ANNUAL MARINERS’ SERVICE 2025
ST. PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, POINT EDWARD
The Annual Mariners’ Service at historic St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Point Edward will be held this year on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. The interfaith service is held each year before the beginning of the navigation season on the Great Lakes..
St. Paul’s is often called the Sailors’ Church because from 1868 until 1902 it was on the corner of Livingston and Victoria streets in Point Edward. Its tall tin steeple would reflect the light from Fort Gratiot lighthouse in Port Huron, Michigan and assist in guiding ships from Lake Huron into the St. Clair River. The Church was moved to its present location at 210 Michigan Avenue in Point Edward in 1902.
A large number of visitors come to join in the service to pay tribute to the role ships and shipping has played in the life of our community. It is also a memorial to the bravery of those who battled the elements of nature and who, in some instances, were lost on the lakes along with their ships.
On display in our newly organized Heritage Room are numerous items and artifacts associated with marine history on the Great Lakes. The Heritage Room will be open for viewing during a social hour and refreshments after the Service. Also housed in the Church are the retired colours of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Our Guest Speaker will be Lieutenant Commander Rodney Turcotte (Retired). We will be blessing the colours of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.