St Peter, the Mariner Chapel

The chapel is a common place for prayer and mediation for seafarers of all faiths and religions. Whilst most of the complex was built in the Arts and Crafts Style, the chapel and the adjoining courtyard are possibly the first example of the Spanish Mission Style in Victoria. The Mission’s chapel reflects this style in its rough-hewn timber trusses, its bell tower with its pinnacles and turret surmounted by a rustic cross, and the monastic courtyard.

Inside, the chapel is notable for its fine collection of crafted joinery by renowned Melbourne architects Robert Howard Alsop, including the altar and pulpit in the form of a ship’s poop,  and William Scott Purves Godfrey who designed the sanctuary chairs carved with Australian flora motifs by a lady from the Guild, Gladys Hawkey.

The fine stained glass windows commemorate seafarers lost at sea, and two windows at the rear of the chapel depict the President and Secretary of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild. The Chapel is open daily for prayer and meditation and may also be used for celebrations and memorials.