This rocket equipment has been used in various lifeboat and rocket stations on Victorian Coast. It is unclear if this is the original rocket equipment from Port Campbell. This equipment, if not original to the site, has been used in rescue operations and is identical to the equipment that was in use at Port Campbell from C.1890 onwardsEach of the five anchors have an iron ring (2 large, 1 medium, 2 small) to which are attached 5 iron hooks. Medium has 4 hooks.Each has an iron ring 2 large, 2 small to which is attached iron hooks.

The Improved Martin-Adelphi Anchor. The introduction of cast steel in 1894 led to the improved Martin-Adelphi pattern, in which the crown and arms are cast in one, and, with the stock, are made of cast steel, the shank remaining of forged iron. A projection in the crown works in a recess (right image), and is secured in its place by a forged steel pin, fitted with a nut and washer, which passes through the crown and the heel of the shank.Stock-anchor - improved Martins patent, Adelphi pattern improved Martins patent anchor, Adelphi pattern

Recovered from Rabbit Island, Wilsons PromAnchors x2 Admiralty designanchors, admiralty design

The Kerosene lamp was one of the most common oil lamps used and was manufactured until the 1980s. The Anchor Lamp design was used for marine purposes in the days of sailing ships when a ship at anchor or sailing in the dark was required to display a white light on the top of its main mast. The Anchor Lamp's top loop was for a rope to hoist it up the mast, and ropes through the two bottom loops to anchor it in place and prevent it from swaying. The light could be seen by ships up to 20 miles away due to the magnification of the Fresnel glass lens. This lamp in our collection has a design is similar to the early marine designs but its finish and materials resemble lamps made in the 20th century to represent the older ones. The etched "20" on its cover could represent the 20-mile distance the light could shine, and the "↑" Broad Arrows could represent a maritime navy ship. The lamp is an example of 19th and early 20th-century Anchor Lamps fueled by kerosene and used onboard ships when at anchor or sailing at night.Kerosene lamp; This Anchor Lamp design has a brass frame, a handle with a loop at the top, a rail around the base two opposing loops, and a kerosene burner and tank with ventilation holes around it. A clear glass Fresnel 360-degree lens covers the burner. It is an All Round design. The brand Anchor is inscribed on a plate fixed to its brass cover. An etched inscription on the cover includes the Broad Arrow symbol identifying government property.Engraved plaque: "Anchor" brand. Etched into the metal: "↑20↑"warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, kerosene lamp, lighting, ship light, anchor lamp, marine technology, marine lamp, 20 mile light, broad anchor, oil lamp, whale oil lamp, ↑

Anchors are used to stop boats from moving and today are usually made of metal, and they are made to catch the ocean floor (the seabed). There are two main types of anchors: temporary and permanent. A permanent anchor is called a mooring block and is not easily moved. A temporary anchor can be moved and is carried on the boat. When people talk about anchors, they are usually thinking about temporary anchors. An anchor works by either weight (mass) or shape. Shape is more important to temporary anchors, and design is very important. Anchors must resist wind and tide, and also the up-and-down movement of waves. The subject item is a foundry produced item made specifically for marine use, at present there is no history or manufacturing provenance currently available as the item is unmarked.The subject item at this time cannot be associated with an historical event, person or place, provenance is unknown, item is believed to have been produced in the first half of the 20th century by an unknown manufacture and its design is known as the "Kedge Admirality" pattern.Kedge Admirality design anchor metal with double bent hook & Halibut. Stock, eye, loop and shackle at top of anchor. Stock held in position with pin. Anchor painted black.Nonewarrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, ships anchor, marine eqipment

