The reports were produced and readily distributed annually to a number of organisational stakeholders and included reports from the Committee, Chaplain, extracts of letters, Ladies auxiliary and a list of subscribers. In the Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Saturday 24 February 1900, page 15: VICTORIAN SEAMEN'S MISSION The annual meeting of the Victorian Seamen's Mission was held in the institute at Port Melbourne last night. There was a fair attendance, the large proportion being ladies, and the chair was occupied by Sir Frederick Sargood MLC. Mr Hugh R Reid, the president of the institute, was also president. The annual report, which was lead and adopted, stated that the Seamen's Institute at Port Melbourne, and also the Sailors' Rest at Williamstown, had sustained their reputation for usefulness and attractiveness. The attendances had been very large at each place and 114 seamen had taken the pledge at the Port Melbourne Institute. Regreat was felt that owing to the preliminary steps having met with opposition in Parliament the building of the long contemplated additional institute near the Melbourne wharves was deferred but the project had not been abandoned. Large parcels of literature had been distributed gratuitiously among ships' crews and the concerts held for the entertainment of seamen had been very successful. The mission had been in existence for over 40 years. It aimed at promoting the temporal and spiritual welfare of seamen. It had been the means of completely eradicating "crimping" and the sailors' "boarding masters" curie, and otherwise removing many of the abuses which still exist in other ports. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, referred to the great benefits which seamen derived from the institute. He was particularly struck by the fact that during the past year close on 2,000 letters had been written by visiting seamen from the institute namely, 1,720 at Port Melbourne, and 261 at Williamstown. It was also a very note-worthy feature, which perhaps the residents of Williamstown might be able to explain that, whilst out of 49,567 attendances at the Port Melbourne institute 114 had taken the pledge there, there was not a single instance on record of the pledge having been taken at the Sailors' Rest, Williamstown, out of 8,218 attendances. (Laughter) Referring to the projected new institute near the wharves, he was amazed to find that its construction had been, according to the report, orefused by some of the labour members. He did not know the details of the matter, but was of opinion that there was no institution more deserving of the support of labour members than the one advocated. In his opinion, the representatives of labour should disown the action of their delegates in Parliament in this matter. (Cheers ) Selections of vocal and instrumental music were given during the evening.These reports were produced annually and include a number of smaller reports from the Executive Committee, Chaplain and auxiliary. They sometimes included photographs and a list of subscribers and amounts pledged. These reports provide an organisational overview as well as many stories of the people who populated the Mission to Seafarers.Handwritten in ink on top right hand corner: "F T Derham [indecipherable]" Handwritten in ink on bottom left hand corner: "Melbourne Sailors' Home"annual report, 1899, victorian seamen's mission, port melbourne, williamstown, sailors' rest, seamen's mission, mission to seafarers, seamen's institute, sailors' home, f.t. derham, reverend ebenezer james, whc darvall, frederick sargood, hugh r. reid, administrative document-annual report

Small grey booklet including the report from the Executive Committee, the Chaplain's report, Treasurer's report and a list of subscriptions for 1882. The report encompasses both the Victorian Seamen's Mission and Sandridge (No. 1) Sailors' Rest.The 1882 annual report outlines all the major activities involving the Mission over the course of the year as well as included names of those involved, participating, making decisions or donating time or money. The Danne family had a long standing involvement in the Mission from the latter decades of the 19th Century onwards. Handwritten in pen on top left hand corner: "Rev N.J. Danne"sandridge, sailors' rest, 1882, annual report, victorian seamen's mission, port melbourne, reverend n.j danne, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, administrative document-annual report

