Friday, May 11, 2012

the 'Doulos' in Wellington, 2008


This steam ship was built over 1911-12 for the American coastal patrol services.She later became a liner with several companies before another conversion to a motor ship and eventually became Doulos, a floating Christian ship with 170 voluntary crew and a huge library which funded their voyages through book sales - Bibles and other Christian related literature - in places that many ships would never venture.

In 2008 she made her last good will voyages to the Pacific and visited Wellington. The painting by Wallace Trickett shows her about to depart, one of the world's oldest pasenger vessels, and probably the world's oldest ocean going, built just before the Titanic.

The original painting was bought by the company who owned Doulos and thousands of prints were produced for sale on board by her crew. The ship was withdrawn from service in 2010 and it was hoped to preserve her. The world recession put that in doubt, however it is thought she may be converted again to a smaller version for private cruises. This is a an amazing vessel.

The original painting was on the ship for the last voyage and now hangs in Hamburg.

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