Lillie Duncan was a member of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild, the women's auxiliary group of the Mission to Seafarers organisation. The LHLG was formed in 1902 and organised social events for visiting seafarers and were directly responsible for much of the fundraising for the construction of the facility at 717 Flinders Street. As a member of the Guild, Lillie was expected to entertain and support visiting seafarers, although within a strict set of rules. This letter, along with a number of others, was sent to Lillie from abroad.This letter, along with a number of others sent to Lillie Duncan by visiting seafarers, underscore the social conventions of the time and the work of the Mission to Seafarers in provide comfort and support to visiting seafarers. The letters speak of the many events and activities undertaken at the Mission and provide a snapshot of the era.Letter addressed to Miss L. Duncan, 11 Paxton St, East Malvern, Melbourne, Australia from Alex (no return address on the back or in the letter). It is in two parts. Part 0099.1 Envelope Part 0099.2 Letter Both the envelope and the letter are creamy yellow in colour with black curly writing on one side of the envelope and both sides of the letter. The letter begins with "Dearest Lily,I know you will forgive..." and concludes with "ever yours, Alex".There is a round ink stamp on the top middle of the envelope with the text "Cristobal, Jul 28 1130 AM 1926 Canal Zone". There is also an ink stamp in seven wavy lines covering the small blue 5 cents stamp. This stamp has the text "United States Postage, Roosevelt" on it.lhlg, alex, lillie duncan, panama, canal

This important booklet and record of service is first stamped and dated in 1913. It is unlikely to be the first booklet issued as the seafarer Arthur O. Dixon b. 1879 commenced maritime service in 1904 working for the Harrison Line between 1904 and 1914. He enlisted as an RNR officer during WW1. He is recorded as returning to Merchant vessel service with the New Zealand Shipping Co between 1916-1920. He subsequently was employed with Adelaide Steamship Co between 1920 and 1921. All documentation shows him to be regarded as an officer of good character and reliable. On leaving seafaring Mr Dixon eventually took up a smallholding in regional Victoria.Unusually for the early 20th C. era of Mr Dixon's service at sea two images of Mr Dixon survive on ID papers and were included in the gift of papers. Personal objects included an unusual small travel size New Testament (see VC record ) heavily annotated provide further insights into the experience of early 20th C. seafarers.Fabric reinforced and backed heavy card covers and service book with multiple pages pre printed for completion by either handwritten entries or ink stamps. Records service record, dates, status, vessel names, ports, master names, character assessment. A thin pink ribbon is affixed by a staple to Page 26.Various - see images licensing, registration, certificate of discharge, mariner papers, seafarer certification, identity cards, identification, arthur oswald dixon, seamanship, seamen, sailors, officers, seafarers, wwi, merchant navy, ran, rnr

This is one in a series of letters written by various seafarers to Lillie Duncan. Lillie was a member of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild during the 1920s. She seems to have struck up a number of friendships with seafarers who used the facility. The Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild was responsible for much of the fundraising that constructed and maintained the organisation from its inception in 1902. They were also responsible for arranging dances and other social activities designed to make seafarers welcome in a strange environment.The purpose of the Mission to Seafarers is, as it always was, to provide comfort and welfare services to visiting seafarers. This letter, and the series of which it is a part, underscores the importance of making relationships abroad for those who earned their living on the seas.Handwritten letter in four parts consisting of an envelope with three pages of handwritten text in black ink using only the face of each page.Postmark in top right hand corner of envelope is indecipherable. Postmark in bottom left hand corner of envelope: PORT SAID/indecipherable/12JA.28.8-9A/indecipherablemelbourne, ted, letters, somerset, lillie duncan, lillian duncan, ladies harbour lights guild, lhlg, port said, mission to seafarers, stamp, africa, seamen's mission, ss mandasor

This is one in a series of letters written by various seafarers to Lillie Duncan. Lillie was a member of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild during the 1920s. She seems to have struck up a number of friendships with seafarers who used the facility. The Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild was responsible for much of the fundraising that constructed and maintained the organisation from its inception in 1902. They were also responsible for arranging dances and other social activities designed to make seafarers welcome in a strange environment.The purpose of the Mission to Seafarers is, as it always was, to provide comfort and welfare services to visiting seafarers. This letter, and the series of which it is a part, underscores the importance of making relationships abroad for those who earned their living on the seasHandwritten letter in four part consisting of a white envelope with three blue pages of handwritten text in black ink, using only the face of the page.Two postmarks on bottom left hand corner. The first is indecipherable and the second reads: ORAN PREFECTURE/indecipherable/17 40/2 -11/indecipherableted, letters, handwriting, mission-to-seafarers, ladies-harbour-lights-guild, algeria, oran-prefecture, oran, ss mandasor, lhlg, lillie duncan

