Psalm and Hymn books were personally owned by Church attendees (if they could afford it) and contained passages and songs from the Bible, from which the words and music for any service would have been selected .On the front cover of this Psalms and Hymn Book is the engraving, in Latin, 'Gloria In Excelsis Deo' which translates into ‘Glory to God in the Highest.' These words also form the chorus for the Christmas Hymn 'Angels we have heard on high." This particular Psalm and Hymn book belonged to Samuel Amess. After purchasing a house and some land on William St, West Melbourne, Amess joined with other businessmen to establish the West Melbourne Presbyterian Church. The first weekly services started in 1864. Wealthy church attendees would donate a substantial amount to the parish, and this enabled them to have their own personal reserved pew for each service. Amess reserved pew 120. Samuel Amess was one of the owners of Churchill Island in the late nineteenth century. After purchasing the Island from JD McHaffie in 1872, the successful stonemason and builder turned Churchill Island into a summer retreat for his family. He built Amess House, and two further generations of the family owned this Island until its sale in 1929. This psalms and hymns book is one of the few items with a strong provenance that was owned by the former Mayor.Dark brown hardcover c250pp. Front cover separated. Owned by Samuel Amess. Embossed on front cover: "GLORIA IN EXELSIS DEO" "ET IN TERRA PAX" Inside front cover, handwritten: "Samuel Amess/West Melb Presbyterian Church/Pew No 120/1st August 1879"samuel amess, churchill island, presbyterian, psalms, hymns, west melbourne

The practice of branding livestock for ownership identification has been used since at least the times of the ancient Egyptians. It was especially valuable when cattle or other domesticated animals were merged with other herds on common grazing land, or if they had strayed or been stolen, as it allowed them to be identified at a glance. The branding iron is heated in a fire, hot coals or by other means and pressed into the hide of the animal creating the brand mark. The word brand originates from the Germanic languages and means anything hot or burning. This brand was owned by Samuel Amess - who owned Churchill Island in the late nineteenth century - and was used on the farm to mark the herds of cattle he owned.Branding iron with initials SA for Samuel Amess. Surface rust, pitted surface. churchill island, samuel amess, branding iron, cattle

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a long and interesting history. From 1872, Samuel Amess was the primary owner of Churchill Island, having purchased it from the Rogers family. During his time on the Island, he built the main house and developed the surrounding land and gardens significantly as a holiday house away from the pollution of Melbourne. This photocopy of the original visitor's book (whose location is unknown) provides a valuable insight into the visitors who were regularly hosted at Churchill Island by the Amess family.Photocopy of 92 page document of the 1881 - 1902 Churchill Island Visitors' book containing handwritten entries from people who stayed at the Island during the time of Samuel Amess and his son (also named Samuel). Photocopies are housed in a red folder.samuel amess, churchill island, guest book, 19th century, visitors

The old Olive Trees in the photograph were planted by Samuel Amess in the late 1880s. He planted an orchard to the south of the house. What remains of the old orchard planted by him there are the two Olive and two Mulberry Trees.Coloured photograph showing old Olive trees. The old Olive trees were believed to have been planted by Samuel Amess on Churchill Island during the late 1880s.local history, photographs, buildings - historical, rural industry, coloured photograph, john cook, churchill island, olive tree

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a large photograph collection dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the last decade.This series of photographs were taken in the late 1890s and show scenes from around the island while it was owned by Samuel Amess and his family.Black and white reprint of a photograph from the late nineteenth century showing two boats resting on the river floor at low tide. A man sits in the rear of the second boat.Catalogue number written in pencil on reverse. amess house, samuel amess, churchill island, photograph

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a large photograph collection dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the last decade.This series of photographs were taken in the late 1890s and show scenes from around the island while it was owned by Samuel Amess and his family.Black and white reprint of a photograph from the late nineteenth century showing a man moving the cannon and a women gardening. The photograph has been taken across the garden and shows Amess House and an immature Norfolk Pine in the background.Catalogue number written in pencil on reverse. amess house, samuel amess, churchill island, photograph, cannon

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a large photograph collection dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the last decade.This series of photographs were taken in the late 1890s and show scenes from around the island while it was owned by Samuel Amess and his family.Black and white reprint of a photograph from the late nineteenth century showing two men resting in a paddock with a line of trees dividing the field from the water. One man is reclining on the grass while another stands.Catalogue number written in pencil on reverse. amess house, samuel amess, churchill island, photograph, cannon

