Historical information
James Leslie Forge was the son of Christopher Forge (1860-1912) who had open a drapery in Nicolson Street, Footscray in 1898.
He donated 100 pounds for the reredos.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the place now called Victoria, and all First Peoples living and working on this land. We celebrate the history and contemporary creativity of the world’s oldest living culture and pay respect to Elders — past, present and future.
Please be aware that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. These views are not necessarily the views of Victorian Collections.
Users of this site should be aware that in many areas of Australia, reproduction of the names and photographs of deceased people is restricted during a period of mourning. The length of this time varies and is determined by the community.
Reuse of any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander material on this site may require cultural clearances. Users are advised to contact the source organisation to discuss appropriate reuse.
James Leslie Forge was the son of Christopher Forge (1860-1912) who had open a drapery in Nicolson Street, Footscray in 1898.
He donated 100 pounds for the reredos.
The St Peter chapel was furnished thanks to donations of supporters of the Mission. Some were donated for the previous temporary chapel at the Sidney Street site and some are lost. - Holy Table (altar): donated by Mrs Shuter, in Memoriam of Charles Shuter - Cross: - Vases (lost) - Stained Glass Windows: donated by Misses Edith and Ruby Forge, in Memoriam J. Leslie Forge - Altar Lectern - Alms Dish: donated by the Godfrey sisters in Memoriam of their parents - Credence Table: donated by - Sanctuary Chairs: donated by Miss Gladys Hawkey - Sanctuary Rail - Choir Stalls and Chancel Screen - Lectern (donated in 1909) - Pulpit (donated in 1907) - Prayer Desk (a plaque to Goldsmith) - Bible and Prayer Books - Font - Cover for Font - Pews - Offertory Collection Plates (lost) - Music Cupboard in Vestry (lost)
The document lists all the gifts donated by generous supporters of the Mission in 1917. The chapel was built during World War 1 as. memorial to the merchant seamen lost during the war. These items are still in the chapel today.
A4 document on cream colour paper, wording in black ink.
gifts, chapel of st peter, flinders street, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, gladys amy hawkey (1886-1974), reverend alfred gurney goldsmith, gifts-1917, amelia shuter nee lord, beatrice elizabeth higgins (nee shuter), charles shuter
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.
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.
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.
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"
art nouveau, alms, offertory, ethel augusta godfrey, winifred godfrey, frederic race godfrey, margaret lilias godfrey, frederica godfrey, rica godfrey, rita godfrey, gifts-1917, offertary plate
The lectern was gifted by Mary Georgina Howard Northcote in December 1907 for the Siddeley Street mission (see Annual Report 1907: list of gifts for the new institute page 8). It was moved to the St Peter Chapel, Flinders Street, and has been in use ever since. Mary nee Reynell in Cheltenham, England, was the wife of Edward Northcote, ex master mariner and general manager of the Adelaide Steamship Company between 1899 and 1926, before his death on 4 November 1926. Edward Northcote was the cousin of Henry Stafford Northcote, Governor General of Australia (1904-1908). Lord Northcote laid the stone of the Siddeley Street Seamen's Institute on Tuesday 5 February 1907. Mary died in December 1932, in her will she made a donation of £25 to the Mission. As it was moved to the St Peter chapel when the Flinders Street Mission opened, it was added to the 1917 list of gifts.
The Mission to Seafarers Victoria has been in operation for over 150 years in Victoria although experiencing many name and location changes. Support and patronage by Governors general and State governors was key to official recognition of the work of the Mission.The current site at 717 Flinders Street is the most enduring and many artefacts from previous locations have been relocated to this site. This lectern underscores the relationship between the Mission and notable Victorians.
The head of the lectern is supported by three wooden cross sections each engraved with a criss-crossing leaf pattern. The legs of lectern have a similarly carved decorative panel forming an arched shape. Each corner of the panel has gum leafs and nuts carved into it. The foot of the lectern is less ornate although there are three decorated wooden panels mimicking those supporting the head.
Brass plaque on lectern: FOR THE GLORY OF GOD/THIS LECTERN/WAS PRESENTED BY/MARY HOWARD NORTHCOTE/DECEMBER 1907
religion, lectern, australia-wharf, mary georgina howard northcote nee reynell, edward northcote (1854-1926), adelaide steamship company, henry stafford northcote (1846-1911) g.c.m.g, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, flinders street, yarra river, siddeley street, heritage listed, gifts-1917
In 1909, assistant Chaplain Rev. Haire presented the Mission with an 'uncommonly artistic pulpit' in memory of his mother. A plaque in memory of Jane King Haire can be found on the side next to the steps. The dedication was performed by the Archbishop of Melbourne on the 26th January (date engraves on the plaque) This pulpit was designed by Melbourne architect Rodney Howard Alsop (1881-1932) and manufactured by William John Dalziel (furniture manufacturer). It was initially used in the first Mission in Central Melbourne, Siddeley St. It is located in the Chapel of Saint Peter of the Mission to Seafarers 717 Flinders St. complex since 1917 (State Heritage listed (H1496). This complex was designed by Walter Richmond Butler in 1916, and officially opened on 11 September 1917, a day '...of unusually kind weather', by the Governor of Victoria, the Honourable Sir Arthur Stanley. According to a later article published in 1950: The pulpit is a model, built to scale, of the stern of an old ship of the line in Lord Nelson's day.