This is one in a series of letters written by various seafarers to Lillie Duncan. Lillie was a member of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild during the 1920s. She seems to have struck up a number of friendships with seafarers who used the facility. The Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild was responsible for much of the fundraising that constructed and maintained the organisation from its inception in 1902. They were also responsible for arranging dances and other social activities designed to make seafarers welcome in a strange environment.The purpose of the Mission to Seafarers is, as it always was, to provide comfort and welfare services to visiting seafarers. This letter, and the series of which it is a part, underscores the importance of making relationships abroad for those who earned their living on the seasHand written letter in five parts consisting of a white envelope with four white pages of handwritten text in black ink using only the face of the page. There are two post marks, one at the top and central on the face of the envelope, the other at the top right. The first reads: 31 AU 28 3.50/ PORT SAID/A". The second post mark reads: "31 AU28 0.50/ PORT SAID/A""melbourne, ted, letters, 1928, stamps, envelope, missions-to-seamen, mission-to-seafarers-melbourne, ladies-harbour-lights-guild, 11-paxton-street-east-malvern-melbourne-australia, lhlg, lillie duncan, port said, ss mandasor

This is one in a series of letters written by various seafarers to Lillie Duncan. Lillie was a member of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild during the 1920s. She seems to have struck up a number of friendships with seafarers who used the facility. The Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild was responsible for much of the fundraising that constructed and maintained the organisation from its inception in 1902. They were also responsible for arranging dances and other social activities designed to make seafarers welcome in a strange environment.The purpose of the Mission to Seafarers is, as it always was, to provide comfort and welfare services to visiting seafarers. This letter, and the series of which it is a part, underscores the importance of making relationships abroad for those who earned their living on the seasHandwritten letter in three parts consisting of a white envelope with two white pages of handwritten text in black ink, using only the face of the page. \there is a blue coloured postage stamp in the top right cornerTwo circular postmarks at the top of the envelope, one to the left and the other to the right. The first is reads: ALICANTE/4 MAR 29/indecipherable, and the second postmark is identical. Stamp horizontally through the circular postmark, is a third which reads: ESPANA/SOLO EXPORTA/ACEITE PURO/DE OLIVA. On the reverse side of the envelope is printed with: ANCHOR-BROCKLEBANK LINE/OF CALCUTTA STEAMERSted, lillie duncan, lhlg, alicante, ss mandasor

The author of the letter the Princess Royal is patron of the Mission to Seafarers in Australia. The letter marks the 150th anniversary in 2007 of the establishment of the Mission to Seafarers in Australia. It acknowledges the work of the Mission and the men and women in Melbourne and the Victorian Ports offering the "hand of friendship to seafarers from all over the world".It also acknowledges the significant role of volunteers in supporting the work of the Missions. This letter is one of 3 letters held in the collection and received from Royal patrons. Letter, signed, on Buckingham Palace letterhead mounted and housed in gilt painted frame, glazed . Fitted with single twist hanging wire, and 4 felt stoppers; Core flute backing with Brown paper tape to seal. Signature bottom right in Black ink "Anne" / Conservation Framer's label initials in black ink : "E LH 22/2/08"mission to seafarers, sesquicentenary, commemorations, princess anne, princess royal, letter, 2007

The author of the letter the Princess Royal is patron of the Mission to Seafarers in Australia. The letter marks the centenary in 2007 of the establishment of the Seafarers Service in Australia. Letter, signed, on Buckingham Palace letterhead mounted and housed in gilt painted frame, glazed . Fitted with single twist hanging wire, and 4 felt stoppers; Core flute backing with Brown paper tape to seal. Signature bottom right in Black ink "Anne" / Conservation Framer's label initials in black ink : "E LH 22/2/08"mission to seafarers, commemorations, princess anne, princess royal, letter, 2007, centenary, seafarers service

Padre Oliver served at the Seafarers Mission from 1930 to 1960.One of the longest serving Padre's at the Mission in MelbourneSmall rectangular (landscape orientation) black and white photograph depicting Padre Oliver and his wife, Moirapadre oliver, frank oliver, moira bird