The organisation is obliged to complete an annual report. This book contained the report for the year 1865 , only eight years after commencement of services aboard the Bethel Floating Chapel. The report was presented on Thursday 26 April 1866 during a public meeting taking place at the schoolroom of the Congregational church, Collins Street East. His Honor Judge Pohlman was chair of the meeting.The report lists the members of the executive committee, chaplain, patron and other prominent members of the organisation. Further the report provides a summary of the workings of the organisation for the year as well as financial details. Through the succession of years the annual reports provide a clear overview of the Mission fulfilling its purpose and the people who helped to accomplish that purpose.1865, annual report, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, reverend kerr johnston, judge pohlman, administrative document-annual report, captain mccallum

This scrapbook holds numerous newspaper clippings recording events, functions and visits to the Seamen's Mission starting in 1896 through to 1902, although a few documents date from 1895. These dates coincide with the commencement of Mr WHC Darvall's various terms of office with the Mission from the mid 1890s. Mr Darvall's involvement with the Mission possibly stems from his arrival in Victoria in 1853 part working his passage from England as a purser on the migrant ship Asia. He first encountered Captain Pascoe on arrival at Williamstown who was also on the Mission executive when Darvall returned to Melbourne from Beechworth in 1871. 1898: Death of Captain Crawford Pasco with a photographic portrait. 1899: Small ink sketch by artist Charles Georges Darvall, WHC Darvall's cousin. 1900 Foundation of Geelong mission 1901: Queen Victoria's death (22 January) Australian Federation (1st January) Boer War (189-1902) Death of chaplain Ebenezer James Nautical exhibition On the inside of the rear cover of the book a plan of Williamstown has been pasted with no date provided. This scrapbook outlines the many events, concerts, important visits and social occasions held at and by the Mission during this time frame. It includes the names and activities of many prominent Melburnians (politicians, supporters, artists) and shows the vivacity of the work at the Mission.Sticker on the front cover: "Victorian Seamen's/Mission/Scrap-book/No. 1/Commencing/ January 1896 Ending - victoria-missions-to-seamen, w h c darvall, mission to seamen, seamen's mission, maritime exhibition, queen victoria, royal merchant seaman orphanage, charles g. darvall, william henry charles darvall (1830-1906), queen victoria (1819-1901), boer war, charles georges darvall (1831-1924), sunbeam, lord brassey, crawford atchison denman pasco (1818-1898), concerts, library association, merchant seamen orphans asylum, snaresbrook, frederica mitchell, kitty grindlay, syllabus, amateur concerts, port melbourne standard, cole's book arcade, the port gazette, the port melbourne standard, hereward, maitland

This handwritten ledger lists all annual meetings by date and includes all those in attendance. There is also a register of elections and other committee information. Stuck in behind all this statistical data are flyers advertising functions and events at the Mission.This ledger outlines the people involved in decision making at the Victorian Seamen's Mission in the late 19th C , the forerunner to Mission to Seafarers and 10 years prior to amalgamation with the group led by Rev'd. Alfred Gurney-Goldsmith. The ledger includes meeting dates as well as flyers advertising events and functions at the venue.Stuck to front cover and handwritten in ink: "The Victorian Seamen's Mission/Statistical Register/Attendance Record & General Memoranda./W.H.C. Darvall/Honorary Secretarywilliam henry charles darvall (1830-1906), office bearers, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, seamen's mission, victoria, administration, committee, ledger, annual meetings, statistics, functions, events, register, elections, attendance, 1895

Composed and signed by WHC Darvall on the executive of the Victorian Mission to Seamen also with reference to three other officers: Mr Reid-President, Mr Allard Vice President, Mr Seymour Hon Treasurer. Darvall returned to Melbourne late 1901 early 1902. A former solicitor Darvall and the Mission Committee are concerned it seems at the 'appropriation' by other organisations of donations or funds usually promised to the VMTS. The seamen's home was being built or about to be on the site of the World Trade centre on Siddeley St. as at 2020. This letter was sent out at a pivotal period in the Mission story soon after the sudden death of Rev James after 20 constant years service, with the proposed arrival of a Seamen's home on Siddeley St to a location close by to one long sought by the Victorian Mission for their first Central Mission and just a few years before arrival of the London Mission to Seamen representative Rev A Gurney-Goldsmith. The ladies Committee of the Mission and volunteers had prior to appointment of a paid collector had done most of the collecting of donations.A 2 page printed circular or letter addressed to Dear Sir alerting the recipient to the new appointment of a paid Collector, Mr L Dangerfield, visiting supporters authorised to collect donations and subscriptions and not to be confused with other similarly named groups such as the Seamen's home. The pamphlet also includes extracts from a speech by "His Excellency the Governor" reminding the recipient of the authentic goals of the Mission which also, as ever, were essential to business interests in supporting seafarers.paid collector, mr l. dangerfield, whc darvall, rev james, rev geary