This pulpit is significant as it is housed in The Memorial Chapel of Saint Peter forming part of the State Heritage listed Mission to Seafarers Victoria complex. It was built in Melbourne of Australian timbers, and is one of only two known maritime inspired pulpits, both associated with Missions to Seamen of the early 20th C. the other is held in the ANMM Collection see link. Their statement of significance is worth quoting in part as it applies equally to this pulpit "...an extremely rare and unique example of such pulpits. It is highly significant as a wonderfully preserved example of a time when religion was preached to sailors for their spiritual guidance and temperance..." Rodney Howard Alsop was an important Melbourne architect of the Arts and Crafts movement. John William Dalziel had sailed from Liverpool to Melbourne in 1862. Seventeen years later Penman and Dalziel founded the business in Lonsdale Street West, and won recognition at the Indian and Colonial Exhibition in London in 1886. Penman and Dalziel were identified in 1937 as one of Melbourne’s early ‘skilled craftsmen’ and ‘leading names’ in the manufacture of fine furniture. He died in February 1918 in a railway accident.
Timber pulpit built in the form of a ship's stern including a timber step ladder for access, a timber keel and rudder, a rope fixed from the pulpit to a post mounted to the floor, and a dedication plaque on the side of the pulpit. The pulpit sits on timber legs. It's likely to be the original rope: traditionally made coir rope with twisted fibres, covered with canvas supported by a thread. At lower end the rope is secured by a monkey fist know and at the top by a turk head knot.
Inside the pulpit (right) is the cardboard label with the maker details: " On an attached plaque see 0678 To the greater glory of God and in ever loving memory of Jane King Haire. This pulpit is erected by her son. Blessed are the pure in heart. For they shall see God. St. Matt. V.8. 26.1.09
mission, seafarers, melbourne, victoria, chapel, saint peter, pulpit, australian timber, stern, walter richmond butler, australian maritime history, reverend w.f. haire, rodney howard alsop (1881-1932), wright's lane, william john dalziel, gifts-1917, heritage listed
In 1909, assistant Chaplain Rev. Haire presented the Mission with an 'uncommonly artistic pulpit' in memory of his mother. This pulpit sits in The Chapel of Saint Peter, which belongs to the State Heritage listed (H1496) Mission to Seafarers Victoria complex. The dedication was performed by the Archbishop of Melbourne on the 26th January.
Only one other 'maritime inspired' pulpit of a similar vintage is known in Australia, gifted to the Australian National Maritime Museum by the Mission to Seafarers, Sydney.
Rectangular shaped brass plaque mounted to side of wooden pulpit.
To the greater glory of God and in ever loving memory of Jane King Haire. This pulpit is erected by her son. Blessed are the pure in heart. For they shall see God. St. Matt. V.8. 26.1.09
brass, plaque, pulpit, chapel of saint peter, jane king haire, reverend w.f. haire, heritage listed
Along with the pulpit, this Altar was designed by architect Rodney Howard Alsop (1881-1932) (Annual report 1908). It was originally made for the Siddeley Street Institute, which was built in 1907 on a block of land leased from the Melbourne Harbour Trust and donated by Mrs Amelia Shuter (nee Lord) (see Annual Report 1907). The altar is photographed in an early picture of the Siddeley Mission in a room used as chapel before the chapel built in 1909. Although a 21 year lease for the site had been granted, a notice was delivered to the Mission to quit the site in 1912. In 1915, the present site was agreed on. The Altar sits within the Chapel of Saint Peter, which belongs to the State Heritage listed (H1496) Mission to Seafarers Victoria complex. This complex was designed by Walter Richmond Butler in 1916, and officially opened on 11 September 1917. On the right hand side of the altar, is a brass plaque in memory of Charles Shuter, a colonist and police magistrate who died in 1902. The plaque was made in 1907.
The Altar is significant because it is located within the Memorial Chapel of Saint Peter, forming part of the State Heritage listed Mission to Seafarers Victoria complex. It is of religious significance in catering for all denominations and the spiritual needs of visiting seafarers.
The Altar has a shelf above and three panels along the front, with carved decoration and lettering.
