Seafarer's Friend is an industrial ministry to persons who work on the seas. It continues the ministry of the Boston Seaman's Friend Society, founded in 1827 by a group of Congregational ministers meeting in the vestry of a Boston church. The Society's new name, Seafarer's Friend, and logo were adopted in 1998 to more accurately reflect its ministry to all the men and women in the maritime industry. Although the new name and logo are used for all operational activities and publications, the society retains its historic legal name.

Society chaplains and volunteers serve seafarers aboard ships that call in New England ports, and provide education to seafarers in Martha's vineyard. The society's headquarters at 45 Church Street in Boston houses its executive offices, meeting rooms, a few dormitory rooms, chapel, library, kitchen and recreation room. Branches are located in Portland, Maine; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and on Martha's vineyard. In addition to welcoming seafarers, Society volunteers and chaplains provide spiritual counsel and encouragement, offer Bibles and testaments, support seafarers in need, help seafarers who wish to communicate with their families, provide shore transportation, and share magazines and newspapers for crews to use while they are at sea. When disputes between seafarers and others arise, the society assists in solving them in a fair and equitable manner through industry, union, and governmental contacts and the Center for Seafarers' Rights in New York.

In addition to financial support through mission giving, personal grooming items, writing materials, games, puzzles, books and other items that NA churches send are included in gift bags that chaplains and volunteers share with seafarers on board ships. Seafarers who are served appreciate all the support they receive.

If you or a group within your congregation is interested in the history of and directions for assembling ditty bags as a mission project for Seafarers' Friend, please contact Ruth Mahnke at the NA office.

I want to make a contribution to the work of this mission!