The Mariners’ Service has been held every year since 1934, usually on the Sunday nearest to Trafalgar Day (21^st October), the anniversary of the great naval battle of Trafalgar fought in 1805.

It grew out of Battery Point’s connections with the maritime community.  Back in the 1830’s, when St George’s was built, Battery Point was home to master mariners, shipwrights, seamen, fishermen, shipping agents and many others who worked in the ships and on the wharves.  The church tower of St George’s has been a landmark for sailors since 1847.

Today, St George’s is known as the Mariners’ Church and the annual Mariners’ Service celebrates these traditional and modern day links by bringing the community together to honour all who go down to the sea in ships - naval ships, commercial vessels, fishing-boats and leisure-time craft - and to pray for their safety.

It’s a colourful occasion, with the flags of many shipping lines carried in procession, and the uniforms of RAN personnel adding to the nautical theme of the ceremonial.  A unique feature is the singing of a beautiful hymn specially written for the Mariners’ Service in 1978 by well-known Tasmanian poet, the late Gwen Harwood.  Of course we also sing the seafarers’ hymn “Eternal Father, strong to save” (Melita).

The 73rd Annual Mariners’ Service was held on Sunday 21^st October 2007 (Trafalgar Day).  We are already looking forward to the next Mariners' Service and will shortly be publishing the date on this site. If you would like to know more, or would like to take part, please contact us!
You can email Rev’d John Langlois on john@joymediacreations.com