Altar bears a plaque that reads "To the Glory of God - In memory of Charles Shuter, of Melbourne, Police Magistrate, Given by his Wife, December 13th 1907". Carved letters "MTS" in centre of three panels along front of Altar, and "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY" in three panels below shelf on top of Altar.
altar, mission, seafarers, seamen, melbourne, victoria, charles shuter, siddeley street institute, chapel, australian timber, walter richmond butler, australian maritime history, rodney howard alsop (1881-1932), saint peter chapel, communion table, amelia shuter nee lord, heritage listed, gifts-1917
Article in the Camperdown Chronicle (Vic. : 1877 - 1954), Saturday 7 June 1902, page 3 "PERSONAL. "Punch" has the following with reference to the death of the late Mr. Charles Shuter:—The cable message which was received last Monday an-nouncing the death on last Saturday of Mr. Charles Shuter of Wykenham Lodge, Toorak, will occasion much regret. When Mr. Shuter arrived in Victoria about forty-seven years ago he was soon appointed a goldfields commissioner and used to relate that the office was full of responsibility, he had frequently for his only pillow nuggets covered with cloth for safety. After some years he was appointed police magistrate, while still quite young, and held this office till he was pensioned some years ago. Then, when the Old Age Pensions came into force, he was recalled from retirement and put on the commission. A few years ago the heart ailment from which he had long suffered began to grow more severe, and he left with his wife and youngest daughter to travel in Europe. Recent letters showed that he was steadily growing worse at Nice, where he was living quietly, and he succumbed on 31st May. His widow, who was a Miss Lord, survives him, and nine of their eleven children. The eldest son, a doctor, died many years ago. Then came Mr. Frank Shuter, a grazier near Albury ; Mrs. Murray Puckle, of Toorak ; Mr. Clement Shuter, solicitor, and Dr. Ernest Shuter, both settled near Camperdown; Mr. Edward Shuter, surveyor; the late Mrs. L. Bernard Hall, Mrs. George Higghins, of Malvern ; Mr. Joseph Shuter, in the English Navy; Captain Reginald Shuter, of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, who has for some time been on active service in the South African war; and Miss Lucy Shuter, who was travelling with her parents. Mr. Shuter's accounts of the early days of the colonies are most interesting. "
The Shuters were involved in the
Small rectangular plaque in memory of Charles Shuter
charles shuter, mrs shuter née lord, frank shuter, mrs murray puckle nee shuter, clement shuter, dr ernest shuter, camperdown, edward shuter, mrs bernard hall nee shuter, mrs george higgins nee shuter, joseph shuter, english navy, captain reginald shuter, royal irish fusiliers, lucy shuter, beatrice shuter, caroline shuter, wyheham lodge, malvern, goldfields, police magistrate, elsinore mary shuter
This cross was donated by Mrs Shuter in 1917 in memory of her son Joseph Armand Shuter who died on 15 September 1915 of illness. Born in 1876, he was the son od Charles Shuter. He studied at Melbourne Grammar School. He was the Lieutenant commander on the HMS Victory. He's buried in England. In the obituary in the Argus, Tuesday 21 September 1915, page 6: " Commander Joseph Armand Sunter has died in London, states a message from our correspondent from an illness he contracted when in command of a flotilla of torpedo boat destroyers in the North Sea. He was the youngest son of the late Mr Charles Shuter, formerly a police magistrate in Melbourne. Born in 1876 he was educated at the Melbourne Church of England Grammar School and entered the navy in 1891. He saw active service in the Samoan rebellion in 1899. A brother Captain Reginald Shuter, is in the British army and has been wounded in the present war. He served with the Irish Fusiliers in the South African war, where he gained a D.S.O. Another brother, Dr R.E. Shuter is in charge of the Harefield (London) Hospital for Australian wounded."
The cross is one of the many gifts from the Shuter's family who lost many members during the conflict.
Brass cross with a three tier base.
Inscription at the base is now difficult to read
cross, chapel, mrs shuter, wwi, great war, first world war, hms victory, royal navy, joseph armand shuter (1876-1915), gifts-1917
William Scott Purves Godfrey (1872-1953) designed the chairs and Miss Gladys Hawkey (1886-1974) carved them. W.S.P Godfrey was born in Toorak on 6 April 1872. He was was the cousin of Ethel Godfrey. Educated in Brussels and at Melbourne Grammar, he studied Architecture at the University of Melbourne. He and Henry Howard Spowers established the architectural firm Godfrey & Spowers, known for the design of the Argus building, around 1901. W S P Godfrey retired from practice in 1944. He died in August 1953, aged 81. He's buired in the St Kilda Cemetery with the Godfrey family. Gladys Hawkey was a member of the Guild. (photographed during the Norla Fete). She was born in Sandhurst, Bendigo and is buired in the Bendigo Cemetery. Little is known about Gladys Hawkey. She may have been a student of Robert Prenzel. Another mention of her work is made in an article in 1915 where her escritoire is offered in a raffle to raise funds for the Australian sick and Wounded. The chairs were donated in 1919 when the Flinders Street mission was open.
In a style of Robert Prenzel with Australian Flora, the chairs are in the typical Arts and Crafts style. Like many women from the early 1900s, she was likely to have been inspired by the Australian exhibition of women's work and other female woodworkers of the time.
Handcarved
gladys amy hawkey (1886-1974), william scott purves godfrey (1872-1953), lhlg, ladies harbour lights guild, chapel, flinders street, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, wood carving, godfrey and spowers, heritage listed, arts and crafts, gifts-1917
This window along with the the second window in the reredos was donated by the Misses Forge in memory of their brother, James Leslie Forge, 33yo, who died on the 23 April 1917 while working on his orchard in Wingello, NSW. A Footscray local, he had donated the funds (100 pounds) for the reredos of the St Peter chapel.