Anchors are used to stop boats from moving and today are usually made of metal, and they are made to catch the ocean floor (the seabed). There are two main types of anchors: temporary and permanent. A permanent anchor is called a mooring block and is not easily moved. A temporary anchor can be moved and is carried on the boat. When people talk about anchors, they are usually thinking about temporary anchors. An anchor works by either weight (mass) or shape. Shape is more important to temporary anchors, and design is very important. Anchors must resist wind and tide, and also the up-and-down movement of waves. The subject item is a foundry produced item made specifically for marine use, at present there is no history or manufacturing provenance currently available as the item is unmarked.The subject item at this time cannot be associated with an historical event, person or place, provenance is unknown, item is believed to have been produced in the first half of the 20th century by an unknown manufacture and its design is known as the "Kedge Admirality" pattern.Anchor, Kedge Admirality design galvanised metal with shackle and rope hole at top of anchor Halibut is missing (bar at top) and two curved flat pointed metal hooks at the base of the anchor.Nonewarrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, ships anchor, marine eqipment

This altar cloth is representative of ecclesiastical linen in use in the early to mid-20th century. It is decorated with the Mariner's Cross symbol, connecting it to the history of the early Christian church. The cover for the cloth shows the respect the maker had for the cloth and what it stands for. The Mariner's Cross symbol also makes it appropriate as an altar cloth for the St Nicholas Seamen's Church at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Mariner’s Cross symbol and what it symbolises The symbol of an anchor that also looks like a cross is called the Mariner’s Cross (also called the Anchored Cross or Cross of Hope). It looks like a ‘plus’ sign with anchor flukes at the base and a ring at the top. The anchor is one of the earliest symbols used in Christianity and represents faith, hope and salvation in times of trial. The Mariner’s Cross is linked to the scripture in Hebrews 6:19, which says “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil”. This particular Mariner’s Cross also has the letter ‘X’ under the post of the anchor. In Greek, the language of the New Testament, the word for Christ is ‘Christos’, which begins with the Greek letter ‘X’ or ‘Chi’. Together, the elements on this Mariner’s Cross - anchor, cross and ‘X’ - symbolise to the Christian that Jesus Christ the Saviour gives security and safety, hope and salvation. Many church organisations still use various forms of the Mariner’s Cross. This design is also known as the Anchored Cross or Cross of Hope. The Missions to Seamen organisation The Missions to Seamen is an Anglican (Church of England) charity that has been serving the world's seafarers since 1856. It was inspired by the work of Rev. John Ashley who, 20 years earlier, had pioneered a ministry to seafarers in the Bristol Channel in Great Britain. When Ashley retired because of ill health, others determined that the work should continue, and they founded the Missions to Seamen. It adopted as its symbol a Flying Angel, inspired by a verse from Revelation 14 in the Bible. Today there are over 200 ports worldwide where the Missions to Seamen has centres and chaplains. A Missions to Seamen’s Club offers a warm welcome to sailors of all colours, creeds and races. A sailor can watch television, have a drink and a chat, change money or buy goods from the club shop or worship in the Chapel. In Victoria, the Missions to Seamen still has clubs in Melbourne, Portland and Geelong. The altar cloth is representative of the ecclesiastical linen in use in the early to mid-20th century, when the original St Nicholas Seamen's Church was opened in Williamstown, Victoria. The Mariner's Cross embroidered onto the altar cloth gives it a connection with the early Christian church and with the Missions to Seamen. The fine hand stitching and embroidery is an example of traditional handcraft skills used over the centuries and still continuing in use today.Altar cloth, white linen, with custom made white cotton cover. The long rectangular cloth has the symbol of a Mariner's Cross (anchor and cross) embroidered with white silk thread on each short end. The wide hems are hand stitched. The cover has two white tape ties and embroidered text in blue silk thread. On cloth: symbol of (anchor with an 'X' stitched behind the centre of it). On cover, text "FLAGSTAFF/ HILL" flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, religion, religious service, st nicholas seamen’s church flagstaff hill, altar cloth, church linen, ecclesiastical linen, mariner’s cross, anchor cross, cross of hope, symbol of christianity, anchored cross

Black cloth band with anchor on each end and Japanese writing in middle. Inscriptions in yellow. Ship anchor on each end. Japanese writing in middle.

