Faded brown cloth embossed detailing on cover with gold writing on spine 'Words in Season for Young Disciples' loose back cover and spine. 127 pages ; 10 cm Handwritten on title page 'Annie C Wilson Albion Mills Nov 9th 71' Handwritten inscriptions of names throughout.annie wilson, albion mills, kilmore mechanics institute library.

Book with photograph on front cover of Jesus and his disciples in the sea of Galilee.fictionTells various stories of the wonderful works of Jesus.jesus christ, books, children's books

The style suggests that it may have been part of the fittings of the newly opened 1937 George V memorial building at Port Melbourne. Possibly hung in the Dining hall.Religious artSolid heavy wood panel carved in relief depicting 12 bearded figures, robed and seated around a table covered with a cloth. The table is laid with seven dishes, a loaf of bread, a wine cup in front of the central figure and a dish below the table on the floor at left, and a wine or oil jar at right. The sculptor has carved the wood in a style reminiscent of the medieval or early renaissance craftsmen. There are three modern steel screw attachments for hanging attached at verso on sides and centre top edge. The subject is the Last Supper of Jesus and his twelve disciples, with Judas at left end of the table seeming to cover with his hand a bag, perhaps the 30 pieces of silver.the last supper, jesus, disciples, carving, sculpture

Stained glass, lancet window, north wall, north nave. Depiction of St John with the symbols of a quill, ascribing to him the Gospel of John, and an eagle representing the soaring loftiness of of his writings.St John. /"The disciple whom Jesus Loved". / To the Glory of God. A thankoffering for many happy/ years from Walter and Fanny Manifold. 1st June 1914

Ordained 1972, Aurukun 1972-1975, Principal Nungalinya College 1975 to 1986; UAICC Calvary Presbytery 1987-1992, Princiap Coolamon college 1993 to ? 2019 National Consultant, Theology and Discipleship (Assembly). Responsible for the "Becoming Disciples" process.B&W head and shoulders photograph of Rev. Dr Robert Bos. robert bos; assembly of the uca; national consultant theology and discipleship; becoming disciples; aurukan; nungalinya; coolamon cololege

Grey hardcover children's religious instruction book, Come Unto Me, with a coloured illustration of Jesus standing in the bow of a boat with his disciples in a bad storm. The title is red at the top of picture. Grey back cover, faded blue spine with title, publisher and lined design. Coloured plates with black and white illustrations throughout.fictionA children's religious instruction book of bible stories retold by Catherine Shawchildren's fiction, religious stories, books, fiction

Thangkas are cloth scrolls unique to Tibetan Buddhism, depicting deities, venerated spiritual figures, or religious symbols. Intended for personal meditation or instruction of monastic students, they are invested with the spirit of a deity to whom they are consecrated. The design of a thangka allows it to be rolled up for easy transport, a feature that was essential for traveling monks and practitioners in nomadic regions. This thangka is a homage to the 21 exceptional women teachers, yoginis and practitioners who achieved high levels of spiritual realisation in the Buddhist traditions of Tibet and India and played foundational roles in transmitting Buddhist lineages. The thangka was envisioned and conceptually designed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2008.Buddha Shakyamuni, surrounded by the 21 female Mahasiddhas (Masters of Accomplishment), is seated in the center on a lotus throne, performing the earth-witness mudra with his right hand while holding an alms bowl in his left. Standing on either side directly below are his two main disciples, Shariputra and Maudgalyayana. The perimeter features 21 distinct female masters arranged symmetrically across a vibrant sky and landscape backdrop. Each figure is depicted within a rainbow aura or circular halo, captured in meditative, teaching, or dynamic poses.Each figure is provided with a number and name printed in Tibetan and English.buddhist art, tibetan buddhism, holy objects