Arched windows
altar, st peter chapel, flinders street, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, st peter, sailors, seamen, anchor, stained glass windows, win, 1917, ww1, memorial chapel, reredos, footscray, james leslie forge, edith forge, forge's store, gifts-1917
This window along with the the second window in the reredos was donated by the Misses Forge in memory of their brother, James Leslie Forge, 33yo, who died on the 23 April 1917 while working on his orchard in Wingello, NSW. A Footscray local, he had donated the funds (100 pounds) for the reredos of the St Peter chapel.
Arched windows
altar, st peter chapel, flinders street, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, st peter, sailors, seamen, anchor, stained glass windows, win, 1917, ww1, memorial chapel, reredos, footscray, james leslie forge, ruby forge, forge's store, gifts-1917
The pews (18 small and 1 large) with 3 fronts were donated by Mrs E.W. Outhwaite in memory of her father, Nicholas Maine, who died in 1915. Nicholas Maine biography was published in the Australian on 11 September 1915 : "Nicholas Maine, whose paternal grandfather was rector of the Church of England and Ireland, parish of Dunaghy, County Antrim, came of a family of very considerable repute as merchants in Belfast. He was born at Ballymena on New Year's Day, 1826, and received his earlier education at the Diocesan School, Ballymena, and at Dr. Bryce's Academy, Belfast. After a three years' apprenticeship in a merchant's office, in Belfast, he ventured forth into the world as supercargo in a vessel belonging to one of his brothers, and so performing two voyages to Brazil. Ashore once more, he joined a broker's office in Liverpool, and whilst there was specially chosen out of a large staff as the man to take charge of a fleet of ships on a guano quest on the coast of Patagonia. Having determined on a suitable rendezvous for his ships, he sailed for the River Plate in a handy vessel, and from Monte Video south- wards minutely searched and examined the coast, chiefly in boats, as far as Santa Cruz, near the Straits of Magellan. At Sea Bear's Bay, in lat. 48deg. S., he landed his men, and pitched his tents, &c. After 10 months of extreme hardship and risky adventure on the coast in open boats, and loss of many men from scurvy, he loaded up all the ships sent to him, and returned to the River Plate. While there he met Captain Hotham, R.N., of H.M.S. Gordon (afterwards Governor of Victoria), and also saw Garibaldi, who was then making himself famous by his daring adventures against the enemy, though with inadequate means. (There was war going on in the river at the time.) From Monte Video he returned to Brazil, where he opened a direct trade with Russia, by shipping the first cargo, of sugar and cotton from Pernambuco to St. Petersburg. For so doing the Emperor Nicholas allowed his vessel (the Urgent), belonging to his brothers, trading under he name of N. Maine and Sons, to enter Russia free of port charges. Shortly after this Nicholas Maine went ashore, spending three years in a Liverpool brokers office, when, sailing again as super cargo, he went on a trading voyage to Chili and Peru. He was present at Panama for six months during the rush to California, and crossed the isthmus on muleback and by canoe, a severe journey in those days. Thence he went to Jamaica, his ship's company carrying with them the cholera, which decimated the population. Then home again, visiting the United States by the way. After another year in Liverpool, he sailed again for Brazil, at one day's notice, bought a cargo of coffee at Rio Janeiro, took it to San Francisco, and settled there, where he had three years of a most exciting life — 1851-2-3 —also making speculative voyages down the coast to Mexico and Nicaragua, at which latter place he took the fever and so on to the South Sea Islands, where he suffered shipwreck, and thence on to Chili. He arrived in Melbourne from New Zealand in 1854; made one more voyage to Chili (his last venture at sea), and on his return sold his vessel. After refitting a dismasted clipper ship, called the Flying Arrow for his brother Crawford, with what was considered in those days unusual dispatch, when the port had not many conveniences for the purpose, he quietly went again into harness ashore. He managed Mr. T. S. Martin's large business in Melbourne for five years, till he broke down, from excessive work and anxiety. After winding up the business, he sailed for England in 1862, and idled at home, in Italy, and other parts of the Continent till, his health being restored, he returned to Melbourne in 1867, and went to Queensland to buy into a station along with his brother and others; but, not being satisfied, came back to Melbourne, and began to work as a mercantile broker. Soon after this he was induced to apply for the resident secretaryship of the Australian Mutual Provident Society, and got it in 1868, though, at the time, several professionals thought him unfit, and prophesied failure. He retired after a long term of eminently profitable business transactions in 1895, owing to a rule of the society to retire secretaries at the age of seventy. He accordingly left on the 1st January, 1896, after twenty-seven years' service unbroken by a single holiday, save for a trip to Europe in 1891. A letter was written him by Sir Joseph Abbott, chairman of the board, in which he said:- "I need hardly assure you that the board is extremely sorry that the, society is obliged to lose your services, which have been so highly appreciated by us during your long connection with the society," and enclosed a grateful resolution passed by the board." Margaret Isabella Maine was born in 1871 and was the only daughter of Nicholas Maine. In 1897, she married Edward Walter Outhwaite, a layer from New South Wales who had studied at the University of Melbourne. Edward was the brother of Arthur Grenbry Outhwaite, husband of artist Ida Rentoul. Margaret and Edward had three children: a son, Maine Outhwaite and two daughters, Helen Margaret and Jocelyn. The pews on the left side of the nave have been moved to make room to a baby grand piano (date tbc.) therefore 2 of them have to be moved elsewhere in the mission and the pew front has been brought backwards..
