Seafarers Society Celebrates 100 Years

In today’s world, the MP3 player, the mobile and the laptop consume us all, Yet we are unaware about who brings these to our shores: the seafarer.

Most are equally unaware of the people who minister to those people. Since 1906, the Mission to Seafarers has provided homely atmosphere and companionship for Seafarers who spend time at sea, often thousands of miles from home in very trying conditions. The mission is in the business of assisting the Seafarer under stress, facing hardship, danger and isolation from their families and loved ones.

This Sunday, the Mission to Seafarers celebrates its 100th anniversary with a service at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell. The service starts at 11.15am and we hope to pack the cathedral out to support the cause: such important guests as The Hon Judith Tizard MP (representing herself and the Prime Minister), The Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright, PCNZM, DBE. And the Bishop of Auckland the Right Reverend John Paterson.

The Mission to Seafarers Society Chairperson Captain Christopher says all are welcome to attend the service.

The organisation is made up of people who possess box loads of compassion and generosity. People like Pat Baker and Fay Giles. Pat turns 80 this week; she’s been volunteering here at the Mission for 24 years. Fay is 77 and has been doing the same since 1944. Fay and Pat’s commitment is one of personal sacrifice to the needs of the Seafarer, and they just keep coming back. Pat Baker says: “Most retirees retire at this point, however there’s no one to take her place”. (Fortunately, there are a few younger people coming through the ranks: Michael Daysh has just starting out with volunteer efforts, learning about real compassion and generosity.)

The seafarers mission has been looking after seafarers for a century now; we plan to continue for at least another 100 years. Come celebrate with us.

List of confirmed guests attending

THE Governor General The Hon Judith Tizard MP representing herself and the Prime Minister The Hon.Dr Richard Worth MP The Hon.Dr Wayne Mapp MP Sir Paul & Lady Reeves The Commanding Officer HMNZS Philomell The Auckland Branch of Master Mariners The Merchant Navy Association The UK Wrens The NZ Wrens The Submariners Association The Cadets of TS Achilles Various other Maritime Youth Groups The Society of St.Francis The Church of St.James Ports of Auckland Various Shipping and Ship Agencies The NZ Maritime School The Mission to Seafarers (Marsden Point) The congregation of Holy Trinity Cathedral

ENDS

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