A number of rubbings of calligraphic carvings thought to be from the Ballarat East Joss House in Main Road. .1) Blue and brown crayon. Translation: Erected on an auspicious day in winter 1859. Think of his loyalty (Quan Yu, now can canonised as the god of war to whom this temple is dedicated) (AD1084) to his sworn lover their sworn botherhood pledged in the peach garden as has been praised for thousands of years. .2) Rubbing in blue crayon of Chinese calligraphy from pole on right hand side of Joss House Door. (Larger) his great graciousness spreads to other (us here in foreign lands) kingdoms, and his virtue guards our gold miners everywhere. (Smaller) Dedicated to his disciples the Chu Pei-Huo family .3) Rubbing on litho paper. translation - One who knows the nature of things (in the world) will thus understand human nature. .4) Rubbing on litho paper. Translation of middle calligraphy - We all behold the wisdom of the gods in the heavens, earth and man. .5) Rubbing on litho paper - translation - The grace of god flows to all corners of the earth. .6) Charcoal rubbing - translation - Temple of the god of war. .7) Crayon rubbing of calligraphy on litho paper. Translation - Dedicated by the Ma Chu-Feng family. Emperor's virtue spreads far and wide. Grace in Abundance. Erected in winter, 1859. .8) Crayon rubbing of calligraphy on litho paper. Translation: Respectfully dedicated by the Ts'Ai Chi-Yang family. Grace in abundance. Erected in winter of 1859. .9) Crayon rubbing .10) Outline of calligraphy on copy paper .11) Rubbings of calligraphy on copy paper. Translation: The Holy God of War. Exhibited in 1862. Your respectful disciples. .12) List of 11 disciples chinese, joss house, keith rash, chu pei-huo, quan yu, ma chu-feng, ts'ai chi-yang, lee chua-yeh, hwong tien-jyue, wa perg-nan, liu chin-chuson, an lee factory, lice hsue-chiere, lee mei-tzy, lee pas-chi, lui lih-nie, wir hon-fu, li hsi-yang

This postcard is part of an album of postcards which date from late 19th century to mid 20th century. Religion played a significant part in daily life at the time.This postcard is in an album of postcards dating from the late 19th century to mid 20th century and, as such, indicate the popularity of collecting postcards in Australia which reached a height in the early 1900s until around 1920.This postcard depicts the scene of Mark 10: 13-16 from the bible, where Christ meetings a group of children.On front, printed under image: 'Christ Blessing Little Children / St. Mark 10: 13-16' On back, printed above line: 'Christ Blessing Little Children' On back, printed below line: 'THEY brought young children to / Jesus, that He should touch them: / and His disciples rebuked those that / brought them. / But when Jesus saw it, He was much / displeased, and said unto them, "Suffer / the little children to come unto me, and / forbid them not; for of such is the / kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, / Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom / of God as a little child, he shall not enter / therein." / And He took them up in His arms, / put His hands on them, and blessed / them. / So that day the mother helped the / disciples to learn about Jesus. The dis- / ciples thought the children would be a / trouble, but the mothers knew that Jesus / loved the little and helpless ones, and / would bless them, for one day He had / said, " All who seek to enter the kingdom / of heaven must become like little chil- / dren." So they were not afraid to draw / near.'postcard, 1900s, "green postcard album"

The Lay Reader David Conolly was associated with the Mission for many years in particular working with trainee cadets and RAN Officers. Painted wood crucifix on a very thin backing support of hardboard. Style of the painting is that of icon artist of Russian/Greek/Byzantine style. An inscription on the reverse. Small steel hanging hook at top edge on reverse. The edges of the icon are painted red and the whole depiction is decorated with much gilding. The whole support is in the form of a t-shaped cross. The top section depicts a risen Christ at the centre surrounded by ten disciples or saints and the hand of God appears to be at the upper central edge. The Christ figure is flanked on the main cross piece by five archangels and Saint Peter. Flanking the torso of the crucified figure appear to be Maria and St Joan and on the right side Mary Magdalen, Mark (Saint?) and a centurion figure. Three small figures also featured in this section. At the lower right corner are two haloed male figures (unidentified).Front; above haloed head of the crucified figure U.C.; IHSNAZARE in gold on a red ground/ REXIVDEORV. Beneath the central panel again gold on red SEASIOANNES AND MARIA. On the other side of the central figure; MARIAMARK CENTURIU/ MAGDALEN...IACO/ BI. Hand-written inscription on reverse; "For/ all who enter/ this sacred space./ The gift of/ David Conolly/ sometime stipendiary Lay Reader/ in the Mission/ 1956-1958.david conolly, crucifix, icons, othodox, artwork