gifts, st peter chapel, pews, edward walter outhwaite, margaret isabella outhwaite nee maine (1871-1964), arthur grenbry outhwaite (1875-1938), nicholas maine (1826-1915), heritage listed, gifts-1917, kneelers, genuflection, praying
The font was donated by Miss E. Davidson and is in memory of two young apprentices who died on the Galgorm Castle with 9 others crew members, after it was torpedoed by a U-49 on 27 February 1917. Fred Hyde was 16, a former pupil of Bury Grammar School. Nigel Hockly was 17. The font cover was donated by Mrs Amelia Shuter in memory of son-in-law, Charles Murray Puckle (husband of Caroline Amelia Shuter) and grand son, William Brian Mortimer (son of William Brook Mortimer and Enid Lucy Ann Mortimer nee Shuter)
baptismal font, baptistry, heritage listed, gifts-1917, amelia shuter nee lord, nigel hockly, fred hyde, charles murray puckle, william brian mortimer, caroline amelia shuter, enid lucy ann mortimer nee shuter, galgorm castle, u-49, miss e. davidson
A credence is small table placed within the sanctuary of a church and near the wall at the Epistle side, for the purpose of holding the utensils required for the celebration of the Eucharist. From the 1917 list of gifts, the credence was donated by Captain and Mrs C.D. Goldsmith, brother of Reverend Gurney Goldsmith. Cecile De la Mare Goldsmith was born in 1861 in West Brompton and was in The Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) during WWI. He died on 21 January 1917 Commander RNR & late Master in the P.O. Service died at Madeira while acting as his Majesty's Vice Consul. He's buried in Funchal (Portugal).
Small credence
gifts-1917, cecil de la mare goldsmith (1862-1917), c.d. goldsmith, rnr, royal naval reserve
Mrs Geo Higgins was Beatrice Elizabeth Shuter, the daughter of Mr and Mrs Charles Shuter. The plaque to Cecil De la mare Goldsmith who died in 1917 may have been added at a later date.
st peter chapel, beatrice elizabeth higgins (nee shuter), george higgins (c.1860-1943), orchard house, cecil de la mare goldsmith (1862-1917), gifts-1917
The Exhibition of Nautical Curios and Fancy Fair was held on the 14th of November 1901 at the Melbourne Athenaeum. It was opened by the Governor, Lord Hopetoun.
Digitally enhanced copy of the flyer pasted in the 1896-1902 scrapbook
nautical curios, fancy fair, melbourne athenaeum
After an attempt of building a Seamen's Hospital in Williamstown, the ship Emily was transformed in a floating chapel to welcome seamen for service. Captain Charles Ferguson (1813-1868) was one of the members of the committee who founded the floating church. The ship Emily may have been a convict ship sailing from England to the Van Diemen's land in 1842 and 1844. Before 1856, it was used as a "water police hulk" then transformed in an accommodation for Reverend Kerr Johnson and his large family and fitted to receive 200 attendees in the chapel.
The article is significant as it describes the ship and its location: "The hulk is moored midway between Sandridge and Williamstown, and is distinguished by a blue flag flying at the mainmast with "Bethel" inscribed on it; and in one corner of the flag is the star of Bethlehem, in another a dove with an olive branch."
1 column article in the Argus
ship emily, floating church, reverend kerr johnston, 1812-1887, hobson's bay, sandridge, captain ferguson, captain charles ferguson (1813-1868), convict ships
Small illustration by Charles George Darvall (1831-1924), cousin of William Henry Charles Darvall.
Born in England in 1831, he arrived in Victoria in 1858. A watercolour artist, he travelled around the goldfields and later taught at the Sandhurst School of Arts and Design.
Small ink seaside landscape found on the 1896-1902 scrapbook
Bottom right corner: C.G.D. 99
charles georges darvall (1831-1924), 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)
He served as an Anglican curate at St Stephen’s Church, Port Kembla (1941-42), and as an assistant at the Missions to Seamen, Sydney (1942). An honorary curate (1942-46) at St John’s Church, Rockdale, he married Beryl Ruth Knox, daughter of the rector, there on 3 October 1942. On 16 September he had been appointed as a temporary chaplain in the Royal Australian Navy, an event which he described as the determining factor in his future ministry. He served in HMAS Australia (1942-44) and in shore establishments before being demobilised in February 1946. In 1953 Craven-Sands joined the Missions to Seamen, Sydney, as senior chaplain, leading a team who worked for the spiritual and social welfare of seamen.
