Some went down to the sea in ships,
and plied their trade in deep waters;
They beheld the works of the Lord
and his wonders in the deep.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his mercy
and the wonders he does for his children.
In churches and mariners' halls around the Great Lakes they gather this time of year – the sailors and officers, the captains and crews, dockworkers and owners, families and neighbours.
They gather to give thanks. They gather to ask for guidance and blessings.
They gather for support in facing the uncharted waters of the shipping season to come.
In Owen Sound today they gathered at St. George's Anglican Chruch, joined by the congregation, for the 30th Annual Mariners' Service and Blessing of the Great Lakes Fleet.
Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage
To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea;
Tracing one warm line through a land so wide and savage
And make a Northwest Passage to the sea.
~ Stan Rogers
More than 100 were in the pews for the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday, Feb. 26.
The Reverend Mark Loyal officiated, his well-received homily featuring a fishing story that elegantly dove into the serious business at hand.
The classic Canadian sea shanty – Stan Rogers' Northwest Passage – was shared with the enthusiastic congregation by an a cappella consort of International Shipmasters' Association members.
Captain Scott Reynolds read A Litany For Seafarers; Captain Ray Schremph read from Moby Dick and Mark 13:35; Captain Thomas Foster read lines from Psalm 107; Captain Peter Klaassen read some Shakespeare – Ariel's Song from The Tempest.
Cadet Erin Carey led the Mariners, congregation and guests in the Mariner's Prayer after the morning's service began with Captain Seann O'Donougue offering the Prayer Of Approach:
By coracle and canoe,
By sailing barque and container ship,
The countries of the world have come to know each other.
Lord, we bless you.
– by Hub staff
David Galway