Olive trees have been a boon to civilization for millennia. The oil extracted from olives can be used for everything from fuel for lanterns to medicinal balms to an essential ingredient in foods. It’s easy to understand why the tree was incorporated into so many early religious practices, but near the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, a grove of olive trees in Gethsemane provides a direct link to ancient biblical stories. At the foot of the Mount of Olives, a small olive grove would go on to become an important site for Christianity. Gethsemane, taken from the Aramaic word for olive press, is mentioned many times throughout the New Testament as a favorite place for Jesus and his disciples to rest and pray beneath the evergreen olive trees. Today, the Church of All Nations has been constructed in a section of Gethsemane, enshrining the ground where Jesus is said to have last prayed.However, as a privilege, soldiers were given one green envelope per month in which they could send uncensored personal and private letters to loved ones. The soldier had to sign to verify that they had only included private and family matters.A small vintage brown paper WWII AUSTRALIAN Active Service envelope with faded green text explaining its use, which was for letters only. It was Revised July 1942. There is a large green lined open cross on the front with Active Service at the top and (Crown Copyright Reserved). It has an address space on the right. Inside the envelope is a small folded paper souvenir from Gethsemene Jerusalem with a black and white image on the front of a relief sculpture depicting the moment when an angel visits Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. It is titled 'Gethsemeni'. Inside the small souvenir card is a Daily Prayer for the Dying and, glued to the opposite side, an olive leaf from the Garden of Gethsemane. On the back of the souvenir is a text titled, The Good Work of the Holy Land, which describes the work of the Friars Minor who resided in Jerusalem for seven venturies. Though undated, this document dates from WWII when the soldiers were in the Middle East.'Leaf from the Trees of the Garden of Gethsemane'

The Buddhist monk Guangqia visited Karl Duldig’s studio on two consecutive days, in the company of the noted Chinese writer, Professor Yu Dafu, a friend of Karl’s. Karl made two portraits of the monk, the first depicting him sitting, and the second in a standing pose. The portraits were drawn using a Chinese brush and Indian ink. Surviving sketches in the Studio’s collection indicate that Karl thought about creating a life-size sculpture later on, but this was not realised. Guangqia added inscriptions in his own hand to both drawings and stamped them with a red seal. The seated drawing has an inscription in which he quoted from a Buddhist poem, ‘A Contented Mind’ by the scholar Lingfeng of Mt Tiantai. In the summer I went to visit the Austrian sculptor Duldig with Professor Yu Da Fu. My virtue is slight – I cannot accept your offerings and gifts; I am amply rewarded by the clouds and springs. Rather than a table laden with pearl-like rice, I prefer the wind and leaves falling on my bed. Sitting quietly on my meditation cushion Is sweeter than the wheat offered by a thousand families. The pity is that I am gradually growing old; My bitter journey is not worthy of your offerings. The second drawing has a quote from a Buddhist poem on the study of Chán (Zen) Buddhism, by the famed Chán master, Dàjiàn Huìnéng (638–713): The portrait, with its figure positioned on a scroll-like ground and inscription is reminiscent of traditional Zen Buddhist portraiture. In this school of portraiture, which stretched back to at least the thirteenth century, monks were depicted sitting or standing facing the viewer, and typically the monk added an autographic inscription to the portrait. The portraits were often passed from master to disciple, continuing the disciples’ journey of spiritual enlightenment and were revered for their association with remarkable or holy priests. The Buddhist monk, Guangqai who added his inscription and stamp to the drawings would most certainly have been aware of this tradition. It is likely that Karl was aware of this tradition, one of the points where the studio’s collections of art works from Singapore intersect with the earlier Viennese collections can be found in the Library where a catalogue of an exhibition, 'Ausstellung Ostasiatischer Malerie und Graphik' is held. The Viennese Friends of Asian Art and Culture and the Albertina Museum staged this exhibition of East Asian painting and graphic works in 1932. Such was the internationalism of Duldig’s education in Vienna, that adaption to a new environment and culture in the Straits Settlement was swift, and he was able to interpret the artistic traditions of the place, and make them his own. It is part of the strength of the collection, that in many cases contemporary supporting documentation for the works of art is available. In this case there is a photograph of the Monk with Yu Ta-fu, and Karl and Eva Duldig, outside the studio at the time the drawings were made. Ann Carew 2016The portraits of Guangqai have national and international aesthetic significance. The works of art demonstrate the artist’s skill in capturing the physical appearance and demeanour of his subject, and his ability to adapt his working methods to incorporate traditional Asian materials and cultural practices. The portrait is one of few examples in Melbourne of a central European modernist artists working in, and engaging with Asia, during this period and it is culturally and aesthetically significant for this reason. The portraits are also historically interesting in documenting the life and experiences of Karl Duldig in the Straits Settlement (Singapore). Ann Carew 2016Brush drawing in chinese ink on paper. Seated Buddhist Monk. Chinese calligraphy hand written in black ink. Two red stamps under calligraphy.Signed Karl Duldig in l.r. corner. Dated Singapore 1940 in l.l. corner.

