and the Mission, 2001-2008
Colour 3 folds bookletmission to seafarers, seamen's mission, flinders street, marketing, melbourne -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Black and white, mid 20th Century
Collectively the G W Duncan material donated in 2017 and includes: photographs, professional data memorabilia and written and commercially printed resources from the mid 20th C.Mariner Duncan had a particular regard for the Mission to Seafarers. The memorabilia relates to his career at sea and in particular the role of an engineer, including a handwritten manual of notes and references relating to the mechanical and engineering aspects and areas of responsibility for maintenance. small b&w photograph depicting head and shoulder of two men in uniform george winfield duncan (1922-2017), seamen, ship engineer, s.s. athenic -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Black and white, c. 1945
... of the Mission at 717 Flinders St. victoria-missions-to-seamen 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 -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Postcard - Postcard, Black and white, KODAK, The Mission to Seamen, Melbourne - Central Hall, Canteen, mid 20th Century
One of a series of Mission to Seamen postcards produced in the immediate post-war and post WW2 period. Visual record of the club area of Mission to Seafarers, 717 Flinders Street, Melbourne mid 20th C.Black and white gloss postcard depicts the canteen situated in a corner of the central club space. Shows two seafarers in white uniform at one counter and two men in lounge suits at the other. . Note: Possible heater at far right of picture frame.Printed on back: 'POST CARD/CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS ONLY/' . Stamp location is top right and is indicated by the word 'KODAK' on four sides.mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, seamen's mission, canteen, central hall, club, shop, heater, chairs, seamen, sailors, merchandising, letterbox, photographs, paintings, volunteers, lady, lhlg, shield, football