This book records the date, name and ship of seafarers who visited the mission. The book tells a story of which ships were visiting Melbourne in 1981 the nationalities of visiting crew members were predominantly asian, pacific and philipino.Cover: Visitor Log 1981 - 1984ship, crew, visitor, logbook, sailors, seamen, seafarers, mission, mission to seafarers, seamen mission, flinders street

2 fold booklet in cream paperfoundation stone, st peter chapel, flinders street, melbourne, 1916, mission to seamen, lady stanley

The first Seafarers Service was held on 23 October 1905 in the St Paul's Cathedral in London to celebrate the Centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson on 21 October 1805. Reverend Alfred Gurney Goldsmith launched the first Seafarers Service two years later and the first service was held on Sunday 10 November 1907.The service continue to reflect the full range of the maritime activities in Australia. Representatives come from the Royal and Merchant Navies, the commercial world, shipping companies, mission and philanthropic societies, veterans’ associations, labour unions, youth and leisure organisations, but anyone is welcome to attend.Small flyer in cream colour paper and printed in blue ink. Flying angel flag at the top left corner.seafarers service, 1907, reverend alfred gurney goldsmith, dr lowther clarke, archibishop of melbourne, st paul cathedral, admiral sir wilmot fawkes, seamen's mission, missions to seamen, battle of trafalgar, trafalgar day, horatio nelson

Programme of events for the Grand Nautical Fête at the Mechanics Institute of Williamstown in June 1907 printed in black ink on an orange paper.nautical fete, mechanics institute, williamstown, sir john madden, 1907, sailor's rest, seamen's mission, fundraising

seamens' mission, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, registers, funerals, chapel, dio-funerals

The Mission accommodated seamen from all nationalities from the earliest days of operation. Asian seafarers are recorded visiting the Mission from the late 19th C. onwards. The first Chinese chaplain to be appointed was Rev Steven Wong who moved to Melbourne in the 1960s. Rev Wong served from 1963-1966 and according to his sons helped design these information brochures. Images of Rev'd Wong are included in the VC Database. The pamphlet gives days and times of activities such as dances and films and chapel services. The Chinese writing was made by Reverend Stephen WongA rare surviving period example of a non-english speaking flyer on information about the Mission to Seafarers Victoria Commercially printed paper single fold flyer providing directions and information to the Central Club, Missions to Seamen at Flinders St extension, in Mandarin. Contains a drawing of the central mission and a map of Docklands.In English: CENTRAL CLUB/THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN, FLINDERS STREET EXTENSION, MELBOURNE C.3 In Mandarin: Translation (from Google translate): date and time of services / date and time for dances, movie sessions, teareverend stephen wong, mandarin, chinese, asian, reverend perry mitchinson

Documents the minutes of the Victorian Seamen's Mission from Thursday 8th of October 1925 to the 4th of July 1934. The minutes are a record of all members of the Victorian Seafarers' Mission during this time, as well as a record of the decisions and accounts of the committee.This is a formal record of proceedings within the Victorian Seafarers' Mission between 1925 to 1934. Entries in the book make reference to events which took place at the Mission, individual members and other parties, such as the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild.book, minutes, 1925-1934, victoria, mission-to-seafarers, victorian seamen's mission, minutes books

