"Father, how do the islanders get to the church ?" Over 160 years ago, a boy's question led his clergyman father John Ashley to meet the fishermen and farmers of Steep Holm and Flat Holm in the Bristol Channel on the south west coast of England. From that boy's question flowed the work of the Missions to Seamen, later to be renamed the Mission to Seafarers. Now that ministry is world-wide and expanding. In 1858 the Mission adopted an angel as it's sign, inspired by a verse from the Book of Revelation "Then I saw an angel flying in mid-heaven with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those on earth, to every nation and tribe, language and people."

The Mission to Seafarers is an Anglican society, yet it works with members of other church traditions. It serves seafarers of all races and creeds through a network of full and part-time chaplains, staff and voluntary helpers in over 300 ports around the world.

The Mission to Seafarers in Northern Ireland

In March 1860 the first steps were taken to provide an official ministry in Belfast Lough. A new Scripture Reader, Mr Gilpin, arrived to work with the newly appointed Honorary Chaplain, The Revd E T Roe. Records show that work had been in progress for a few years, but this was very limited. However, some were enthusiastic that the new society, The Missions to Seamen, should begin a service on Belfast Lough.

The Scripture Reader records that the Revd S Philips became the first permanent chaplain, to be succeeded in 1882 by the Revd M Beattie. By now the society had purchased the first of three launches "Primrose" which sank in 1883, with the chaplain on board just off Hollywood, County Down. Thankfully all were rescued. One of the longest serving chaplains the Revd J Brice Coates 1899 - 1917 kept a detailed record of his work on the second Mission launch "Conway R Dobbs" and mentions visiting sailing ships in Carrickfergus, Bangor, Donaghadee and Larne. He also recalls that in the summer months the little steamer went to Portrush, Ballycastle, Rathlin and even to the Foyle on the north coast, while visits were also made to Portaferry and Rostrevor on the County Down coast.

The last mission steamer to work in Belfast was "Faith" but as sail diminished with steam her use became less necessary, and the Missions to Seamen began to look for premises ashore. In 1913 rooms were opened in Queens Square for use by seafarers.

The Move Ashore

By 1919 the society needed more space and moved to the Mariners' Church and remained there until a more permanent building was purchased on Donegall Quay in 1927. This centre became very well known until new demands in the post-war maritime industry required a fresh service of Christian care to the new breed of seafarer. In 1956 The Missions to Seamen was to move to a modern purpose built centre in Corporation Street.

Wartime Work

When World War 2 broke out, a second centre was opened in Pollock Basin. Under the leadership of Mrs Stephens this small centre was manned by 800 volunteers 24 hours a day during wartime and welcomed many distinguished visitors including H M King George and Queen Elizabeth. The Pollock Dock club is said to have served nearly 2 million meals during wartime but it also served as an immigration centre for sailors waiting to return home. Meanwhile the work at Donegall Quay continued.

The Centenary Mission.

Following the conflicts of war, there was a real need to let the Missions to Seamen in Belfast move on, Under the leadership of the Revd J E C Lawler and then the Revd E J B Matchett, a new centre was opened by H R H the Duke of Edinburgh on the centenary of the society.

Evolution

Having secured the new centre The Revd E J B Matchett left Belfast for New Zealand to be replaced by the Revd J D Parker. By now a further change within the shipping industry forced those responsible to review how best Corporation Street could service these new nationalities of seafarers.

Only 12 years after its completion it became necessary to make major alterations to the centre with seafarers now coming from many different countries. This period also perceived the dawn of new ship design, boxed cargoes, more efficient handling services and the demise of western shipping and crews.

In 1975 The Revd Parker moved to the Port of Vancouver as Chaplain. He was succeeded by the Revd R Henderson and later in 1977 by the Revd C D J Goddard, formerly Curate Assistant at
St Molua's Church Stormont, who had joined the Society as Assistant Chaplain.

Challenges before Growth

By the late 1970s and early 1980s the Belfast Mission was to experience problems as the movement of ships further down the River Lagan saw a decline in the usage of the centre by seafarers. Also, a general deterioration of the area around the centre led to an increase in vandalism and crime.

The determination and resolve of the Local Committee led them in February 1987 to proceed with plans to build a new "Flying Angel Centre". With a prime site location and kind encouragement from the Harbour Authorities, the present centre was completed in 1988 and opened by HRH The Princess Royal, President of the Missions to Seamen. An extension was added in 1992.

In recognition of the changes that had occurred in the merchant services and in the world of seafaring the name of the Missions to Seamen was changed to The Mission to Seafarers in 2000.

The prayers of Christians throughout the world are asked for seafarers and those who minister to them. They face danger, loneliness and separation from their loved ones for months at a time. They depend on the Mission to Seafarers.

For Seafarers

Lord God, we depend on you for life itself. We depend on seafarers for many of our daily needs. Watch over them, keep them from danger, befriend them in loneliness, and bring them safely home to those they love.

For those who care for seafarers

God, we ask your blessing on all who care seafarers. Strengthen them when the hours are long. Uphold them when the work is hard. And grant them the vision to see in those they serve, the likeness of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

The Mission to Seafarers
St Michael Paternoster Royal
College Hill
London EC4R 2RL
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7248 4761