Historical information
Sponsored by Alfred M. Nicholas the Deco era Mission building facing Beach street built by Architect Harry Norris opened in 1937. The building was then in WW2 requisitioned with the Mission returning to full use of the complex some years after the War ended. The building in later years was relinquished due to decreasing shipping at Port Melbourne and need to consolidate seafarers services in the Central Mission at 717 Flinders St. The building was used as an art centre just prior to demolition in the 1990s. The Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society was instrumental in ensuring the the old foundation stone was preserved in the sea wall opposite the original site. A single brick from the building is also part of the MtSV Heritage Collection.
Significance
This stone is one of the few items remaining from this building demolished in 1995.
Physical description
Photograph depicting the foundation stone laid on the 18 May 1937 for the new Mission in Port Melbourne.
Inscriptions & markings
TO THE GLORY OF GOD/AND THE WELFARE OF ALL SEAFARERS / THIS FOUNDATION STONE WAS LAID BY / HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR OF VICTORIA / THE LORD HUNTINGFIELD K.C.M.G. / MAY 18th 1937 / THIS BRANCH INSTITUTE OF / THE VICTORIA MISSIONS TO SEAMEN / WAS ERECTED THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF / ALFRED M.NICHOLAS ESQ. / OFFICE OF HARRY A.NORRIS ARCHITECTS
Subjects
References
- BRANCH INSTITUTE. GOVERNOR SETS FOUNDATION STONE. Article with photograph from the Age, Wednesday 19 May 1937, page 13
- New Seamen's Mission Article with sketch from the Herald, Monday 17 May 1937, page 3
- Mission to Seamen Photo and article in the Age, Wednesday 19 May 1937, page 13
- New branch of seamen's mission First photograph of finished building in the Argus, Tuesday 12 October 1937, page 2
- New building at Port Melbourne Article in the Record, Saturday 18 December 1937, page 8, about the opening
- Chapel of seaman's mission First photograph of the chapel's interior in the Herald , Saturday 4 December 1937, page 6
- Governor Lord Huntingfield Photograph in the Age, Monday 6 December 1937, page 11