Hard cover book,The Rambler & The Idler Author: Dr. Samuel Johnson, Mr. Town, John Hawkesworth Publisher: William P Nimmo, 14 King William St, The Strand, London. W1. Date: 1876 Further Information: The flyleaf reads The Rambler and the Idler. By Samuel Johnson. The Adventurer. By John Hawkesworth. The Connoisseur. By (Mr. Town Pen Name) Green Cloth hardcover with a green spine and lettering in black texter. The spine has a Library label with an inscription.non-fictionThis single 1876 volume combines four of the most influential weekly and semi weekly periodical essay series of the mid-18th century. Despite the phrasing of the era, these are not fiction stories or novels. They are periodical essays brief, single-topic pieces written to critique, educate, and entertain 18th-century readers. The collection covers three themes: morality and human nature, with a focus on reflections relating to the disappointments of life, the inevitability of death, managing one's passions, and the search for true happiness, featuring mainly in The Rambler; social satire and manners, with lighthearted and witty take downs of London high society, modern trends, vanity, and standard eccentric characters of the town; and literary criticism, with essays that analyse contemporary poetry and the theatre, along with the evolving English language.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, the rambler and the idler, john hawkesworth., mr. town, samuel johnson

Stations of the Cross by Clifton Pugh is a contempooray art piece in four sections making up 11 stations of the cross. It was commissioned by the Catholic parish in Eltham (Our Lady Help of Christians) in 1961 Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p81 Art is an important means of nurturing faith at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Henry Street, Eltham. The Stations of the Cross by Clifton Pugh and The Crucifix with the Ascending Jesus by sculptor Charles Rocco are two of the fine works that enhance the parishioners’ worship. These two inspiring works of art were added in 2001 – long after Roman Catholics began worshipping in Eltham around 1864. This beautiful worship centre was built following hardship and change – for parishioners have endured their church being destroyed by fire and have built four churches since they first worshipped together. Before 1864, according to local legend, a visiting priest administered sacraments in the parlour of former convict-turned-respected citizen Thomas Sweeney at Sweeneys Lane, Eltham.1 The first church was blessed in September, 1865, by the Archbishop of Melbourne, Dr Goold. It stood on an acre (0.4ha) of land in Little Eltham as that area was known then, near the present Fordhams and Main Roads and was part of the Heidelberg Church Parish. In 1912 the church was relocated to a new building on the present primary school site at 1 Henry Street. This was closer to the town centre, which had moved from Little Eltham after the railway line was extended to Eltham in 1902.2 In 1958 the church split from the Sacred Heart parish, Diamond Creek, to become a parish in its own right, with Father Tom Curran as inaugural priest. Not long after in 1961, a fire destroyed the church and huge working bees under the prominent Catholic builders, the Sibbel brothers, rebuilt and extended it, using the original altar from the first church. It was then that builder and parishioner Herman Sibbel asked his friend, artist Clifton Pugh, to paint the Stations of the Cross for the church. But the priest, Father Curran, neither approved of Pugh’s bohemian reputation nor liked the paintings, so they were hung in the corridor of Our Lady’s Primary School instead. The parishioners almost sold the paintings in 1989 to pay for major school renovations. However the paintings remained there for about 40 years, until 2001, when the church was extensively renovated by Father Barry Caldwell. Another change awaited the church, as it outgrew its building, later to be used as the school hall. So, in 1976, the present church was built across the road. Three beautiful stained-glass windows depicting the Passion, Death, Resurrection and the presence of Christ’s Spirit, link these with the church’s experiences. The first depicts a bushfire in Eltham, referring to their church damaged by fire. Another represents the Resurrection of Christ with new growth on a blackened stump and the Holy Spirit is represented by the Southern Cross. A window depicting Our Lady Help of Christians by parishioner Bill Peperkamp, was donated by parishioners to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Father Desmond G Jenkins’ ordination to the priesthood on July 27, 1977. This, with the statue of Mary, creates a Marian shrine. In the 14 Stations of the Cross painted on four masonite panels Pugh captures the pathos of the suffering Christ and his disciples.3 The figures are stylised, except intriguingly, that of Pontias Pilate, who looks like Clifton Pugh. Charles Rocco’s sculpture is an extraordinary Jesus figure being raised from the Cross. The delicate stainless steel mesh of the figure creates a sense of the power of God over death. The organ, built in 1868 by George Fincham and Sons, was first installed in the All Saints’ Anglican Church, East St Kilda, then in the St Andrews Church, Clifton Hill. It was rebuilt into a modern instrument with a donation from parishioner Jim Murray, in memory of his wife Gwendolene Mary.4 Church members created their own work of art in front of the entrance, by painting designs and messages on 700 tiles. This work indicates the strong church family and faith expressed in art, that awaits the worshipper inside.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, art, clifton pugh, stations of the cross, our lady help of christans, installation

The Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Coast is located in the picturesque municipality of San Giovanni Bianco, is a fascinating example of a subsidiary church immersed in the greenery of the mountains. Its privileged location, at an altitude offering breathtaking views, has made this place an important point of reference for the local community since its founding. The church, characterized by a simple yet elegant architectural style, features a façade that exudes serenity and welcome, inviting visitors to discover its history and significance. The feast of the Blessed Virgin of the Coast is celebrated every year on 15 August, becoming a moment of joy and sharing for the community. True Image of the Blessed Virgin venerated in the Church of the Costa of St. Gall One black and white holy card shows an artwork of the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph, and the Magi and is venerated in the Church of the Costa of S. Gallo. The history of the sanctuary has its roots in an extraordinary event that occurred on 04 April 1492. A sacred image depicting the Virgin Mary, kept in the home of Caterina Lupis, was the scene of a miracle: tears of blood flowed from the painting. This event, interpreted as a divine sign, stirred great emotion and devotion in the local community. After a series of miraculous events, the Madonna herself expressed the desire to build a sanctuary in her honor, in a specific place: the coast overlooking the town and the hamlets of San Giovanni. Construction of the sanctuary began in 1492, marking the beginning of a story of faith and devotion that continues to this day. S. Antonio Abate, or St Anthony the Abbot Anthony the Abbot, Saint Anthony the Great, Saint Anthony of Egypt, Saint Anthony of the Fire, Saint Anthony of the Desert and Saint Anthony the Anchorite , ( Qumans , 12 January 251 – Thebaid Desert , 17 January 356 ) was an Egyptian abbot and hermit. A contemporary of Paul of Thebes, he is considered the founder of Christian monasticism and the first of the abbots; he is responsible for the permanent establishment of families of monks who, under the guidance of a spiritual father, abba, consecrated themselves to the service of God. His life has been handed down by his disciple Athanasius of Alexandria. He is one of the four Fathers of the Eastern Church who bear the title of "Great" together with Athanasius himself, Basil and Photius of Constantinople. He is remembered in the Calendar of Saints of the Catholic Church and the Lutheran Church on January 17, but the Coptic Orthodox Church celebrates him on January 31, which corresponds, in its calendar, to the 22nd of the month of Tobit . St Catherine of Alexandra was a martyr. T he emperor angrily ordered her to be executed on a breaking wheel. The breaking wheel is an ancient form of torture where a person's limbs are threaded among the spokes and their bones are shattered by an executioner with a heavy rod. It is a brutal punishment that results in a slow and painful death, normally reserved for the worst criminals. When Catherine was presented before the wheel, she touched it and a miracle occurred that caused the wheel to shatter. Unable to torture her to death, the emperor simply ordered her beheaded. Around the year 800, a legend spread that her body has been found with her hair still growing and a constant stream of oil coming from her body. Nothing exists to this day of her remains, and her very existence has been called into question. Despite these questions, and the possibility that her story may be confused with that of one or more other saints, she is still venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church as a Martyr. Many Roman Catholics also venerate her to this day as one of the great virgin saints of the early Church. During the medieval period, St. Catherine was one of the most famous saints of the Church. She has was a popular subject in renaissance art and many paintings from the period are dedicated to her. St. Henry, son of Henry, Duke of Bavaria, and of Gisella, daughter of Conrad, King of Burgundy, was born in 972. He received an excellent education under the care of St. Wolfgang, Bishop of Ratisbon. In 995, St. Henry succeeded his father as Duke of Bavaria, and in 1002, upon the death of his cousin, Otho III, he was elected emperor. Firmly anchored upon the great eternal truths, which the practice of meditation kept alive in his heart, he was not elated by this dignity and sought in all things, the greater glory of God. He was most watchful over the welfare of the Church and exerted his zeal for the maintenance of ecclesiastical discipline through the instrumentality of the Bishops. He gained several victories over his enemies, both at home and abroad, but he used these with great moderation and clemency. In 1014, he went to Rome and received the imperial crown at the hands of Pope Benedict VIII. On that occasion he confirmed the donation, made by his predecessors to the Pope, of the sovereignty of Rome and the exarchate of Ravenna. Circumstances several times drove the holy Emperor into war, from which he always came forth victorious. He led an army to the south of Italy against the Saracens and their allies, the Greeks, and drove them from the country. The humility and spirit of justice of the Saint were equal to his zeal for religion. He cast himself at the feet of Herebert, Bishop of Cologne, and begged his pardon for having treated him with coldness, on account of a misunderstanding. He wished to abdicate and retire into a monastery, but yielded to the advice of the Abbot of Verdun, and retained his dignity. Both he and his wife, St. Cunegundes, lived in perpetual chastity, to which they had bound themselves by vow. The Saint made numerous pious foundations, gave liberally to pious institutions and built the Cathedral of Bamberg. His holy death occurred at the castle of Grone, near Halberstad, in 1024. His feast day is July 13th. He is the patron saint of the childless, of Dukes, of the handicapped and those rejected by Religious Order. What we know of St. Elizabeth comes from the Gospel, the book of Luke, in particular. In Luke, Elizabeth, a daughter of the line of Aaron, and the wife of Zechariah, was "righteous before God" and was "blameless" but childless. Elizabeth is also a cousin to the Virgin Mary.What we know of St. Elizabeth comes from the Gospel, the book of Luke, in particular. In Luke, Elizabeth, a daughter of the line of Aaron, and the wife of Zechariah, was "righteous before God" and was "blameless" but childless. Elizabeth is also a cousin to the Virgin Mary. Five holy cards from San Gallo, Lombardy, Italy, carried by Luigi Gervasoni in a small prayer book that he carried to Australia. Two of the Holy Cards are hand coloured, and one mentions the Church were he was baptised, The Chiesa della Costa di S. Gallo. caterina lupis, san gallo, luigi gervasoni, italy, saint elizabeth, san giovanni bianco, chiesa di costa san giovanni bianco, holy family, saint anthony the abbot, st catherine