This book has been compiled by W H C Darvall, the Honorary Secretary at the Mission,( turn of 19th- 20th C.) A chronological recording of key dates and events in relation to the workings of the Mission to Seafarers (Victorian Seamen's Mission). The book also includes a number of clippings from newspapers or journals and concludes with an invitation to attend a special meeting of the Mission to discuss a proposed amalgamation with the Victorian Branch of the London Missions to Seamen, 15 November 1905. The author Mr Darvall arrived in Australia as a migrant 1853, served as the first Town Clerk of Beechworth 1856-1870. A solicitor in Collins St 1870s onward, he died in 1906.In diligently recording "matters of interest" to the Mission, Darvall has provided us with a significant point of reference from the establishment of the Victorian Bethel Union, afloat in 1850s through to the proposed amalgamation with the Missions to Seamen finalised in 1906. Many of the events were compiled retrospectively drawing on Annual reports and minutes but many were recorded contemporaneously from the 1890s. The Chronology serves as a means of verifying events through other sources such as minute books, annual reports and so on. It also provides us with the names and functions of people who had significant roles within the Mission from its earliest days in the 1850s through to the amalgamation of 1906.Label adhered to front cover, handwritten in ink: "The Victorian Seamen's Mission/An epitomised History/of/Matters of interest connected therewith/compiled by/ W.H.G. Darvall / Honorary Secretary" Label adhered to inside cover, printed label reading: "No.....Date....18.../A & W Bruce/Manufacturing Stationers,/65 Bourke Street West,/Melbourne/in re-ordering this book it is necessary to state the no. only"minutes, clippings, proceedings, william henry charles darvall (1830-1906)

W.H.C. Darvall was a solicitor; ha became the Honoray Secretary of the Mission in 1895. Interested in libraires and archives, he kept a scrapbook of the events organised at the Mission during his time. He also wrote an Epitomised History. Hugh Reid ws a member of the Harbour Trust, the Sailors' Home and the Mission.This letter of recommandation shows that W.H.C. Darvall was highly respected.Typewritten letter in purple ink onto creamy colour paper with The Victorian Seamen's Mission, Institute & Rests letterhead.hugh ronald reid, william henry charles darvall (1830-1906)

The report was produced by and distributed to members, containing reports from the Committee, Chaplain, the Ladies Harbours Lights Guild, as well as a list of subscriptions and rules for the 1910 period. This copy is the first to feature images of all three main Mission venues established in Port Phillip pre WW1.Annual reports were published by the Mission to Seamen each year, and included reports from all seamen's missions and organisations in Victoria, as well as associated groups, such as the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild. These reports provide documentation of the activities conducted by the Mission, as well recording the people involved.1910, annual report, victorian seamen's mission, williamstown, sailors' rest, port melbourne, siddeley street, central institute, seamen's institute, mission to seafarers, melbourne, administrative document-annual report

Likely to be the idea of Reverend Alfred Gurney Goldsmith, and first published in January 1906 (missing), the newsletter was issued quarterly (printed generally in January, Easter, Midwinter and Michaelmas) but became annual from 1932. 110 Jottings were printed from January 1905 till October 1937; although there was an error in the numbering or a special edition number 88. And unfortunately a few issues are missing The Mission holds a photograph of this publication being packed in calico by the members of the 'Ladies Harbour Lights Guild' for distribution to branches and supporters.Published for some 30 years by the Victorian Missions to Seamen issued to supporters the series contributes to the history of the organisation. Although incomplete, the set is a likely to be the only one remaining. It is a key cross reference supplying many details and dates of ships, crew members, supporters, committee members, chaplains and LHLG, activities in both Melbourne, Port Phillip and other States where Missions were gradually established and information not able to be included in Annual Reports. It is an invaluable source of images. Some of photographs published are still in the missions heritage collection.newsletter, victorian seamen's mission, melbourne misson to seamen, jottings from our log, lhlg, ladies harbour lights guild, alfred gurney goldsmith