Large poster with a stylised depiction of Sydney Mission to Seamen on George Street with a large flag of the Mission on a map with streets names and the port and Sydney bridge in the background
missions to seamen, sydney, george street, reverend colin craven-sands (1917-1987), rawson institute, bethel union, mariners' church
He served as an Anglican curate at St Stephen’s Church, Port Kembla (1941-42), and as an assistant at the Missions to Seamen, Sydney (1942). An honorary curate (1942-46) at St John’s Church, Rockdale, he married Beryl Ruth Knox, daughter of the rector, there on 3 October 1942. On 16 September he had been appointed as a temporary chaplain in the Royal Australian Navy, an event which he described as the determining factor in his future ministry. He served in HMAS Australia (1942-44) and in shore establishments before being demobilised in February 1946. In 1953 Craven-Sands joined the Missions to Seamen, Sydney, as senior chaplain, leading a team who worked for the spiritual and social welfare of seamen.
Large poster with a stylised depiction of Sydney Mission to Seamen on George Street with a large flag of the Mission on a map with streets names and the port and Sydney bridge in the background
missions to seamen, sydney, george street, reverend colin craven-sands (1917-1987), rawson institute, mariners' church, bethel union
He served as an Anglican curate at St Stephen’s Church, Port Kembla (1941-42), and as an assistant at the Missions to Seamen, Sydney (1942). An honorary curate (1942-46) at St John’s Church, Rockdale, he married Beryl Ruth Knox, daughter of the rector, there on 3 October 1942. On 16 September he had been appointed as a temporary chaplain in the Royal Australian Navy, an event which he described as the determining factor in his future ministry. He served in HMAS Australia (1942-44) and in shore establishments before being demobilised in February 1946. In 1953 Craven-Sands joined the Missions to Seamen, Sydney, as senior chaplain, leading a team who worked for the spiritual and social welfare of seamen.
Large poster with a stylised depiction of Sydney Mission to Seamen on George Street with a large flag of the Mission on a map with streets names and the port and Sydney bridge in the background
missions to seamen, sydney, george street, reverend colin craven-sands (1917-1987), rawson institute, mariners' church, bethel union
Margaret Woodward is a an artist and an an associate professor of design at Charles Sturt University. Artist statement: "The Sea is All Around us is a multi-layered event which creates a memorable experience for those visiting the Dome Gallery and the Mission to Seafarers in Melbourne’s Docklands. The event acknowledges and raises awareness of the often difficult and dangerous working lives and journeys of seafarers by making visible their role in transporting commodities, materials and objects to and from Australia’s shores. This installation at the Dome Gallery in the Mission to Seafarers in Melbourne’s Docklands marks the third stage of an ongoing research project which seeks to reveal the ‘social life’ of souvenirs. Beyond their representational role souvenirs also trigger intangible, affective qualities – reminders of journeys and places, new associations with tastes, sounds and people, and thereby becoming objects which focus and hold memories. This installation invites seafarers and visitors to participate in a global project which aims to witness sea journeys and trace the mobile life of seafarers and souvenirs. For a fortnight in May 2015, the Dome Gallery became an architectural large scale compass, with the circular floor marking the intersection of its latitude and longitude (37 º 49'21" S 144º 57'03"E). Over these two weeks the Dome Gallery was inscribed with marks recording journeys made by seafarers, recording destination and departure ports, home lands and waterways, and in doing so making visible a small segment of the global patterns of seafaring. Custom-made souvenirs designed for the installation are given to seafarers as gestures of welcome and a memento of their visit. The souvenirs originating in Poland continue their journey by sea, to destinations beyond the Dome becoming part of the global network of seafaring, with an invitation for seafarers to record their future journeys using QR code scanning technologies. It is hoped that by releasing the 200 limited edition souvenirs accompanying the seafarers the mobile life of souvenirs and seafarers will also become visible. Like messages in bottles they leave our shores, becoming ambassadors, representing the Dome Gallery at the Mission to Seafarers, the waters of Port Phillip Bay, Australia’s red soil and vegetation, and carrying memories of visiting Melbourne."
The Mission has always been open to the community and has a tradition of hosting cultural events: shows, concerts, exhibitions, festivals.
Orange enamel and teal mug created for the art installation by artist Margaret Woodward at the Mission to Seafarers. On one side it is decorated with a compass and a latitude and longitude; on the opposite side, a leaf, a QR code on the bottom takes you to the website.
Written at the bottom of the mug: Please scan to map the journey of this souvenir * www.sensingtheremote.net *2015
cultural events, norla dome, mso, 2015, art installation, margaret woodward
A Williamstown local, Ethel Margaret Musther nee Barber (1872-1956) was the daughter of Captain John Henry Barber (1842-1924), a sea pilot and Janet Lidell (1846-1891) Her grandfather, Captain Lidell, was also a seaman. In 1900, she married Nathan George Musther,(18..-1933) a chemist, and dentist in the Navy. They had two daughters: Rosamund Janet Musther(born 1903) and Nanoya Gwendoline Musther (born 1906). She was the principal of the Ladies' College in Footscray. She was involved in many philantropic associations especially for sailors but also during WWI and WW2. She worked for the Anzac Club, the Red Cross, She formed: 1941: the R.A.N. Friendly Union of Sailor's Wives and Mothers. 1943: the Lightkeepers Auxiliary to help the Mission raised funds. The plaque was a gift of the Lightskeeper Auxiliaire and unveiled on 30 July 1959 at the St Nicholas Chapel, by her eldest daughter, Mrs Jean McDonald. It was originally on stained and polished hardwood mount made by Mrs Murdoch (AR1959, page 24). On the day, a desk service-book was also dedicated in memory of Dr John Thompson at the request of his daughter, Mrs Sparrow.
