The Docks The Missions beginning. In 2006 the Reverend Joe Morgan was in charge of the mission and Mrs. Avril Winpenny was the warden, there are of course many helpers that are very willing volunteers at the mission, unfortunately I only know the name of one Mr. Raymond Preece, who I know mainly from his writings and especially from his efforts in producing his excellent little book "A History and Guide to St.Mary`s Church 1199-1999. On Tuesday 28 March 2006 there was a service of thanksgiving held to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of The Mission to seafarers. The Mission’s story goes back to John Ashley, a young Anglican
clergyman, who in the 1830s,was so moved by the isolation and terrible
conditions in which seafarers lived that he gave up a secure parish appointment
to devote his life to their care, in the years that followed, other individuals
also heard the cry for help from seafarers and were inspired to do similar
work. "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." As the work of the newly formed society gradually spread, first throughout the UK and then to ports around the world, its main aim was the care, of seafarers` and their spiritual welfare. But because of the terrible conditions on board ships it soon became concerned with seafarers` physical well-being, Reading rooms and clubs were opened in ports and the mission was in the forefront of campaigning for improved conditions aboard vessels for crews. Throughout its history the Missions chaplains staff and volunteers have made a profound difference to the lives of seafarers. They have shared with crews the good and the bad times and they have stood alongside them in war and in peace. As they have gone about their daily work on the waterfront they in turn have been upheld by the prayers and support of faithful individuals, parishes, and members of the shipping industry. Many seamen have thanked God for this widespread and diverse group of people who have made the work of The Missions to Seamen, possible in the year 2000,it became “The Misson to Seafarers”. As we look ahead, we pray that all those who work for and support the Mission today will continue to serve seafarers with equal faith and commitment. Ships and ports may have changed since those early years, but many of the difficulties that seafarers face remain the same, such as isolation, separation from home and family, danger and, in some instances, exploitation and poor conditions. This means that the welcome, and friendship and practical and spiritual support offered to seafarers by the Mission to Seafarers is needed today as much as it ever was. There
was a “Sea Sunday” held on the 9th.July 2006. at St Theodore`s
Church in Port Talbot, with a Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the
150th Anniversary of the founding of The Mission to Seafarers combined
with a celebration to mark the 102nd year of the Port Talbot Branch. The sea cadet corp took over the Harbour house and tin shack
when the Mission for Seafarers was relocated at the new outer harbour
and remain there to this day.
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