The iron anchor is from the iron steamship, Easby built in England in 1873. It struck Skerries Reef at Gabo Island and sank in the harbour in April 1907 while carrying a cargo of potatoes. The iron anchor was recovered from the wreck at an unknown date and put on display between the two sets of keepers’ quarters. Parts of the ship, including the collapsed hull plating, engine and boilers as well as another anchor lie at a shallow depth at the wreck site 15m west of the jetty. This wreck became a shipping hazard and was eventually blown up. (1928) Another anchor of identical design lies underwater on the shoreline 15 metres west of the jetty.The wreck site and relics, including the anchor on display, are protected by the Victorian Heritage Register (VHDS S204).Large rusted metal anchor.

The Eliza Ramsden, with its intact clipper bow, is one of Victoria's most aesthetically spectacular shipwreck sites, and thus has both recreational and educational significance. It is archaeologically significant as relics of cultural significance, including a small ship's bell, have been found on the site.Struck Corsair Rock and later sank in South Channel, Port Philip on 24 July 1875. Now a popular diving site. Large Anchor ex Eliza Rambden which was wrecked on Corsair Rock Point Nepean 24/071875 Made of Cast Ironeliza ramsden, shipwrecks, port phillip, anchors

This jacket appears to be part of the uniform, connected to Warrnambool through its sleeve labels, and to the sea, through its anchor and chain buttons. It may have been worn in the merchant navy by a senior seaman, due to the good quality of fabric and the double-breasted design, or to life saving at sea, such as a member of the Life Saving Rescue Crew, or even a Harbour Master. This jacket has been used for display on the ketch 'Reginald M', built in 1922 in South Australia and spending the final years of its life at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village from 1975-2016. The vessel spent much of its working life as a coastal trader along the south-eastern coast of Australia.This maritime jacket is significant for its connection with Warrnambool and to maritime service. Its high quality wool suggests that it was made for a senior ranking person. This jacket could have been used by a seaman in the merchant navy, which provided the essential service of transportation of goods and passengers between the ports of south-eastern Australia, including the Port of Warrnambool.Uniform jacket or coat, maritime. Heavy duty navy-coloured woollen jacket lined with light-weight woollen lining coloured blue with thin white stripe. Double-breasted front with eight buttons with the motif of anchor and chain. Two waist pockets on the outside, two breast pockets on the inside, closed with composition buttons on the lap, plus one spare button. Dark felt fabric labels were stitched to each sleeve just below the shoulder, with gold embroidered letters. Embroidered sleeve labels "WARRNAMBOOL" Embossed on eight buttons, symbol [chain joined to top of anchor and entwined around it, with text on anchor's crossbar]flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, meritime uniform, men's jacket, woollen jacket, double-breasted jacket, merchant navy, maritime uniform jacket, anchor and chain buttons

This anchor with chain was dredged from Warrnambool's Breakwater area in Lady Bay during a dredging operation around the 1980s. The anchor only has one fluke instead of the usual two and this is likely to mean that it was used as a boat's mooring anchor.This anchor is an example of the type of mooring equipment used during the 20th century in Lady Bay. It is part of the local maritime history.Anchor, one fluke, with length of heavy chain attached to the shank.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, anchor, chain, anchor and chain, one fluke, mooring anchor, single fluke anchor, dredge, lady bay, breakwater, maritme, marine

This item belonged to the family of Mrs. Jean Raper of Wodonga. It is part of an extensive collection of jewellery items which belonged to her mother and grandmother.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A silver plate manicure tool from a manicure set. Hallmark of G & C LD of Birmingham is imprinted on one side. The anchor symbol in the hallmark represents Birmingham in antique silvermarks.Hallmark " G & C LD" Image of an anchor and a lionmanicure implements, womens social history, fashion accessory

