In 1968 three ministers (Rev. Taft Lyon, Presbyterian; Rev. Sam Duree, United Methodist; and Rev. Rivers Patout, Roman Catholic) who were working together in an ecumenical venture, caught a vision of the need of the seamen. They asked around and found that there had been several fruitless efforts to start a center, but nothing lasting had resulted. They heard about this secular group which included many well known Houston names such as Howard Tellepsen and Jane Blaffer Owen and contacted them. This was the beginning of a unique coalition that was to bring to existence a “one of a kind” service to the seafarers that come to the Port of Houston.
This nucleus of three ministers formed a committee known as the “Committee on Ministry to International Seamen, Port of Houston.” From these three men with a dream, a ministry was formed that included eleven denominations and their participating congregations.
While the center is supported by the business and the maritime community, each ministry must be supported by its own churches and synagogues. The Presbyterians receive some support from the Presbytery, but most of the support comes from the churches. St. John’s helps support this ministry through our Outreach budget.
WHY MARITIME MINISTRY?
Maritime ministry is a service to all seafarers based on Christian principles of compassion, hospitality, service and love. It takes on many forms, from providing guidance and counsel to trips to stores for toiletries and clothing, a Bible in one’s own language or reading material. It is a willing ear, and an open heart. It is a telephone card, a computer connection, a van, or just a quiet place. It is a voice for a seafarer who cannot find his own. It is foreign mission in our backyard.
— George Dobbin, St. John’s liason to International Seafarer’s Ministry
