Men and Women of the Sea
by Rev Todd Meyer, Rector, Mariner’s Church Detroit
This summer we have been building relationships with those who make their living in the ports and along the Detroit River and surrounding lakes. Mariners Church of Detroit was started, of course, for this very purpose in 1842 and we have not yielded from the mission of bringing Christ and His love to those Mariners who work on and near the ports of our great city.
I want to introduce you to some of the people we have met along the way in the last couple of months and the important and dangerous jobs they do. Would you take time to pray for those who are on the sea for months at a time, or work the ports loading and unloading vessels? Here are some of them:
JW Westcott
When vessels come up or down the Detroit River they can receive mail and Amazon packages from a very unique and historic maritime delivery service founded in 1874 by Captain John Ward Westcott, It operates on the Detroit River, in the shadow of the Ambassador Bridge, providing mail, pilot transfers, and supplies to passing cargo ships without requiring them to stop.
This summer I observed both the transfer of mail and of pilots. It’s a harrowing job that requires their small vessel to pull along side the large freighters. Ladders and ropes do the rest, probably very similar to the way it has been done for 150 years.
The Pilots who board these ships are highly trained, able to pilot any type of vessel. From a freighter to a cruise ship, they take over from the captain and bring the vessels through locks, into ports and under our bridges. The governments of Canada and USA require these elite pilots to navigate our narrow waters while the captains take a short break from bing in the open waters.
The Crew
Every ship that we see on the Detroit River has a crew of at least 25-30 sailors. They are from countries all over the world. They serve away from home for 8-9 months at a time, working long shifts day and night. Please pray for the sailors who make it possible for us to have goods delivered to our shores from other places.
The Port
Hardworking local crews labor through 12 hour shifts when boats are in port unloading their cargo. This vessel was in the Detroit port unloading concrete for 4 days. It is during these times that we can come in and begin to meet the needs of the sailors, crew, and port workers. We are able to pray for them and begin to understand this life of the sea and their needs.
In the upcoming months and years, we will begin to share with you opportunities to be involved as the Port Ministry opens up and grows. Starting next month we will be boarding these vessels while in port and learning more about the needs of the sailors, crew, and port hands. We will be able to pray for them, give small items in care packages, and eventually do events (like Christmas parties in November) for the crew. Please join us in praying for the growth and wisdom in this important ministry of Mariners’ Church.
Jesus tells us plainly in maritime language that we are to be “fishers of men.” Mariners’ Church of Detroit has one of the longest histories in our country of serving those who sail. We want to bring comfort and prayer to this community, while at the same time giving hope in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are excited to continue this long tradition and appreciate your support!
Reprinted with permission from Words from the Rector July 31, 2026.