The Annual Meeting presenting the Annual Report was held on the 21st of September 1886 at the Melbourne Athenaeum. In the Standard (Port Melbourne, Vic. : 1884 - 1914), Saturday 25 September 1886, page 2 VICTORIAN SEAMEN'S MISSION. This institution held its annual meeting in the Melbourne Athenæum on Tuesday evening under the most favourable auspices. The hall was filled in every part, a very large pro portion of the audience being seamen. The half hour previous to the com mencement of the meeting was very pleasantly occupied bv listening to the capital playing of the band of the Naval Brigade, and precisely at eight o'clock the musicians heralded the entrance of the vice-regal party by playing ' The National Anthem.' Sir Henry and Lady Loch were received by the Mayor of Melbourne (Mr. Stewart), the Hon. F. T. Derham, Captain Pasco, Mr. H. R. Reid (hon. secretary), and Lieutenant - Colonel Templeton, and His Excellency imme diately took the chair. The venerable ex-chaplain, the Rev. Kerr Johnson, was present, but as he did not feel equal to taking part in the proceedings, the Rev. E. T. Miles opened the meeting with prayer. Nothing could have been more cal culated to give a distinctive character to the meeting than the singing of the Sailors' Hymn by the 300 odd seamen present. The rugged yet tuneful voices of the men blending with those of the ladies present, who heartily joined in, gave a most spirit-stirring effect to the beautiful words of the refrain : — Rocks and streams I'll fear no more, When on that eternal shore; Drop the anchor ! furl the sail ! I am safe within the vail. Next followed His Excellency's address as chairman. The Governor threw himself heartily into the pro ceedings, and his remarks, expressive of the utmost sympathy with the sea men of the empire, were applauded to the echo. In fact from the start all the speakers struck the right key-note. The institution was not held up as a charity on which Jack was more or less dependent. According to the gentlemen who one and all welcomed him as a friend, and a right useful friend too, the thing was all the other way. To the sailor it was, they de clared, that they owed all that the colony possessed, and more — the great ness and prosperity of the Empire, He was the sort of man who never turned his back on a fellow creature, or refused to give a hand to a comrade in distress. Therefore it was deter mined that Jack should not come to these shores and think there were none to care for the comfort of his body or the welfare of his soul, and with the object of greeting the sailor on his arrival, of grasping his hand as a friend, beguiling his hours on shore, and saving him from the scores of dangers and temptations which beset a sea-faring man's stay in port, the institution had in '57 been started. Its claims on the Victorian public, not as a charity, but as a means of show ing some recognition of the services of the brave men who man our mercan tile marine, were ably put before the meeting. The Rev. G. D. Buchanan de clared that if the Melbourne merchants contributed to the mission a tithe of the amount they spent in insurance, they would find their goods better looked after by the seamen than by the insurance companies. Captain McCallum, the treasurer, read the following report of the com mittees of the Port Melbourne and Williamstown Rests : — In no part of the Queen's dominions have there been more changes during the last thirty years than in the colony bearing her gracious name ; and it is therefore all the more pleasant to report that the Victorian Mission to seamen, which started so long ago as 1857, still pursues an active career of usefulness, holding out a helping hand to mariners of all nations, without distinction of colour, race or creed. Eight years ago, some of the supporters of the Mission, feeling the want of a Temperance Club, where the crews of the various ships might recreate themselves and enjoy the three ' C's' — Coffee — Comfort — Company, appealed to the public for assistance, resulting in sufficient funds being obtained to justify the establishment of Sailors' Rests at Sandridge and Williamstown. Both these institutions were opened by a distinguished gentleman who has always taken a practical interest in sea men, and who, but for illness, would have been present at this meeting — Sir W. F. Stawell — and the result jof several years' experience fully justifies the statement that these institutions have supplied a felt want — the attendance of visitors reaching now