The original date for the laying of Foundation stone for the first Mission building at Australian Wharf in 1906 had to be changed to the 5th of February 1907 due to industrial action at the Wharves. See scrapbooks and clippings for details. Lord Northcote the Governor General officiated. The invitation marks the establishment for the first time at the Australian Wharf official recognition of the need to establish a Mission for seafarers in this location, some six years after presentation of the letter in 1897 from 22 Captains urging and requesting a respectable and convenient facility. Just ten years later the Mission would have to move to an adjacent site and raise funds for yet another Mission building in 1916. A heavy card with crimped edge with commercially printed invitation in cursive scripts from the Archbishop of Melbourne and the Members of the Committee of the Mission. A blue flying angel Missions to Seamen flag is printed in the top left corner. The invitee name is written in sepia ink as is an altered date. Ink inscriptions: the Rev A.G. Goldsmith and Mrs Goldsmith // ; printed date of Friday 14th of December 1906 is crossed out and superscribed in handwritten ink as: Tuesday 5th of February 1907 lord northcote, governor general, rev gurney goldsmith, foundation stone, australian wharf, the melbourne missions to seamen, victorian seamen's mission, 1907, siddeley street, alfred gurney goldsmith, walter richmond butler

Content: Page 1: - The Missions Patron, President, Committee - Photograph of the Siddeley Street Mission Page 2: - Lost ship SS Waratah (from the Blue Anchor Line founded by Wilhelm Lund - Death of able seaman, Leslie Mumford of the ship Wendur - Death of German seaman, Matthew Hummelsheim after 3 months in hospital - Visit of Rev. Gurney Goldsmith to the Sydney Mission - News from the Newcastle Mission and Port Adelaide - News from the LHLG (drawing room meetings) - League of the Souther Cross Page 3: - 3rd Annual Seafarers Service - Thanks for gifts - Ships and Sailors Collections list - Address and timetable of activities in the 3 missions - Advertising from Inglis, SMith & Co. Page 4: - Advertising from Robur Tea, Jas. F. McKenzie & Co. , Diocesan Books Society The Mission holds a photograph of this publication being packed in calico by the members of the 'Ladies Harbour Lights Guild' for distribution to branches and supporters.Published for some 30 years by the Victorian Missions to Seamen issued to supporters the series contributes to the history of the organisation. It is a key cross reference supplying many details and dates of Chaplain and LHLG activities in both Melbourne, Port Phillip and other States where Missions were gradually established and information not able to be included in Annual Reports. It is also a source of images.newsletter, victorian seamen's mission, melbourne misson to seamen, jottings from our log, lhlg, rope, flying angel, seagull, advertising, port melbourne, williamstown, sailors' home, australian wharf, seamen's institute, sailors' rest, services, concerts, events, socials, deaths, w.h.c. darvall, motor boat, geelong, woolies, michaelmas, quarterly, ladies harbour lights guild, reverend alfred gurney goldsmith, charles arthur holmes, reverend a.t. pitt, harold kingston vickery, boatman, southern cross, crotonhurst, myrniong, s.s. waratah, seamen's guild, wendur, leslie mumford, matthew hummelsheim, blue anchor line, wilhelm lund