Thurible located in the Anglican chapel of St Peter of the Mission to Seafarers.This is one of the many objects used for religious services in the chapel of the Mission.Cone shaped brass incense burner with relief religious motif of madonna and child and cut-out cross-shaped holes, suspended from chains at three points from the top rim. Suspended by rings underneath is swinging brass cross.religious objects, incense burner, religious icons, thurible, mission to seafarers, st peter chapel, sanctuary lamp

Two seafarers aboard, about to undertake some maintenance dutiesSmall monochrome photograph depicting two seamen standing on the deck of a ship one is stirring the paint from a pot, the other looking at the photographerWritten in pencil on verso "12"paint, sailors, goldsmith album, desk, life on board

THE CHAPLAINCY Although fostered by the Anglican Church since 1906, the work of the Mission to Seafarers’ is inter- denominational and is not limited by the physical space of its buildings. When the old Melbourne wharves and their moorings were still in use, chaplains would also visit ships to look after the welfare of those who could not visit the Mission. Today, the Mission’s ‘Ship Visitors’ provide a similar service. The Flinders Street central complex was purpose built to meet with seafarers’ needs: “...the first thing a sailor would see before the traps and temptations of the city would be the Institute and its comfortable rooms.” (The Argus, ND). Today, the Mission continues to offer its comfortable, safe spaces and a friendly ear to seafarers, alongside other services that extend well beyond those traditionally offered - including TV, phone cards, and access to the internet. This window, titled ‘Light of the World’, was installed in 1935 in memory of a former ‘M.V. Manunda’ captain and represents chaplaincy support to the seafaring community.Reflections of the Sea was an exhibition of 10 framed montage of photographs from the mission's archive collection showcasing 10 stained glass windows from the St Peter chapel. This exhibition curated by Georgia Melville and Catherine McLay, and funded by PROV and Creative Victoria, was displayed in the World Trade Centre Wharf Gallery in June July 2013 and toured to Queenscliff Maritime Museum. The photographs of the windows were taken by scientific photographer Justine M. Philip. his frame is showcasing the memorial window to Captain Robert Sunter and a photograph of a chaplains conférence in the 1950s.Framed and mounted on black cardboard of black and white and colour reproductions from the MTSV collection for the exhibition Reflections of the Sea with brief label signageon label: Taken in the courtyard at Flinders Street in the early 1950s, this photo shows eighteen individuals, fifteen of whom are wearing white clerical collars, illutsrating the integral relationship between the Mission to Seafarers ministry and the Anglican Churchreflections of the sea, georgia melville, exhibition, 2013, world trade centre, wtc, captain robert sunter, chaplaincy, conference, mv manunda, creative victoria, prov, mission to seafarers, stained glass windows, justine m. philip, flinders street, catherine mclay, arthouse

Possible remnants of the dinner equipment used at mealtimes for seafarers at the Mission to Seafarers during the first half of the 20th C. and hosted and prepared by Ladies Harbour Light Guild members. Found early 21st C in a box of miscellaneous objects marked Ladies Harbour Lights.See images in this collection depicting mealtimes hosted by the LHLG.3 dinner forks and 3 dessert forks On underside of handles of 3 large dinner forks stamped: "ALLBRITE N.S."forks, cutlery, lhlg

Joan Bagot distributing fruit to seafarers at one of the many mission picnicsSmall monochrome outdoor photograph, depicting a lady holding a basket and walking along a row of 10+ men Fruit being distributed at picnic. Miss Bagot. Joan Bagotjoan bagot, bagot, fruit, picnic, lhlg

Gathering of seafarers and MTS clergy and LHLG members, at Heildelberg property, 1906Small monochrome photograph depicting a large group of seamen, ladies from the Guild during a picnicheildelberg, cup day, 1906

As the current Mission to Seafarers was originally called "The Missions to Seamen", this photograph shows an original flag with the Flying Angel Club logo on the front. The Flying Angel Club has been a universal environment for seafarers at every major port, and a place they can recognise as a place of respite from the seas.This is an example of an original Missions to Seamen flag dated between... and ... Partially faded black and white photograph of The Missions to Seamen flag. The photograph has a white border, and the pictured flag reads "THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN" with the Flying Angel logo in the centre.On the reverse side of the photograph is a stamp which is positioned at the top right and is upside down; it reads "H353". The photograph has discolouring around the edges (on both the front and reverse sides of the photograph), which is more extensive on the left side. There is also a large tear to the bottom left of the photograph which has taken away part of the image.flag, mission-to-seafarers, missions-to-seamen, flying-angel-club