WW2 Royal Australian Naval buttons for dress uniform. WW2 RAN buttons. 1939-1945. 3 x gold plated military buttons. Has etchings of crown, anchor and Australian Coat of Arms with Australia underneath. Used by the RAN 1939-1945. Crown, Anchor and Coat of Arms etched into the buttons with Australia across the bottom. ww2 1939-1945, royal australian navy ww2, australian dress uniform buttons ww2 ran

WW2 War Service Badge issued to former soldiers who had served within the boundaries of Australia and who were, therefore, not eligible for the RAS badge. To be worn on civilian clothing.Gold badge with crown on top, rising sun in middle, an anchor at the bottom.On front: Service at bottom of crown. Australia is written at bottom, under anchor. On back: 1948, Issued by C'Wealth Govt, Amor Sydney. 49241australia, wwii, world war 2

Letter written by "Mervyn Clive Townsend", Dental Surgeon, KIA HMAS SYDNEY. Refer Cat No. 2313P for his service details. HMAS SYDNEY was sunk 15 Nov 1941 by German Raider Kormoran. Letter sent to family, parents Edward and Muriel Townsend..1) Letter written on white paper. In black writing on one side blank on other. Stamp of circle and anchor and name of ship in blue. .2) Letter written on blue paper with handwriting in blue. Blank on one side and writing on other with stamp of circle and anchor plus ships name..1) Stamped HMAS SYDNEY and dated 5 April 1941. Top of page A - stamp of small circle with an anchor inside it. .2) Stamped HMAS SYDNEY - dated 7 Nov 1941. Top of page, a stamp of small circle with anchor inside it.hmas sydney, letters, ww2, mervyn clive townsend