Content: Page 1: - The Missions Patron, President, Committee - Photograph of the Siddeley Street Mission Page 2: - Lost ship SS Waratah (from the Blue Anchor Line founded by Wilhelm Lund - Death of able seaman, Leslie Mumford of the ship Wendur - Death of German seaman, Matthew Hummelsheim after 3 months in hospital - Visit of Rev. Gurney Goldsmith to the Sydney Mission - News from the Newcastle Mission and Port Adelaide - News from the LHLG (drawing room meetings) - League of the Souther Cross Page 3: - 3rd Annual Seafarers Service - Thanks for gifts - Ships and Sailors Collections list - Address and timetable of activities in the 3 missions - Advertising from Inglis, SMith & Co. Page 4: - Advertising from Robur Tea, Jas. F. McKenzie & Co. , Diocesan Books Society The Mission holds a photograph of this publication being packed in calico by the members of the 'Ladies Harbour Lights Guild' for distribution to branches and supporters.Published for some 30 years by the Victorian Missions to Seamen issued to supporters the series contributes to the history of the organisation. It is a key cross reference supplying many details and dates of Chaplain and LHLG activities in both Melbourne, Port Phillip and other States where Missions were gradually established and information not able to be included in Annual Reports. It is also a source of images.newsletter, victorian seamen's mission, melbourne misson to seamen, jottings from our log, lhlg, rope, flying angel, seagull, advertising, port melbourne, williamstown, sailors' home, australian wharf, seamen's institute, sailors' rest, services, concerts, events, socials, deaths, w.h.c. darvall, motor boat, geelong, woolies, michaelmas, quarterly, ladies harbour lights guild, reverend alfred gurney goldsmith, charles arthur holmes, reverend a.t. pitt, harold kingston vickery, boatman, southern cross, crotonhurst, myrniong, s.s. waratah, seamen's guild, wendur, leslie mumford, matthew hummelsheim, blue anchor line, wilhelm lund

Content: WHC Darvall's death Mission's motor boat New central mission Institute Williamstown Rest condition LHLG and their work Thanks Opening hours AdvertisingPublished for some 30 years by the Victorian Missions to Seamen issued to supporters the series contributes to the history of the organisation. It is a key cross reference supplying many details and dates of Chaplain and LHLG activities in both Melbourne, Port Phillip and other States where Missions were gradually established and information not able to be included in Annual Reports. It is also a source of images.newsletter, victorian seamen's mission, melbourne misson to seamen, jottings from our log, lhlg, rope, flying angel, seagull, advertising, port melbourne, williamstown, sailors' home, australian wharf, seamen's institute, sailors' rest, services, concerts, events, socials, deaths, captain press, w.h.c. darvall, motor boat, geelong, boat builder, manx king, glenlui, dovenby, marion woodside, ainsdale, robert reid, bagatelle board, billiard table, sir wilmot fawkes, lady fawkes, book bags, woolies, michaelmas, 1906, ladies harbour lights guild, captain strickland, quarterly, patron, sir reginald talbot, president, archbishop of melbourne, vice president, f.t. derham, w.h. allard, frederick thomas derham (1844-1922), william henry allard (1860-1927), committee membres, archdeacon hindley, archdeacon crossley, william george hindley, owen thomas lloyd crossley, mary danne, mrs e.w. underwood, captain parsons, captain creswell, captain j.h.fearon, ethel augusta godfrey, hugh r. reid, charles blunt, ditty bags, donachy and sons, rope manufacturers, robur tea, mackenzie mustard, excelsior baking powder, admiral wilmot fawkes, bobs, games

The earliest example of this newsletter published two to three times per year issued by the Mission to Seamen and LHLG. The Mission holds a photograph of this publication being packed in calico by the members of the 'Ladies Harbour Lights Guild' for distribution to branches and supporters.Published for some 30 years by the Victorian Missions to Seamen issued to supporters the series contributes to the history of the organisation. It is a key cross reference supplying many details and dates of Chaplain and LHLG activities in both Melbourne, Port Phillip and other States where Missions were gradually established and information not able to be included in Annual Reports. It is also a source of images.newsletter, victorian seamen's mission, melbourne misson to seamen, jottings from our log, lhlg, rope, flying angel, seagull, advertising, port melbourne, williamstown, sailors' home, australian wharf, seamen's institute, sailors' rest, services, concerts, events, socials, deaths, captain press, w.h.c. darvall, motor boat, geelong, boat builder, manx king, glenlui, dovenby, marion woodside, ainsdale, robert reid, bagatelle board, billiard table, sir wilmot fawkes, lady fawkes, book bags, woolies, michaelmas, 1906, quarterly, ladies harbour lights guild, captain strickland, pulpit, mr haire