about 30,000 per annum ; whilst so economically are they managed, that the annual cost to the public is less than L150 The thanks of the committee are specially due to those ladies and gentlemen who so kindly made a special and successful effort to supply both of the Bests with new piano fortes, to the great enjoyment of ' Jack ashore.' The instrument which was pre sented to the Port Melbourne institution by Mr. J. M. Bruce, on behalf of the sub scribers, the funds having been collected by his daughter yet in her teens, being espec ially one of great value. Concerts free to all seamen, given by amateur singers, are held weekly on both sides of the bay, and are largely attended and much appreciated. The building at Port Melbourne, which, being of wood, is merely of a temporary character, is free from debt ; but there is a mortgage of L500 on the Williamstown institution, which cripples its usefulness. The committee have regretfully to report that during the year under review they have lost, through the weakness of increas ing years, tbe loving services of the Rev. Kerr Johnston, their venerable friend and chaplain, whose life is, indeed, the history of the Mission, for he has been connected with it from the commencement of the work. Mr. Johnston has proved himself a true disciple of his Divine Master, and the com mittee trust that in the evening of his days he may enjoy that peace and rest which he lias so well earned. The com mittee presented Mr. Johnston, on retiring, with an honorarium of L100. Mr. E. James has been appointed iu Mr. JohuBton'u room, and the committee believe that their choice lias been a fortunate one. The Mission aud Sailors' Bests have been kept afloat by the unwearied and self -deny-ing exertions of the Ladies1 Committee, who have personally collected nearly the whole of the income ; but it may fairly be asked whether, in this great seaport, where last year there entered in at Her Majesty's Customs 1711 ships, manned by 61,256 men, the mercantile community of Melbourne should net take a more active interest in the welfare of the thousands of brave men who, for a few weeks, temporary sojourners on our shores, away from friends and relatives, have a special claim on our sympathy and help. We are of the old land, ' that gem sunk in the silver sea and we can re-echo Mr. Gladstone's recent words to the crew of the yacht Sunbeam, ' The calling which you follow is a noble one, and is calculated to bring forth the highest qualities of our common nature ; ana if it is possible for any occupation to make a man, in the highest and wideBt sense of the word, it is ' the occupation to which your lives are given. How closely it is connected with the the prosperity and fame of tbi» great nation ; how closely, indeed, it is connected with advancement of civilisation, and tiie general welfare of the world, it needs no words of mine to tell yon, for in your work and life you know it well, and feel it truly.' Look ing at what we Victorians owe to the British sailor, the committee earnestly trust that, with the blessings of the Almighty God, increased success will attend the work of the Mission and Rests. Mr. James read the chaplain's re port: — Since my appointment as chaplain to tbe Seamens' Mission, I have met with greater success than I anticipated. I have visited all the ships that have come into port, also many of the vessels on the Yarra, and am pleased with the civil and courteous manner in which I have been received by captains, officers and men, and in most cases my invitations to them to attend our meetings have been most heartily responded to. . The attendance at the services in the Bethel has much improved — on some occasions scarcely sitting room is to be found. The services have proved a great blessing to many Christian seamen ; whilst several who have come into port caring for nothing of a religious nature, have left praying. God fearing men, with the request that those left behind would remember them in their supplications, that they should be kept through all the trials and temptations to which seamen are exposed. The weekly Tuesday evening concerts got up bj the ladies of the committee and others, have proved a great benefit to the Mission, and a source of great enjoyment to the seamen in port. The programmes are excellent; and are spoken of by the sailors as the best they have heard in any port. The Sailors* Rest is provided with a library, the daily papers, and illustrated literature, with games of chess, draughts, dominoes, quoits, and