The rocket rescue crews used a sand anchor at a beach rescue site to weigh down the rescue apparatus. The crew would connect the steel cables to the connecting cable and then join heavy ropes or chains to the connecting cable. They would then bury the anchor in a trench about three-quarters of a metre deep, keeping the connecting cable’s end free. The length of heavy rope or chain was attached to a pulley block onto the heavy hawser line. The block and a crotch pole were used to keep the hawser line high and taught, keeping the survivors above the sea as they were hauled to shore on a line or in a breeches buoy. Saving lives in Warrnambool – The coastline of South West Victoria is the site of over 600 shipwrecks and many lost lives; even in Warrnambool’s Lady Bay there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905, with eight lives lost. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built to house it. In 1858 the provision of rocket and mortar apparatus was approved for lifeboat stations in Victoria, and in 1864 a rocket house was built to safely store the rocket rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater area, and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost a hundred years the lifeboat and rocket crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to maintain their rescue skills. They were summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. Some became local heroes but all served an important role. By the end of the 1950s, the lifeboat and rescue equipment had become obsolete. Rocket Rescue Method - The Government of Victoria adopted lifesaving methods based on Her Majesty’s Coast Guard in Great Britain. It authorised the first line-throwing rescue system in 1858. Captain Manby’s mortar powered a projectile connected to a rope, invented in 1808. The equipment was updated to John Dennett’s 8-foot shaft and rocket method that had a longer range of about 250 yards. From the 1860s the breeches buoy apparatus was in use. The apparatus was suspended on a hawser line and manually pulled to and from the distressed vessel carrying passengers and items. In the early 1870s Colonel Boxer’s rocket rescue method became the standard in Victoria. His two-stage rockets, charged by a gunpowder composition, could fire the line up to 500-600 yards, although 1000 yards range was possible. Boxer’s rocket carried the light line, which was faked, or coiled, in a particular way between pegs in a faking box to prevent twists and tangles when fired. The angle of firing the rocket to the vessel in distress was measured by a quadrant-type instrument on the side of the rocket machine. Decades later, in about 1920, Schermuly invented the line-throwing pistol that used a small cartridge to fire the rocket. The British Board of Trade published instructions for both the beach rescue crew and ship’s crew. It involved setting up the rocket launcher on shore at a particular angle measured by the quadrant, inserting a rocket that had a lightweight line threaded through its shaft, and then firing it across the stranded vessel, the line issuing freely from the faking board. A tally board was then sent out to the ship with instructions in four languages. The ship’s crew would haul on the line to bring out the heavier, continuous whip line, then secure the attached whip block to the mast or other sturdy part of the ship. The rescue crew on shore then hauled out a stronger hawser line, which the ship’s crew fixed above the whip block. The hawser was then tightened using the block on the shore end of the whip. The breeches buoy and endless whip are then attached to the traveller block on the hawser, allowing the shore crew to haul the breeches buoy to and from the vessel, rescuing the stranded crew one at a time. This sand anchor is part of the rocket rescue equipment and is significant for its connection with local history, maritime history and marine technology. Lifesaving has been an important part of the services performed from Warrnambool's very early days, supported by State and Local Government, and based on the methods and experience of Great Britain. Hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast are evidence of the rough weather and rugged coastline. Ordinary citizens, the Harbour employees, and the volunteer boat and rescue crew, saved lives in adverse circumstances. Some were recognised as heroes, others went unrecognised. In Lady Bay, Warrnambool, there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905. Many lives were saved but tragically, eight lives were lost.The sand anchor comprises a plank with steel cables and a connecting cable. The rectangular wooden bevelled-edged plank with two pairs of square metal plates bolted through it. Each metal plate has an eyelet and the two steel cable lengths are permanently attached by their eyelets to the plates. The eyelets at each end of the cable lengths are reinforced with rope work and one length also has a ‘U’ bolt shackle connection. The steel connecting cable also has reinforced eyelets at both ends. The plank has a black stencilled inscription on the upper surface. Stencilled in black paint "ANCHOR" "BACKER"flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue crew, rescue, rocket rescue, maritime accidents, shipwreck victim, rocket crew, beach rescue, line rescue, rescue equipment, rocket firing equipment, rocket rescue equipment, rocket apparatus, beach apparatus, breeches buoy, rocket house, rocket equipment, rocket launcher, rocket line, marine technology, beach rescue set, traveller, block, running block, pulley, hawser, faked line, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, volunteer lifesavers, volunteer crew, breakwater, rocket rescue method, rocket rescue apparatus, shore to ship, rocket apparatus rescue, stranded vessel, whip line, endless whip, harbour board, sand anchor, rocket set, anchor backer, rescue anchor, beach anchor, backer, anchor, steel cable, wire cable, connecting cable

An anchor light is a white light visible from all around the vessel and is required when anchored or moored between sunset and sunrise. The best place for this light is usually at the top of the highest mast.Example of a kerosene lamp used as an at anchor light.Navigational Light or Riding Light run on oil or kerosene which is displayed by a ship at night when lying at anchor.night light, navigational lighting, kerosene lamp, sailing ships

The Earl of Charlemont was a medium-sized, 878 ton passenger ship built at Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, in 1849. It sailed from the Port of Liverpool on 13 March 1853 with 366 passengers plus crew, captained by William Gardner. The first port of call was to be Port Phillip, Australia, before continuing to Sydney with the majority of the passengers. After a passage of 97 days the ship reached Cape Otway on 17 June and set a course for Port Phillip some 56 miles away. At 5.15 a.m. on the 19 June 1853 the ship struck a reef (later named Charlemont Reef) about 1½ miles from Barwon Heads. The anchor was raised by Barwon Grove Skin Divers on June 25 1972. Wrought iron anchor

Item from donor's mother (1926-2015) and father (1923-1962)who lived in Camberwell and then from the 1950s in Box Hill.The Boys' Brigade (BB) is an international, interdenominational christian youth organization conceived in Glasgow in1883 which spread quickly across the UK and worldwide. It was founded in Australia in 1890.Black wool felt beret with black ribbon edging and ribbon hanging down back. On the front a metal badge "The Boys' Brigade" with an anchor in the centre with the words "Sure", B B "Steadfast" inside. Size 6 5/8. "The Boys' Brigade", anchor, "Sure", B B "Steadfast" inside. Size 6 5/8.the boys' brigade, beret

