Mariners' Church foundation stone 1844 : Sydney Bethel Union

Date1844

Object number00054930

NameFoundation stone

MediumStone

DimensionsOverall: 610 × 1300 × 200 mm, 280 kg

ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Mission to Seafarers

Terms

DescriptionFoundation stone for the Mariners' Church, 1844. This large single piece of sandstone was recovered from the original Mariners' Church built in Erskine Street, East Darling Harbour, in 1844. The stone has carrved text on it and some sections of bordering and lettering painted in light blue. The text reads; Mariner's Church /erected AD 1844/Because the abundance of the sea/shall be converted unto thee/ (sic) Under the border another section of text reads; Wells Art / LX Isaiah V verse HistoryThe site of the Rawson Institute for Seamen is close to the original foreshore of Sydney Cove at the foot of The Rocks, an area which became the early focus of maritime activity in the colony. A Mariners Church was established on the site in 1859. It was built and run by the Bethel Union who advocated and provided for the well-being of seamen. In 1895 the Missions for Seamen took over the lease and running of the Mariners Church. In 1906 it was clear that the space was no longer adequate and suggestions were proposed for the expansion of services and facilities at the site. New South Wales Govenor Harry Rawson, an ex seaman, advocated the proposal and in 1909 laid the foundation stone for the extensions: "The foundation plaque was laid by Governor Rawson, and the enlarged and remodelled building, which became the Rawson Institute for Seamen, was opened by the new governor, Lord Chelmsford, on 21 December 1910. The extensions, enveloping the Mariners' Church, made it virtually unrecognisable. The pitched roof of the chapel, and its fine parapeted pediments, were taken off and another storey was added. The entrance porch, which had been constructed over the George Street entrance, was replaced by the new entrance and other additions built to the street boundary on the west. More rooms were added on the south side. The former chapel was converted into a recreation hall. The posts and floor joists of the gallery were removed, and the oeil-de-boeuf windows on the west side were filled in. The new main stair and landings were constructed in reinforced concrete, an early example of the use of this material. The exterior design of the three-storey George Street façade was dominated by a segmental pediment. The Free Classical composition embodied references to Bibb's original design. The name RAWSON INSTITUTE FOR SEAMEN appeared in modelled letters on both west and east fronts. The activities of the enlarged Institute expanded." SignificanceThis foundation stone is a unique remnant of early efforts to establish a church specifically for the religious benefit of sailors, and for their material comfort on shore. As such it is an important and rare example of the long history of religious efforts to support sailors spiritually and physically while in port.