The earliest example of this newsletter published two to three times per year issued by the Mission to Seamen and LHLG. The Mission holds a photograph of this publication being packed in calico by the members of the 'Ladies Harbour Lights Guild' for distribution to branches and supporters.Published for some 30 years by the Victorian Missions to Seamen issued to supporters the series contributes to the history of the organisation. It is a key cross reference supplying many details and dates of Chaplain and LHLG activities in both Melbourne, Port Phillip and other States where Missions were gradually established and information not able to be included in Annual Reports. It is also a source of images.newsletter, victorian seamen's mission, melbourne misson to seamen, jottings from our log, lhlg, rope, flying angel, seagull, advertising, port melbourne, williamstown, sailors' home, australian wharf, seamen's institute, sailors' rest, services, concerts, events, socials, deaths, captain press, w.h.c. darvall, motor boat, geelong, boat builder, manx king, glenlui, dovenby, marion woodside, ainsdale, robert reid, bagatelle board, billiard table, sir wilmot fawkes, lady fawkes, book bags, woolies, michaelmas, 1906, quarterly, ladies harbour lights guild, captain strickland

This organ was gifted by the Bethel Community in 1890 to the then Victorian Seamen's Mission, originally founded by the Bethel Union in 1857. The gift was intended to assist with worship. Despite all appearance, this organ is not a pipe organ but a reed organ that works in a similar manner to an accordion. In May 1890, the sum of seventy pounds was put towards the purchase of the organ. The sum being raised via subscriptions. The organ was inaugurated in September 1890. Jabez Carnegie (1832-1892), importer of piano and organs in Melbourne, had made a trip to Europe and Canada in 1887 and had secured the agency of Bell organs. W. Bell & Co were a Canadian organ and piano manufacturer, considered the premier organ manufacturer of the time. W Bell & Co changed its name to Bell Organ and Piano Co in 1888 meaning this organ had to be manufactured prior to the name change. The organ was first used in the mission main room from 1890 to 1915 when the St Nicholas chapel was built at the back (see item 0548. It was transfered to the new Port Melbourne mission in 1937 (link on postcard from State Library Victoria). In 1972, it was transferred to the Holy Trinity Church in Bay Street after the closure of the Mission In the late 1980s during a National Trust campaign to save the building, the organ was sold by the Anglican Men's Society to the Trust's organ committee, who carried out some restoration work and returned it to the former Missions to Seamen chapel. In 1991 the Office of Major Projects had control of the whole 'Bayside' development site. With the Mission to Seamen Building emptied and proposed for demolition, the Office of Major Projects removed the organ and placed it in storage in various locations - finally, in the Museum of Victoria store in Abbotsford. In 1995-6, enquiries by Jim Hillis resulted in the return of the organ to the control of the Port Melbourne HIstorical & Preservation Society. As the Society had no suitable location for the organ, several churches and schools in Port Melbourne were approached to take the organ with no results. The nearby suburbs were suggested next. Finally the Melbourne Maritime Museum (Polly Woodside) was approached and agreed to place it in their Museum on a long term loan. In 1997 it was on display in no 5 shed South Wharf (23/3/1997). In 2006, the Polly Woodside South Wharf site was to be re-developed, and they could no longer retain the organ. Accordingly, on 4 May 2006, the organ was transferred to the Mission To Seafarers building in Flinders Street Extension as an indefinite loan (refer OL 022) The PMHPS deaccessioned it to finally transfered it in 2018 to MTSV.(See also acquisition details re 21st C finalisation of acquisition) This organ is a tangible reminder of the longevity of the Mission to Seafarers, a link with the original Bethel Union which was instrumental in 1856 calling a public meeting and inviting subscriptions by various non-conformist churches to found a mission to Seamen. Rev Kerr-Johnson delivered the first service in 1857 aboard the Emily. The Mission to Seafarers has been in operation ever since and continues to operate to the same purpose today.Large reed organ that looks like a pipe organ with fifteen elaborately painted pipes bearing a floral motif. The body of the organ is elaborately decorated in carved wood. It has 17 knobs above the keyboard both which can be concealed when the keyboard cover is lowered. There are two foot pedals at the bottom of the organ with "Mouse Proof Pedals" cast into the framing iron. list of stop names: Viola 4Ft Diapason 8Ft Dolce 4Ft Violetta 2Ft Sub Bass 16 Ft Octave Coupler Vox Humana Forte Picciolo 2Ft Hautboy 8Ft Aeoline 8Ft Cremona 16Ft E---bone 16Ft Echo 8Ft Celeste 8Ft Melodia 8Ft Flute 4FtMaker's mark in gold lettering above keyboard: W. Bell & Co Brass plaque on front board: Presented to/The Victorian Seamen's Mission/by/Congregation worshipping in Bethel/& friends./1st September 1890 Behind the stops a wooden plaque: J. CARNEGIE & SONS, SOLE AGENTS FOR VICTORIA MELBOURNE organ, worship, bethel, pipes, reed, bethel union, pipe top, jabez carnegie, w. bell & co, port melbourne, mission to seafarers, seamens' mission, mission to seamen, guelph, ontario, canada, pmhps, polly woodside, harmonium, reed organ