Four other photographs slightly different image of anchor with copies of sameColour photograph showing an old wooden stocked anchor dredged up between Bullock Island and Rigby Island, Lakes Entrance Victoria ships and shipping, dredging, artifact

fishing vessel Nimitibelle one person in the wheelhouse, another on foredeck two at side deck, anchored in the lake at Metung VictoriaColour photograph of fishing vessel Nimitibelle one person in the wheelhouse, another on foredeck two at side deck, anchored in the lake at Metung Victoriafishing industry, boats and boating

Photos of the Ports & Harbour launch "Flinders' at anchor prior to sinking.Realism, historical1. Envelope of Notes 2. Page 1 of 3 Notes re Photos 46 to 54. 3. Page 2 of 3 Notes re Photos 46 to 54. 4. Page 3 of 3 Notes re Photos 46 to 54. 5. 5 x 35mm photos of The Flinders at anchor. 6. Enlarged photo with notes of The Flinders at anchor. 7. Newspaper clippings relating to the sinkingOn the reverse - " N/A"

This object has been made in 1978 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the ship 'Loch Ard'. This ship was wrecked on Mutton Bird Island near Port Campbell, Victoria in June 1878 with the loss of 52 lives and with two survivors. The story of the two survivors, passenger Eva Carmichael and seaman Tom Pearce has become part of the local folklore and has been retold in poetry, stage and T.V. drama and prose works. and is the subject of one of the night laser shows at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warrnambool. Port Campbell Information Centre and Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum also house many significant shipwreck items from the 'Loch Ard' including the nationally-important Loch Ard Minton Peacock. One of the commemorative events that took place in 1978 was the raising of the anchor from the wreck and its display at Port Campbell. This anchor item was probably made at the time and given to one of those connected to the recovery of the anchor. This souvenir is of interest as an object made to commemorate the most significant shipwreck in Western VictoriaThis is a souvenir of a shipwreck. It has a rectangular-shaped wooden base with a wooden piece with one curved edge standing upright at a slight angle on the top of the base. The wooden piece has four metal strips and has a metal anchor slotted into it so that the anchor is raised from the base. The wooden piece and the end of the anchor are glued to the base. The base has a silver-coloured metal name piece. The wooden sections have been slightly varnished. On the bottom of the base there are four rubber pads at each corner. Loch Ard Commemoration 1978loch ard wreck, loch ard commemoration 1978, flagstaff hill maritime museum, port campbell information centre, tom pearce & eva carmichael

In about 1820 Henry Pershouse Parkes, from Dudley, established the Tipton Green Chain and Anchor Works (Staffordshire). The firm’s products included cables, chains, anchors and all kinds of forgings. In 1851 some tests were carried out on the company’s chains to demonstrate the tensile strength and fibrous toughness of the iron used in their production. The iron used on this occasion was supplied by Summer Hill Iron Works. Some of the chains were exhibited at the Great Exhibition in 1851 and also at the 1855 French Exhibition in Paris, where they won a prize medal. Henry Pershouse Parkes died in 1867 and appears to have been succeeded by his son, who had the same name. In 1867 the firm produced the largest anchor in the world, at that time. It was built for Brunel’s S. S. Great Eastern to the patented design of Joseph Beterley, of Liverpool. The anchor, which weighed eight tons was twenty six and a half feet long and cast from iron supplied by Bloomfield Iron Works. It was tested at Tipton Proving House and found to be able to stand a strain of 100 tons. Henry Pershouse Parkes junior went into partnership with Alexander Stewart Ross to form Henry P. Parkes and Ross. The partnership came to an end in 1885 and the company became Henry P. Parkes & Company. In 1904 the business was sold and became H. P. Parkes and Company, under the control of N. Hingley & Sons Limited, of Netherton. In 1944 the company’s name was changed to Richard Sykes and Son Limited, then in 1947 it became H. P. Parkes & Company Limited. The business went into liquidation in 1966.The item is significant as an early example of a well known prize winning British anchor and chain maker from the mid 19th century. The company name on the anchor indicate the period of manufacture making it a significant item prized today by collectors.Anchor 5 pronged metal with loop at bottom to attach anti-snag rope. Long shank painted black. Label attached "Henry P Parker and Co"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, five pronged anchor, henry p parkes & co, tipton green chain and anchor works

