Summary
Typed prayer originally stored within the pages of a black leather bound Bible [Book of Chronicles], which was brought by Mary Ward when she migrated with her family from England to Australia in 1961. The prayer appears to be a benediction and has been altered by hand to change some of the older language, in particular 'thee' has been changed to 'you.'
Part of a large collection of material relating to the migration and settlement of British migrants to Australia in the 1960s under the 'Bring Out a Briton' Scheme. It documents in particular both the migration experiences of James and Mary Ward and their three children who arrived in Melbourne on the 'TSS Stratheden' from Yorkshire in December 1961; and the Burke Road East Malvern Methodist Church's sponsorship of a number of English families, including the Wards, under the Scheme. The Church's support included temporary accommodation for assisted families in a neighbouring house. The 'Bring Out a Briton' Scheme (1957-1982) was part of a Commonwealth Government initiative which offered subsidised ship fares, accommodation and support to encourage migration from the UK to Australia after World War II.
Physical Description
Portion of a sheet of paper, typed text.
Significance
The Ward/Barlow Families collection is of national significance in documenting British assisted migration to Australia post-World War II. The collection provides a comprehensive snapshot from the commencement to completion of a British assisted migration experience and illuminates post-war immigration policies and procedures which favoured British immigration into Australia.
The collection of almost 400 items comprises a unique body of documentation with intersections between personal, community and government narratives that explore British post-World War II assisted migration. It includes photographs, personal correspondence, documents and objects offering a rare glimpse into the role of the Australian and British governments, Methodists Church sponsorship and community engagement in assisting and welcoming British immigrants to Australia. Assisted British migration was a constant theme of Australian immigration history until the early 1980s. Government initiatives such as the 'Bring Out A Briton' scheme had an enormous impact on the composition and size of the Australian population, making the Ward/Barlow collection of broad social and political historical significance.
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from William & Jennifer Barlow, 22 Feb 2012
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Past Owner & User
Mrs Mary H. Ward, Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, England, Great Britain
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Inscriptions
Typed in blue ink, no amendments: 'Let us pray: / O God, the strength of the souls that seek thee; Direct our / thinking, and our speaking, and our hearing, that we may / more fully know thee, and more perfectly love thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.' Typed in blue ink, with hand-written amendments: 'Let us pray: / O God, the strength of all seek you; Direct our / thinking, and our speaking, and our hearing, that we may / more fully know you, and more perfectly love you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.'
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
163 mm (Width), 38 mm (Height)
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Keywords
Migration Schemes, English Immigration, Religions: Methodist, Churches, Community Organisations, Immigrant Voyages, Immigration, Migrants, Religions, Religious Artifacts, Religious Instruction, Religious Symbols, Prayers