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Lifeboat Pulpit : Missions to Seamen pulpit in the shape of a ship's prow
Lifeboat Pulpit : Missions to Seamen pulpit in the shape of a ship's prow

Lifeboat Pulpit : Missions to Seamen pulpit in the shape of a ship's prow

Maker (1856 - 2000)
Datec 1928
Object number00054931
NamePulpit
MediumWood
DimensionsOverall: 1780 × 1240 × 1350 mm, 70 kg
ClassificationsCeremonial artefact
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Mission to Seafarers
DescriptionA wooden pulpit constructed to represent the prow of a vessel. This pulpit was known at the Mission to Seafarers as the 'Lifeboat Pulpit', with reference to religious worship and safety at sea. The Mission holds photographs of the pulpit in use from at least the 1920s. A stern pulpit can be found in the Melbourne Mission to Seafarers, dating from 1909 and may be related. The prow pulpit is decorated with wooden scrolls and has a brass rod railing along the top. The original stand or stairs have been removed but the dramatic pulpit remains intact, in very good condition.HistoryThe Mission to Seamen began in 1855 after Rev Dr John Ashley led the way by offering support and spiritual care to mariners in Bristol, England. The Anglican Church took up his work throughout the world by establishing Missions to Seaman in ports across the globe, numbering today around 200. Their role was to support mariners spiritually and grew to offer recreation facilities and practical support such as accommodation, legal advice, and transport and communication facilities. The Mission to Seafarers Victoria has a pulpit representing the stern of a ship in their Mariner Chapel in Melbourne. This pulpit was constructed in 1909. It is unclear if the two pulpits were built in conjunction or in response, but the symetry of the two is undoubtedly signficant.SignificanceThis 'ship's prow pulpit' is an extremely rare and unique example of such pulpits. It is highly signficant as wonderfully preserved example of a time when religion was preached to sailors for their spiritual guidance and temperance from the metaphorical 'life boat' pulpit.