The Rocks, Rawson Institute for Seamen
This view of the Rawson Institute for Seamen, formerly the Mariner's Church, at The Rocks is from Circuar Quay West. The original Mariners' Church building in George Street was designed by John Bibb in the Victorian Free Classical style in temple form and built in 1859. Alterations were designed by William Kent in Federation Free Classical style in 1909. A new chapel was built in the Inter-War Mediterranean or Romanesque style In 1927. The Bethel Union, which built the original church was involved in missionary activity among seamen. They leased the Mariners' Church to the Missions to Seamen in 1835, creating a mission for neglected seamen. The complex included accommodation, a hall for concerts and dining, smoking rooms, a library and a gymnasium. The two organisations combined functions and after Sir Henry Rawson instigated extensions which were carried out in 1910, the complex was renamed The Rawson Institute for Seamen. These days the complex is a gallery.
Really nice! I had never seen it.
ReplyDeleteI am glad someone was looking after the welfare of seamen in the 1850s, otherwise they may have ended up drinking or groping women in Sydney!!!! What an amazing exterior.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful building and with a very interesting history. Great post and photo as always. Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Jim, what an eclectic set of buildings right next to each other. Despite what Hels writes, I'd bet the sailors were out groping anyway. :-D
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing old historical building.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful building, leaves one impressed, that everything looks so good in your city. Please have a good Tuesday.
ReplyDeletedaily athens
That area is a terrific part of Sydney for photography, Jim. Some of the details of that building come up well, too.
ReplyDeleteWhere I am today in McElhone park in Elizabeth Bay is just a short walk from where I live. I am going down there a few more times in the next two weeks to document more of the unique ambience of high density life on the harbour.
pretty facade. fancy seeing the palms trees in the front.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful building, thanks for sharing its history.
ReplyDeleteYou always show such interesting stuff, good work.
ReplyDeleteA very beautiful place!
ReplyDeleteI like the tropical colors of the architecture - but, I'd think it would be blue instead!
ReplyDeleteThat's a very interesting mix of styles.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting My World ! Great building.
ReplyDeleteimpressive!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful architecture.
ReplyDeletei keep thinking of Middle East when i look at this photo. it looks Mediterranean to me.:p
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this beautiful architecture photo
ReplyDeleteHave a nice week,
Greetings, Bram
My Word Tuesday post
Seen on My World Tuesday
a beautiful city....
ReplyDeleteregards
Interesting building and good light!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful building and history.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy great week.
Beautiful photo and history of the building.
ReplyDeleteHas the building been renovated recently? The sandstone looks so clean. It is a pretty building with a nice history.
ReplyDeletethis building is impressive and beautiful! thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBye !!
Lovely buildings
ReplyDeleteJossie, I know that they did some restoration work back in the 1980s and again in the 1990s. There is also a different colour scheme from what I have seen in some other photos, so there could have been more work done on it recently.
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing these buildings of a Sydney I don't know. The places I saw where interesting enough for tourists. You show the places I also should like to see.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Such a great building:)
ReplyDeleteGreetings froma Argentina
Elisa
Very nice building. Look very clean and neat.
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing this building when my young brother and I visited Australia in 1982. We wondered what an institute for seamen might be, but were on a tight travel schedule so couldn't take time to investigate.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting on my blog, too.
Kay
Alberta, Canada
JBar: What a wonderful place to use for worthy people.
ReplyDeletemagnifique immeuble.
ReplyDeletean interesting building. Great shot!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting seeing the different styles side by side.
ReplyDelete