Historical information

This flag is one of four in the Missions to Seamen flag collection. The flags were part of the original furnishings of the St Nicholas' Mission to Seamen's Church at 139 Nelson Place, Williamstown, Victoria, which was operated by the Missions to Seamen organisation.

THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN: -

The Missions to Seamen was an Anglican charity in Great Britain that has served the world's seafarers since 1856. Its symbol is a Flying Angel, inspired by a Bible verse. Today, there are centres in over 200 ports worldwide where seamen of all backgrounds are offered a warm welcome and provided with a wide range of facilities.

In Victoria, the organisation began in Williamstown in 1857 as a Sailors’ Church, also known as ‘Bethel’ or the ‘Floating Church’ in an old hulk floating in Hobson’s Bay, Port of Melbourne. It soon became part of the Missions to Seamen, Victoria. In 2000, the organisation, now named Mission to Seafarers, still operated locally in Melbourne, Portland, Geelong and Hastings.

The Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild was formed in 1906 to support the Missions to Seamen in Melbourne and other centres, such as Williamstown. Two of the most significant ladies of the Guild were founder Ethel Augusta Godfrey and foundation member Alice Sibthorpe Tracy (who established a branch of the Guild in Warrnambool in 1920). The Guild continued its work until the 1960s.

In 1943, a former Williamstown bank was purchased for the Missions to Seamen Club. The chapel was named St Nicholas’ Seamen’s Church and was supported by the Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild, the Williamstown Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary and the League of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Friends. It ceased operation in 1966.

A Missions to Seamen Chapel and Recreation Room was a significant feature of ports during the late 1800s and 1900s. It seemed appropriate for Flagstaff Hill to include such a representation within the new Maritime Village, and the Melbourne Board of Management of Missions to Seamen Victoria gave its permission on 21st May 1979 for the entire furnishings of the Williamstown chapel to be transferred to Flagstaff Hill. The St Nicholas Seamen’s Church was officially opened on October 11, 1981, and resembles the Williamstown chapel.

Significance

This collection of four flags is significant to the history of The Missions to Seamen organisation and the evolution of its name, flag and symbols.
The flag represents the organisation and community care for the families of those who lost their lives at sea, and the support of seamen and mariners all over the world.
This flag is historically significant for its origin in the St Nicholas Mission to Seamen's Church in Williamstown, established in 1857 to cater for seafarers’ physical, social, and spiritual needs. The organisation originated in Bristol, England, when a Seamen's Mission was formed in 1837.
The flag is also significant for its connection with the St Nicholas Missions to Seamen's chapel, Williamstown, as the original building is now listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Physical description

Flag: one of four in the Missions to Seamen collection of flags.
This flag is a dark blue rectangle with white print and an emblem.
All four flags are Part of the St. Nicholas Seamen's Church Collection.

Inscriptions & markings

Printed: THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN"
Logo: [flying angel] image"