The Charleston Port and Seafarers' Society

Just as in Jesus' time, one of the most dangerous professions today is that of a seaman. To place oneself upon the ocean, even in the largest vessel, is to be at the mercy of one of the most savage elements on the planet. It was no accident that seafarers were among those chosen as Jesus' disciples. They knew the risks and the perils. And they knew about depending on God and on one another.

Just as Jesus had a heart for seafarers, so did Harriott Pinkney. She was the second cousin of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, the third Rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC. From the window of her waterfront house, Ms. Pinckney could see the seafarers pass by and conceived the idea of doing something to improve the plight of their condition.

Ms. Pinckney bequeathed land in Charleston for "a church building for the worship of God...the seats of such church to be appropriated to the free use of seamen frequenting the Port of Charleston." This dream became a reality when the Mariners' Chapel was established in 1821.

In 1916, on the 50th anniversary of Ms. Pinckney's death, the Charleston Port Society had amassed sufficient funds to erect two buildings...The Church of the Redeemer Chapel and The Harriott Pinckney Home for Seamen. Both were under the leadership of the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina. 

By the late 1950's, the time in port for most ships changed from several days to only 6-12 hours, no longer necessitating a home for seafarers. The dock downtown was passed by in favor of newer terminals making it difficult for seafarers to get to the chapel. In 1964 the trustees and the Diocese of South Carolina were forced to sell the buildings in order to salvage the assets.

Throughout the ensuing decade, the Diocese and Trustees served as faithful stewards of the funds derived from both Ms. Pinckney's bequest and the Charleston Port Society. During this period, several maritime ministries emerged on Charleston's waterfront, including the British International Seafarers Society (until 2001) and the International Seafarers Ministry.

In response to a vacuum of maritime ministry in the Port of Charleston, in October 2001, a group of citizens formed the Charleston Port and Seafarers' Society (ChaPSS) as a non-profit 501C3 ecumenical, Christian organization. ChaPSS, in cooperation with the Diocese of South Carolina and other partners, has become a needed and welcome conduit for maritime ministry in Charleston.

In 2006, the Sefarers' Center was moved right onto the dock of the Wando-Welch Terminal in Mt. Pleasant. This provides a center within walking distance from the ships, for the seafarers to access telephones and computers with free Internet access. In addition, two 14-passenger vans have been acquired to provide transportation to the seamen at the Wando-Welch Terminal seven days a week. ChaPSS partners with ISM to provide services at the Columbus Street Terminal and we assist with the North Charleston Terminal on the weekends as well.

Ministry to the seafarers is crucial. These seamen spend months away from their homes and families, traveling from place to place with great sacrifice...and for the benefit of our world economy. A friendly smile and the chance to talk to a caring individual can make them feel a little less lonely and less alienated form the community ashore.

Written by Len Williams, Director and Chaplain of ChaPSS