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a large photograph collection dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the last decade.This series of photographs were taken in the late 1890s and show scenes from around the island while it was owned by Samuel Amess and his family.Black and white reprint of a photograph from the late nineteenth century showing two men resting in a paddock with a line of trees dividing the field from the water. One man is reclining on the grass while another stands. Copy of 0658.3Catalogue number written in pencil on reverse. 'VICTORIAN DEPT OF AGRICULTURE' written in pencil on reverse Stamp on reverse: 'Photograph by Information Branch Victorian Dept. of Agriculture Ref. No 1978(541-8)'amess house, churchill island, samuel amess, moonahs

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a large photograph collection dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the last decade.This series of photographs were taken in the late 1890s and show scenes from around the island while it was owned by Samuel Amess and his family.Black and white reprint of a photograph from the late nineteenth century showing a man moving the cannon and a women gardening. The photograph has been taken across the garden and shows Amess House and an immature Norfolk Pine in the background. Matches 0658.2Catalogue number written on reverse in pencil. Written in pencil on reverse 'Dept of Agriculture' Stamp on reverse 'Photograph by Information Branch Victorian Dept. of Agriculture Ref. No 1978(541-16)amess house, churchill island, samuel amess, cannon

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a large photograph collection dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the last decade.This series of photographs were taken in the late 1890s and show scenes from around the island while it was owned by Samuel Amess and his family.Black and White photograph taken from the late nineteenth century showing groups of people standing out the front of Amess House. There is a covered cannon on the right hand side of the frame and an immature Norfolk Pine in the background. Catalogue number written on reverse in pencil. Written on reverse in pencil 'Department of Agriculture' Stamp on reverse 'Photograph by Information Branch Victorian Dept. of Agriculture Ref. No 1978(541-24)samuel amess, churchill island, amess house, norfolk pine, cannon

This book published in 1970 details the events surrounding the visit of the American gunship, the Shenandoah, to Melbourne in 1863. There has long been a myth that the Churchill Island cannon originated from this ship, although this is not true. Regardless, the previous owner of Churchill Island, Samuel Amess, entertained the crew of the Shenandoah while it was docked.This book was collected in order to provide context for the story which - at the time of its acquisition - was believed to be true.Blue plastic covered dust jacket. 200pp. 8 black and white illustrations. Diane Tillen (?) 1973shenandoah, confederate, american civil war, melbourne, samuel amess

The cannon dates from the 1870s during Samuel Amess's ownership of Churchill Island. He claimed it was a gift from Captain Waddell of the Confederate raiding ship "Shenandoah", but research has proven this to be unlikely. It may have been given to Amess by Captain John Cleeland of "Woolamai House". The cannon was fired every New Years Eve during the Jenkins and Campbell eras (1936-1972).This photograph records a regular event that was a fixture in the New Years celebrations at Churchill Island and endured through generations of owners. Framed rectangular colour photo of Churchill Island cannon firing on New Years Eve 1967 in a wooden frame. 1967 New Years Eve[on frame]/ from John Brown '97cannon, samuel amess, jenkins, margaret campbell, churchill island, shenandoah, cleeland, woolamai house

The cannon was left on Churchill Island after the last private resident left and the Island was purchased by the Victorian State Government. During the time of ownership by Samuel Amess, the cannon was positioned in the front garden facing the bay. In 1982, the Victorian Conservation Trust sought to identify the manufacture and provenance of the cannon. Images held within the Churchill Island Museum and Archive demonstrate the annual use of the cannon by the Amess family, in particular the firing of the cannon on New Years Eve of each year.The cannon provides important interpretation of both the family and social history of Samuel Amess during his lifetime and his occupation as private resident of Churchill Island.Six pounder cast iron smooth bore cannon on white painted wooden carriage with wheels. 860 FRECKchurchill island, cannon, samuel amess, 1800s, victorian conservation trust

Owned by Margaret Amess, youngest child of Samuel and Jane Amess. MA gave the cloth to Mary Clay, aunt of donor, who had been MA's maid prior to marriage. Owned by Margaret Amess, youngest child of Samuel and Jane Amess. MA gave the cloth to Mary Clay, aunt of donor, who had been MA's maid prior to marriage. Damask dining table cloth, off-white, stitched motifs throughout of leaves and sprays. Hand stitched hem.Inked black "M Amess" (ss smudged) in one corner.margaret amess, samuel amess, jane amess, "tynefield", churchill island, damask, farm, dining table cloth, hand stitched hem

