Volume Nine - Pre-Victorian to the present day - even more aspects - The Missions to Seamen at Penarth . . .

1898 - Mission Work in the Bristol Channel - Launch of a New Steamer. - 'Saturday marked an epoch in the history of the Missions to Seamen in the Bristol Channel, for the new mission steamer 'Eirene' was launched from Penarth Slipway in the presence of over a thousand spectators, including many of the most influential inhabitants of the district. For the past few years the energetic channel chaplain, the Rev. C. W. H. Browne, of Penarth, has been carrying on the good work from a sailing vessel. The need of a steamer has been felt for a long time, for this "parish of the sea" is a large one, extending as it does from Newport to the sea-girt Lundy, and from Caldy Island to Hartland Point.

The dimensions of the new boat are : - Length, 75 feet B.P. ; overall, 80 feet ; beam, 15 feet ; moulded depth, 9 feet. She is propelled by compound surface condensing engines, having cylinders 12 by 24 inch and a stroke of 18 inches, with a working pressure of 100 lbs. per square inch. The crew's quarters are aft, and are very spacious, fitted up for four men. Forward there is a saloon, which is so constructed that by removal of the tables the whole room is available for Devine services or for meetings of a social character. Necessary arrangements have also been made for the celebration on board of the Holy Communion. Amidships she has bunker accommodation for 15 tons of coal. Accommodation is also made for the chaplain, who will reside on board, consisting of chartroom on deck, and below three cabins, pantry and saloon, as described above. There is one of Couve's patent wave subduers, fitted with patent steam windlass, by Reed and Co. She is build under Lloyd's and Board of Trade supervision, fully equipped with boats, &c. She is very strongly constructed to meet all weathers in the Channel. The vessel is divided into four watertight spaces by three bulkheads. She is elaborately fitted throughout.

The guests invited to the launch inspected the vessel, and were entertained to tea in a large carpenters' shed. Here speeches were made by the chaplain, who referred to the origin of the Missions to Seamen's Institute, and also to the scheme for building the 'Eirene'. The first subscription to the 'Eirene' was received on the 26th January, 1895, since which, notwithstanding great difficulties caused by the severity of winter weather, stoppage of iron and other industries, the rise in the price of all shipping materials, and the great drain made on the charity of benevolent givers during the Diamond Jubilee year, the whole sum needed for the purchase of the vessel has been subscribed, and she would be launched free of debt.