This bracelet was sent by a seafarer Mariner Merrilees while in Australia in the 1940s to his sister Marjorie, who lived on Manitoulin Island, Canada. The bracelet was received in a Mission to Seamen Christmas Greetings cardboard box in 1943.This bracelet was inherited by the donor, and kindly donated to the current collection of the Mission to Seafarers Victoria. This world war 2 era gift of a bracelet is significant in not only demonstrating the international significance to seafarers of the various Missions to seamen who facilitated contacts with family as illustrated by the gift box but in this instance the gift is also of historic numismatic interest. 19 Silver Peruvian ½ Dino coins made in 1902 linked to be used as a bracelet. The full piece contains 19 coins attached by metallic weld linked pieces and a silver spring clasp to hold ends together.Front side, FIRME Y FELIZ POR LA UNION / ½ DINO / LIBER / TAD Back side, REPUB : PERUANA LIMA 9 D : FINO J/F 1902 Coins Images: Front side, Woman sitting and holding a shield in her right hand and a paddle in her left hand. At the right side of the coin, there is a pedestal with a Laurel or olive leaf wreath on top and a ribbon with the word liberty in Spanish “LIBERTAD”. Back side, code of arms with a stamped inscription that said “REPUBLICA PERUANA LIMA 9D” dated from 1902.the mission to seamen, bracelet, christmas greeting, dino, numismatics, peru, lima, peruvian, coins, silver, jewellery, christmas, marjorie merrylees, manitoulin island, canada, robert leighton, gift, ww2

Possible remnant of the dinner equipment used at mealtimes for seafarers at the Mission to Seafarers during the first half of the 20th C. and hosted and prepared by Ladies Harbour Light Guild members. Found early 21st C amongst several examples in a box of miscellaneous items labelled Ladies Harbour Lights.See images this collection for examples of mealtimes at the MTS hosted by the LHLG.Deep bowled plain metal spoon Makers mark on underside of handlemeals, lhlg

Made for the Hastings seafarer centre which opened in the later half of the 20th Century Colour photograph of a contemporary Altar hanging behind a hand crafted altar in wood designed with a key design element resembling a circular lifebuoy or life belt inset into the front panel.hastings

Knitting patterns of objects suitable for use by seafarers, provided by members of The Knitting Association. From the personal Collection of Mrs Pat Dann a former member of the Central MtSV and later with her husband Captain Keith Dann supported and founded the Hastings branch of the Mission to Seamen in the late 20th C. Small thin, paperback booklet, with light blue front and back card covers, and a flag depiction in darker blue of the flying angel insignia at the top of the front cover. knitting, patterns for seafarers

St Michael Paternoster Royal accommodates the offices of the central Mission to Seafarers in LondonSt Michael Paternoster is the central office of the Mission to Seafarers.st michael paternoster royal, mission to seafarers, altar, london, united kingdon, england, central mission, seamen's mission, mission to seamen

St Michael Paternoster Royal accommodates the offices of the central Mission to Seafarers in LondonColour photograph depicting the Missions to Seamen flag in St Michael Paternoster Royal, Londonst michael paternoster royal, london-uk, mission to seafarers, pat dann

Small gathering of seafarers and LHLG members, at grammar school, South Yarra, 1905Small monochrome photograph, depicting small informal gathering of men and women outdoorsHandwritten in pencil on verso: 12grammar, south yarra

A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE Before the increase of air transport, everything that arrived or departed from Australia did so via the ports and wharves. The Mission to Seafarersis not a Victorian initiative, but rather a global network that currently operates in over 260 ports worldwide, assisting over 1.3 million seafaring men and women each year. The importance of the Mission’s role is demonstrated in the Chaplain’s Report 1947, which notes that ships and their crews are: “...inextricably linked with the well-being of Australian industrial and economic life... This, in turn, means that you cannot escape some share in responsibility for their welfare.” This window, titled ‘Noli Me Tangere’, was installed in memoriam of Moira Oliver, the wife of the Reverend Frank Oliver, chaplain at the Mission 1930-60, and whose dedication in life and service to the welfare of seafarers was inspirational to many.Reflections of the Sea was an exhibition of 10 framed montage of photographs from the mission's archive collection showcasing 10 stained glass windows from the St Peter chapel. This exhibition curated by Georgia Melville and Catherine McLay, and funded by PROV and Creative Victoria, was displayed in the World Trade Centre Wharf Gallery in June July 2013 and toured to Queenscliff Maritime Museum. The photographs of the windows were taken by scientific photographer Justine M. Philip. This frame is showcasing the memorial window to Moira Bird Oliver, wife of Padre Oliver , a photograph of Padre Oliver listing a ship and a photograph of sailors playing tug-of-war during a picnic.Framed and mounted on black cardboard of black and white and colour reproductions from the MTSV collection for the exhibition Reflections of the Sea with brief label signageon label: ABOVE: Mission to Seafarers' chaplain Frank L Oliver, visiting a ship whilst in port, c1950s BELOW: The crew of the motor ship Nyhaugin a tug-of-war with the crew of the SS Madgeburg at the 1926 Boxing Day picnicreflections of the sea, georgia melville, exhibition, 2013, world trade centre, wtc, creative victoria, prov, mission to seafarers, stained glass windows, justine m. philip, moira bird oliver, moira bird oliver (nee good), padre frank leslie oliver, picnic, tug-of-war, flinders street, catherine mclay, arthouse