Samuel Amess, who bought Churchill island in 1872 was a Presbyterian Scot as also was James Balfour. There may have been a personal link.T square made from printer's plate, metal and wood, riveted together with 10 rivets and a hanging hole in top centre of wood.One side, metal: Balfour, Elliott and Company Limited/ Incorporated under the Companies Statute 1884 /20 Queen St MELBOURNE / Capital L250,000 in 250,000 shares of L1 each / This is to certify that... / is the property of .../ Part of circle printing in join with wood and scroll work on metal at join. Other side: scratched in "H R Balfour"james balfour, e.c elliott, balfour, presbyterian, t square, square, tool, tools, amess, samuel, churchill island

Margaret Amess was the youngest child of Samuel and Jane Amess, who first purchased Churchill Island in 1872. Margaret Amess was renowned for her china painting.1 sepia toned head study of Margaret Amess, face turned to left."MONTEATH"margaret amess, samuel and jane amess

Margaret Amess was the youngest child of Samuel and Jane Amess, who first purchased Churchill Island in 1872. Margaret Amess was renowned for her china painting.1 black and white print of a photo showing Margaret Amess (approximately 70 years old) sitting on a chair by a closed-in verandah covered in wisteria at her home in Elsternwick."MONTEATH"margaret amess, elsternwick, samuel and jane amess

3 coloured postcards and 8 coloured photographs of scenes on Churchill Island including an aerial view, homestead, outbuildings, vegetation, views, cairn and coastal scenes.Postcards say Churchill Island, Victoria. Victoria Conservation Trustchurchill island, churchill island heritage farm, churchill island - homestead, samuel amess

Sea Chests were traditionally used for centuries by sailors as a portable locker, box or suitcase to securely store and transport their personal belongings from one ship to another. This particular trunk is believed to date from the late 1800’s. It was existing in the house when Gerald Buckley took over from the Amess family in 1929. Edith took the chest when they left the island in the 1930s. It was used by the Jeffery family to store linen.Large unpainted cedar chest with hinged lid. Lid has rounded edges. Board at base.amess house, cedar chest, samuel amess, churchill island

Typed and printed document written by Pat Baird including key dates and events on Churchill Island from 23 May 1856 - June 1 1872. These notes were transcribed in 2002.This document provides additional information on the history of Churchill Island and events that have been obscured by time.A4 page single sided with a printed page containing brief notes of a timeline of historical events from 1856 - 1872 involving the Rogers family up until the purchase of Churchill Island by the Amess family."Argus (?) p.6" black handwrittenchurchill island, john rogers, georgiana mchaffie, j.d. mchaffie, phillip island, acclimatisation society, samuel amess

HistoricalColoured booklet with original drawings by Robert Ingpenvictoria churchill island, graham pizzey, robert ingpen, victoria conservation trust, moonah trees, samuel amess, margaret campbell, churchill island cannon

In 1865 Melbourne was visited by a fully rigged steam sloop flying The Confederate Ensign; at the time the American Civil War was in progress. Samuel Amess feted Captain Waddell and his crew although some people were against The Confederate cause. The Captain was most appreciative and presented Samuel Amess with the small cannon.Coloured photograph showing the Cannon from the Confederate Ship "Shanandoah" in the garden of the homestead on Churchill Island.local history, photographs, buildings - historical, rural industry, coloured photograph, john cook, churchill island, cannon

The Homestead was probably built about 1872 when Samuel Amess became the owner of Churchill Island.coloured photograph showing the Homestead on Churchill Island.local history, photographs, buildings - historical, rural industry, coloured photograph, john cook, churchill island

The large barn was moved by Samuel Amess from Hastings in the early 1880s and placed on the Churchill Island property.Coloured photograph of wooden shed. Note loft above and machinery in foreground - Churchill Island.local history, photographs, buildings - historical, rural industry, coloured photograph, john cook, churchill island

Used by 4-5 generations of Amess family. Samuel Amess owned Churchill Island 1872-1929.Long white christening gown with 4 panels of broderie anglaise at front and ribbon ties at back of neck. Slight gathering between bodice and skirt.amess family, christening gown, broderie anglaise

Large Barn in photograph was moved by Samuel Amess, who had purchased Churchill Island on 1 June, 1872, from Hastings in the early 1880s.Coloured photograph showing large barn in background. Rusty machinery in foreground. ?Well in background.local history, photographs, buildings - historical, rural industry, coloured photograph, john cook, churchill island

The Homestead was probably built about 1872 when Samuel Amess became the owner of Churchill Island. A large weatherboard construction with bay windows and corrugated iron roofing.Coloured photograph showing the homestead on Churchill Island. Bay windowed rooms projecting forward on either side of the verandah. Not the sundial in the foreground.local history, photographs, buildings - historical, rural industry, coloured photograph, john cook, churchill island