In early 1943, Ethel Margaret Musther formed the Lightkeepers' Auxiliaire and raised funds for the third building purchased for the Williamstown branch of the Victorian Seamen's Mission, the former E,S & A Bank. Thanks to her philanthropic work, she was rewarded with a Medal of the British Empire in 1953 for all her charitable work.
Folded booklet on creamy colour paper and black ink
ethel margaret musther, st nicholas' mariners' chapel, nelson place, williamstown, lightkeepers' auxiliary, dr john thompson
A Williamstown local, Ethel Margaret Musther nee Barber (1872-1956) was the daughter of Captain John Henry Barber (1842-1924), a sea pilot and Janet Lidell (1846-1891) Her grandfather, Captain Lidell, was also a seaman. In 1900, she married Nathan George Musther,(18..-1933) a chemist, and dentist in the Navy. They had two daughters: Rosamund Janet Musther(born 1903) and Nanoya Gwendoline Musther (born 1906). She was the principal of the Ladies' College in Footscray. She was involved in many philantropic associations especially for sailors but also during WWI and WW2. She worked for the Anzac Club, the Red Cross, She formed: 1941: the R.A.N. Friendly Union of Sailor's Wives and Mothers. 1943: the Lightkeepers Auxiliary to help the Mission raised funds. The plaque was a gift of the Lightskeeper Auxiliaire and unveiled on 30 July 1959 at the St Nicholas Chapel, by her eldest daughter, Mrs Jean McDonald.It was originally on stained and polished hardwood mount made by Mrs Murdoch (AR1959, page 24). On the day, a desk service-book was also dedicated in memory of Dr John Thompson at the request of his daughter, Mrs Sparrow.
In early 1943, Ethel Margaret Musther formed the Lightkeepers' Auxiliaire and raised funds for the third building purchased for the Williamstown branch of the Victorian Seamen's Mission, the former E,S & A Bank. Thanks to her philanthropic work, she was rewarded with a Medal of the British Empire in 1953 for all her charitable work.
Invitation card to the dedication of a brass plaque in memory of Ethel Margaret Musther
ethel margaret musther, st nicholas' mariners' chapel, nelson place, williamstown, lightkeepers' auxiliary
Belaying pins used on the Polly Woodside, former Rona, ship now berthed on the Yarra River.
The Polly Woodside was saved in the 1970s and use as a Maritime Museum until its collection was dispersed. Now one of the National Trust assets. Some Mission's volunteers were also part of the team of volunteers restoring the Polly Woodside in the 1970s.
Painted: 1885 POLLY WOODSIDE 1977
polly woodside, rona, yarra river, national trust, interest group
3rd September
Framed artwork printed on textile
Written in ink on verso: "Rachel / SOLD Y"
merchant navy day, lest we forget, ww2, ww1
These armchairs seem to be dated from the 1960s and are seen in a photograph taken by the Melbourne Harbour Trust around 1963.
3 armchairs
armchairs
The author of the letter the Princess Royal is patron of the Mission to Seafarers in Australia.
The letter marks the centenary in 2007 of the establishment of the Seafarers Service in Australia.
Letter, signed, on Buckingham Palace letterhead mounted and housed in gilt painted frame, glazed . Fitted with single twist hanging wire, and 4 felt stoppers; Core flute backing with Brown paper tape to seal.
Signature bottom right in Black ink "Anne" / Conservation Framer's label initials in black ink : "E LH 22/2/08"
mission to seafarers, commemorations, princess anne, princess royal, letter, 2007, centenary, seafarers service
The photograph was taken on board the English four-masted barque Crocodile which was a a regular visitor of the Port Phillip bay ports, transporting wheat from Australia to the UK.
A rare photograph of seamen's intimate life on board.
Sepia photograph depicting the two seamen eating their dinner on board the ship Crocodile.
Written in pencil at the back: "12"
cook, barque crocodile, liverpool, tureen, goldsmith album, life on board, meals, steward, portholes
Captain Crawford Atchinson Denman Pasco, Royal Navy, was member of the Mission's Committee.
Sepia tone photograph of man in uniform seating in armchair
crawford atchison denman pasco (1818-1898)
Plan of Williamstown in 1855
The map helps locate the Wesleyan church on Ann Street which was converted in the Sailors' Rest in 1875.
ann street, wesleyan church, sailors' rest, williamstown
Newspaper clipping about Mary Benin working at the Williamstown Mission to Seamen in the 1960s containing two photographs.
williamstown, mission to seamen, mary bennion, the missions to seamen, 1964, port kembla, warden, caretaker, 139 nelson place
Ethel Godfrey was interviewed for this article. She shared the history of the Guild and its role.
