Historical information

This platter is one of the objects in the St Peter chapel used for service.
It appears to be an Alms' Dish and was recorded in the 1917 Annual Report as being donated to the Chapel by the Misses Godfrey: Ethel, Frederica and Winifred whose initials are engraved. Miss Godfrey is also listed as being a member of the Executive Committee as well as the Honorary Secretary (b.1871 d. 1938). The gift commemorates the Misses Godfrey's parents. Their father Frederick Race Godfrey was a squatter and significant 19thC settler and citizen of Victoria ( arr. 1847 ) esp Boort, Craigeburn and St Kilda besides serving in the Legislative Assembley see ADB, ANU and Ancestry links above.

Misses Godfrey were instrumental in raising funds for the new Memorial Chapel to merchant seamen when it opened in 1917 and several gifts were presented by the Godfrey family.

Significance

The Mission to Seafarers is now an Anglican based charity organisation with strong ties to the Anglican tradition. At one point services were held regularly for patronage by locals as well as seafarers. . The relationship between the organisation and the Anglican faith still exists, particularly through the establishment of the Chapel, the existence of many items used for worship, and representation on the board of the Mission.

Physical description

Circular brass platter hand beaten with four cabochon-set semi-precious stones (chrysoberyl or onyx) inserted in quarters around the edge. Also referred to by some as an offertory plate
There is simple ornamental engraved scroll work in an Arts and crafts style, connecting the four semi-spherical stones. In the centre of the platter is a simple relief work cross and the quartered sections surrounding it have a dimpled effect. On the reverse the design is still evident as are the engraved inscriptions. The perimeter edge is probably hand rolled.

Inscriptions & markings

Engraved around the edge, between the scroll work, on the reverse of the platter:
"TO THE GREATER GLORY OF GOD/IN MEMORY OF OUR BELOVED PARENTS/MARGARET LILLIAS GODFREY/DIED SEPT. 23rd 1895/FREDERICK RACE GODFREY/DIED SEPT.11th 1910"
Engraved in the centre of the reverse:
"E.G./F.M.G./W.O.H.G." standing for "Ethel Godfrey/Frederica Mildred Godfrey/Whinifred Godfrey"

References