other amusements, which are much taken advantage of during the evenings. Seamen ' are alio provided with writing materials, free, bo that everyone may have any opportunity of writing to their friends; for many an anxious parent is counting the days and hoping for .the time to come when they shall get a line from their sons in the far distant land, and many a son is reminded of his obligation by the opportunity thus afforded. I am much pleased at this time to acknowledge the kindness of the committee, and the great help I have received from them, also from Mr. Douglas, the manager of the Best. I do not think I could have been blest with a better co-worker. I have no hesitation in recommending the seamen to go to the Best, and telling them that they will receive a most hearty welcome, to which they can all testify ; my thanks are due to the voluntary workers, who have given every assistance ft their power, especially to Miss Lloyd, who is an invaluable help, attending in all weathers, and playing the organ at every service. The Sunday School is progressing, and we aie now about to make another addition to the library, of good readable books. The work at Williamstown is also pro gressing well, the Wednesday night concerts being well attended, and the singing and reciting supplied by local talent really good; the sailors contributing largely to the programmes. Captain McCallum is the backbone of the work at Williamstown, well supported by many warm friends of the sailors. The services held every Sunday night are productive of mnch good. The work here, too, is very encouraging, having much improved of late. I am thank ful to God that He has so blessed the efforts of His people, and hope they may be long spared to carry on the work. The Rev. G. D. Buchanan in an eloquent speech proposed the first re solution : — ' That the Reports now read be adopted, and that the following ladies and gentlemen be the Committee for the ensuing year : — SEAMEN'S MISSION. Ladies Committee. — Mesdames Templeton, Campbell, Chamberlin, Elworthy, Lormer, Gourlay, Gowan, B. Johnston, Webb, Young, Plummer, Misses Elwortny, Webb, Gowan, and M. Hastie. Gentlemen's Committee. — Captains Pasco, R. N., Adams, McCallum, J.P., Dalgarno, Garside, Messrs. Courtis, A. J. Smith, Macpherson, H. R. Reid, J.P., Henry Berry, J.P., Revs. Kerr Johnston, and A. R. Edgar.' Captain Pasco seconded, and in formed the audience that Baron Von Mueller had written regretting his inability to attend, but had sent a substantial cheque. (Applause.) A collection was then taken up and liberally responded to, the band mean-time playing airs suitable to the occa sion, such as ' The Death of Nelson' and ' Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep.' The hon. F. T. Derham next pro posed the second resolution : — ' That the success which has attended the working of the Port Melbourne Sailors' Rest justifies this meeting in taking imme diate steps to raise the funds necessary to erect a Seamen's Institute worthy of the in creasing trade and commerce of Victoria.' This was seconded by the Rev. A. R. Edgar, and both were carried by ac clamation. The Mayor of Melbourne moved a vote of thanks to His Excellency, and Sir Henry in the course of his reply said his sympathies were not only with sailors because he had been much brought into contact with them, but because he had been a sailor himself and had had the honour and privilege of serving in Her Majesty's navy. At this the men sprang to their feet and gave three deafening cheers for the Governor and another for Lady Loch, who bowed her acknowledgment and appeared very pleased at the hearty reception accorded to her. During the evening Mrs. Pearce, and Messrs. Walsh, Woods, and Robinson, members of the Liedertafel, contributed songs. The lady, who has sung at the Tuesday evening concerts, sang ' When the Tide comes in' so charmingly that an encore, although against the rule of the evening, was insisted upon, which was responded to by a beautiful rendering of the old ballad ' Robin Adair,' Altogether the meeting was a com plete success, and will doubtless afford the committee fresh encouragement in their well-directed efforts. Printed programme for the 1886 annual meeting taking place in the Melbourne AthenaeumWritten in black ink at the back by WHC Darvall: annual meeting, melbourne athenaeum, 1886, baron ferdinand von mueller, sailors' rest, hugh ronald reid, captain fullarton, captain mccallum, henry loch, captain pasco, reverend kerr johnston