This altar and rear reredos were part of the original furnishings of the St Nicholas' Mission to Seamen's Church at 139 Nelson Place, Williamstown, Victoria. The Church was operated by the Mission to Seamen organisation. The reredos was donated to the Williamstown chapel by Miss. M. Breaks, in memoriam Miss. L.A. Breaks, who served a very active part in the Seamen's Mission, and the altar was donated by Mr and Miss J R Schutt. THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN (Brief History: for more, see our Reg. No. 611, Set of Pews) The Missions to Seamen was an Anglican charity that served seafarers of the world since 1856 in Great Britain. It symbol is a Flying Angel, inspired by a Bible verse. Today there are centres in over 200 ports worldwide where seamen of all backgrounds are offered a warm welcome and provided with a wide range of facilities. In Victoria, the organisation began in Williamstown in 1857 as a Sailors’ Church, also known as ‘Bethel’ or the ‘Floating Church’ in an old hulk floating in Hobson’s Bay, Port of Melbourne. It soon became part of the Missions to Seamen, Victoria. In the year 2000 the organisation, now named Mission to Seafarers, still operated locally in Melbourne, Portland, Geelong and Hastings. The Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild was formed in 1906 to support the Missions to Seamen in Melbourne and other centres such as Williamstown. Two of the most significant ladies of the Guild were founder Ethel Augusta Godfrey and foundation member Alice Sibthorpe Tracy (who established a branch of the Guild in Warrnambool in 1920). The Guild continued its work until the 1960s. In 1943 a former Williamstown bank was purchased for the Missions to Seaman Club. The chapel was named St Nicholas’ Seamen’s Church and was supported by the Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild, the Williamstown Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary and the League of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Friends. It ceased operation in 1966. A Missions to Seamen Chapel and Recreation Room was a significant feature of ports during the late 1800s and into the 1900s. It seemed appropriate for Flagstaff Hill to include such a representation within the new Maritime Village, so the Melbourne Board of Management of Missions to Seamen Victoria gave its permission on 21st May 1979 for the entire furnishings of the Williamstown chapel to be transferred to Flagstaff Hill. The St Nicholas Seamen’s Church was officially opened on October 11, 1981, and closely resembles the Williamstown chapel. This altar and reredos are significant historically for its origin in the St Nicholas Mission to Seamen's Church in Williamstown, established in 1857 to cater for the physical, social, and spiritual needs of seafarers. It originated in Bristol, England when a Seamen's Mission was formed in 1837. They are historically significant for their connection to the Ladies Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary, an organisation of women, formed to support seafarers. The connection of this furniture to the Mission to Seamen and to the Ladies Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary highlights the strong community awareness of the life of people at sea, their dangers and hardships, and their need for physical, financial, spiritual and moral support. Altar and reredos or altar panel, wooden. The timber is panelled, stained and has a varnished finish. The base has a detachable vertical panel with the decoration of a sword and two anchors, the reredos has a cross on a panel. It was made by Hadwen and Houghton, Malvern, Victoria. A plaque at the bottom right edge is marked with the maker's name. The altar is part of the St Nicholas Seamen's Church collection.On removable panel; logo of [sword and two anchors] On bottom right of base: "Hadwen and Houghton, Malvern"flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, religion, religious service, st nicholas seamen’s church, williamstown, missions to seamen victoria, altar, reredos, church furniture, religious furniture, miss m breaks, miss l a breaks, mr and miss j r schutt., worship service