Article published in the Weekly Times in 1910 with a portrait of Ethel Godfrey.
ethel augusta godfrey, ethel godfrey, lhlg
Walter Butler was the official architect of the Anglican Diocese. He designed the Flinders Street Mission, the weathervane, and the first storey of the Port Melbourne Mission.
Copy of photograph of Walter Richmond Butler
walter richmond butler (1864–1949)
mission to seamen, ww1, 1917, badge, button day, bulldog, lady hennessy
In 1941, a play in South Yarra was a fundraising opportunity for the Mission during wartime. Daryl Lindsay designed the programme of the evening. He was the Curator of the National Gallery of Victoria at the time. The article describes the design: "Mr. Daryl Lindsay made a special drawing for the front of the programmes, picturing a member of a merchant vessel on the bridge of his ship in a gale." He had previously illustrated the Mission's 1925 calendar.
Shows the association with Melbourne's artworld.
daryl lindsay, artists, fundraising, padre lavender, lady macpherson, reverend c. g. lavender, ngv
dora simpson nee walker, retirement, 1971, hlg, lhlg
"A meeting for the purpose of considering the best means of estabishing an Institution of this kind, at the above place was held at the Ship Inn on Monday evening. Charles Ferguson, Esq, being voted to the Chair, briefly stated the intention of the present meeting, and that all must concur as to the necessity of founding same Institution for the relief of the numerous cases daily occuring in this port, amongst so great a number of ships, large at present but small in comparison to what may be expected in a short time. For the last five months ending May 31st, five hundred and eleven vessels en-tered Hobson's Bay, amounting to a tonnage of ninety-five thousand three hundred and seventy-two tons, which, in tho same proportion for twelve months, would give two hundred thousand tons annually and, calculating four men for each one hundred tons, shows that eight thou-sand sailors arrive at this port in the space of a year, for whom, at present, there is no provision made for either sickness or accidents. A lengthened conversation ensued, in th» course of which several instances were pointed out of he great benefit conferred upon the ship ping interest, by the establishment of an hospital at various ports named, and all agreed that such would be a great boon here. After some further discussion as to the wording of the re solution, the following was proposed by Captain Beaseley, and seconded by Captain Goss, «That this meeting is convinced of the necessity exist ing for a Seaman's Hospital, at Williams Town; and that a committee be appointed to draw up a menorial to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, respectfully praying, that a sum of money be placed on the Estimate for the en suing year, fur this purposoe ; and that the memorial be given to William Westgarth, Esq. M.L.C. in order to its presentation, -and that the committee accompany Mr Westgarth at the presenting of the said memorial. This proposi tion was carried unanimously, and the following gentlemen were appointed a committee to draw up the memorial: Captain Berzeley (Clifton), Captain Ross (Kashemy), Captain Baker (City of Manchester), Captain Goss (Candahar), Capt Luke (Diana), Captain Nicholson (Calphurnia), Captain Hammach (Cambodia); and for carrying out the above, a meeting is appointed to take place on board the Clifton, this day, at four p.m. A vote of thanks to the Chairman being proposed by Thomas Hunt, Esq, and seconded by A. A. Broadfoot, Esq. the meeting adjourned."
With the increase of commercial and migrant shipping, it was made obvious that seamen needed specific attention. The hospital in Williamstown was the first attempt to provide such service.
argus, seaman's hospital, williamstown, the ship inn, welfare, captain charles ferguson (1813-1868)
Speech made by the Governor of Victoria, Margaret Elaine Gardner, at the Opening of the Maritime Art Prize exhibition on 19 October 2023
governor of victoria, margaret elaine gardner, maritime art prize
255 pages with colour and black and white illustrations; notes, bibliography, index.
non-fiction
Almost hidden within religious buildings, hospitals, school chapels and civic buildings, stained-glass windows tell of Australians at war. Bronwyn Hughes focuses on commemorative stained glass—an overlooked art form—describing its rich artistic and architectural heritage and the artists and firms who created it. Memorial stained glass serves to depict and illuminate the men and women who fought and died for their faith and their country. It has a tragic beauty. The book includes stained glass windows from the St Peter chapel of the Mission to Seafarers.
australian history, ww1, ww2, boer war, vietnam war, stained glass windows, bronwyn hughes
396 pages with colour and black and white illustrations; notes, bibliography, index.
non-fiction
australian history, ships, shipping, clippers
201 pages with black and white illustrations; notes, bibliography, index.
non-fiction
yachties, dominion yachtsmen scheme, royal navy, ww2
In 2000, the Mission to Seamen became the Mission to Seafarers. The Flying Angel flag also evolved and the Bible was removed.
The article on the evolution of the flag salong with the name is historically important.
Magazine
mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, flying angel flag
Charles Emerson Blunt built the motor boat, the Souther Cross for the Mission in 1906 when the workshop was in Geelong.
The Blunt workshop is heritage listed and has Links with the Mission; they visited the Mission in 2019 and depictions of the workshop are often entered at the Maritime Art Prize.
Series of 4 digital photographs depicting the Blunt Boatbuilders workshop in Williamstown, its interior and a portrait of Charles Emerson Blunt.
blunt boatbuilders, williamstown, motor boat, southern cross
Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.