Letter from Stuart Knox to Reverend Alfred Gurney Goldsmith thanking him for the amalgamation of the Victorian Seamen's Mission to the English Mission to Seamen.4 pages document, typed in purple ink.at the back of the fourth page is a handwritten message from WHC Darvall in red ink.amalgamation, 1906, stuart knox, london, william henry charles darvall (1830-1906)

Mary was the fifth daughter of Reverend Kerr Johnston and his wife Elizabeth. Mary married Reverend Richard Vallencey Danne (1846-1904), they had 8 children. One of their son Noel also became a reverend. She continued her father's work by becoming part of the Mission's committee in 1905. On 9 November 1906, for King's Birthday, she hosted a sailors' picnic at the property she rented, Glenfern on Inkerman Road (see item 1637), where she was running a school, Newington. She died on the 30th of July 1926 at her residence, Seymour Grove in Camberwell. The plaque was erected on the 9 October 1927 (AR 1927).The Kerr Johnston Family migrated to Tasmania in 1854. The Reverend took up his appointment with the Victorian Bethel Union for Seamen in 1857 and moved all his family in the "floating church", the ex water police hulk Emily, first Chaplain serving the seamen in Hobsons' Bay.Large rectangular brass plaque with smaller plaque mounted onto it of Mission to Seamen insignia. The Larger plaque is mounted to a brick wall.Mission to Seamen. To the glory of God In loving memory of Mary Danne member of the executive committee of the Victoria Missions to Seamen from 1905 to 1920 and daughter of the REv. Kerr -Johnston chaplain of the Victorian Seamen's Mission 1857 to 1883 "The greatest of these is love"mary alice isabelle danne nee johnston, 1851-1926, reverend kerr johnston, reverend richard vallencey danne, 1846-1904, bethel, hulk emily, hobson's bay, glenfern, flinders street, st peter chapel

Documents the minutes of the Victorian Seamen's Mission from Wednesday 12th of July 1939 to Tuesday 7th December 1948. The minutes are a record of all members of the Victorian Seafarers' Mission during this time, as well as a record of the decisions and accounts of the committee. The books also contains supporting documents, such as account records and lists.This is a formal record of proceedings within the Victorian Seafarers' Mission between 1939 to 1949. Entries in the book make reference to events which took place at the Mission, individual members and other parties, such as the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild.A small white sticker on the spine: VIC. MISSION TO SEAFARERS / 1939-1948, handwritten in blue ink.book, minutes, 1939-1948, victoria, ww2, mission to seaferers, mission to seamen, seamen's mission, minutes books