This year’s Mariners’ Service from St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Point Edward will again be offered online instead of in person.
The service has been an annual tradition in recent decades at the church, which is connected historically to shipping on the Great Lakes, but last year’s version was moved online because of COVID-19 public-health restrictions.
This year’s service will also be online, and plans are to make it available Sunday, beginning at 7 am
Ontario just recently lifted some public-health measures, including indoor capacity limits, but Archdeacon Kristen Aikman said physical-distancing requirements when the decision about this year’s service was made would have limiting attendance to only 42 people.
“We would be turning people away, and I can’t do that,” she said. “I can’t imagine saying, ‘No, you can’t come to church today.’”
The Mariners’ Service “was actually the very last service we had before everything was shut down in 2020,” she said.
St. Paul’s marks its distinction as a mariners’ church on its front sign, in a stained glass window next to the main entrance, and with marine artifacts and ships models, as well as nautical-themed paintings and artwork throughout.
“We’ve always been the mariners’ church, and we’ve always prayed for the mariners and those who live their lives on the water,” Aikman said.
“It’s important to make sure everyone knows they’re loved and they’re cared for, and we’re hoping for the best for them,” she added. “It’s a dangerous occupation.”
Built in 1868, the church originally stood at the corner of Livingston and Victoria streets in Point Edward, where its tin steeple reflected light from the Fort Gratiot lighthouse and helped guide ships from Lake Huron into the St. Clair River.
In 1902, the building was moved to Michigan Avenue, but the church maintained its traditional connection to mariners.
Each year, on the first Sunday in March, the church marks the start of the shipping season with a service celebrating those who go to sea.
Traditionally, members of the local sea cadets and others from the mariners’ community join the St. Paul’s congregation at the service, which includes receiving of “the colours,” followed by breakfast in the church hall.
This year’s online service will feature guest speaker Arnold Vanderhelm. He is a volunteer driver with the St. Clair Region of the Mission to Seafarers.
“He has some stories about the different ships that have docked in our area and people that have received help from that organization,” Aikman said.
“I’ve also engaged the folks at the All Saints Anglican Church, and they’ve provided us with some music. They pre-recorded it for us, and we’re very grateful.”
Aikman said church members are hopeful they can return to hosting the mariner’s service in person in 2023.
Links to this year’s virtual service will be posted Sunday morning on the church website, www.stpaulspointedward.comFacebook page, www.facebook.com/stpaulspointedwardand Youtube channelshe said.