A KEY MELBOURNE LANDMARK Although primarily dedicated to providing for the welfare of visitors from abroad, the Mission has always been a community-based organisation, and its doors are always open to the general public. Today, the Flinders Street complex lends its ample space to a variety of community pursuits – including yoga classes, religious sermons and gallery exhibitions. The Mission also continues as a popular venue for weddings and other social events, mainly due to the endearing historical connections and unique architecture and ambience. It is a distinctive and significant feature of Melbourne’s riverside streetscape. This window, titled ‘Thou of Little Faith’ is part of a pair that were installed at around the time the Mission was built in 1917. It is dedicated to a prominent family member of the ‘Forges of Footscray’ store fame, who were great supporters of the Mission’s work.Reflections of the Sea was an exhibition of 10 framed montage of photographs from the mission's archive collection showcasing 10 stained glass windows from the St Peter chapel. This exhibition curated by Georgia Melville and Catherine McLay, and funded by PROV and Creative Victoria, was displayed in the World Trade Centre Wharf Gallery in June July 2013 and toured to Queenscliff Maritime Museum. The photographs of the windows were taken by scientific photographer Justine M. Philip. This frame is showcasing the window in memry of James Leslie Forge, a photograph during a service in the chapel and a wedding photograph.Framed and mounted on black cardboard of black and white and colour reproductions from the MTSV collection for the exhibition Reflections of the Sea with brief label signageon label: ABOVE RIGHT: Sunday services in St Peter the Mariner's chapel, attended by seafarers and the public, circa 1950s BELOW RIGHT: Mr and Mrs Lee under the arches after their wedding at the Mission on May 1st, 1967reflections of the sea, georgia melville, exhibition, 2013, world trade centre, wtc, creative victoria, prov, mission to seafarers, stained glass windows, justine m. philip, flinders street, james leslie forge, weddings, service, chapel of saint peter, catherine mclay, arthouse

For Ship To Shore newsletter published in Autumn 2004. Depicts both Reverend Dalling and Mrs Marjorie Duckett (nee McLellan) a key supporter of MTS who worked with Opportunity shop in Williamstown raising funds for the Mission to Seafarers. The house of the Duckett family of Riversdale, Hawthorn was host to seafarers for picnics and outings in the 1920s.Mrs Duckett nee Maclennan was linked to families of both names who according to membership records appear to have provided long standing support to the Mission through much of the 20th and into the 21st century. Colour photograph of Peter Seamen, his wife Robyn, Marjorie Duckett and Reverend Bill Dalling in the club of the 717 Flinders Street MissionFrom Left to right: Peter Seamen, his wife Robyn, Marjorie Duckett and Reverend Bill Dalling.chaplain, marjorie duckett nee maclennan, robin seamen, robyn seamen, peter seamen, reverend bill dalling, mission to seafarers, flinders street

This book records the date, name, ship, nationality and signature of seafarers who visited the mission. A clear picture is provided of the nationalities of crew members coming to Melbourne and the of the ships on which they worked. Cover: Melbourne Visitors Log 22/03/05 to 28/10/2005ship, crew, nationality, visitor, logbook

Emerging Artists Project was a exhibition organised with the Mission to Seafarers in the World Trade Centre in 2012The Mission has always been open to the community and has a tradition of hosting cultural events: shows, concerts, exhibitions, festivals. And with its heritage feature is also a sought after filming location.Poster, postcards and catalogue of exhibitioncultural events, emerging artists project, eap, maritime exhibition, wtc, world trade centre