The
Seamen's Church of Philadelphia
and
St. Peter's Church in the Great Valley
At the Seamen's Center, located at 475 North Fifth Street in Philadelphia, seafarers can call home, post mail, shop for reasonably-priced supplies and souvenirs at the Ship's Store, and converse with fellow seafarers, staff and volunteers. Sailors can relax and enjoy a variety of activities; browse through the free donated clothing, and the religious and current events periodicals and paperback book exchange; and, if they wish, participate in evening worship at the Center. In addition, SCI arranges for transport to places of worship of choice in the community, as well as ship-board prayers sessions, bible study groups, and offers Bibles in 30 languages.
To get a better look at the new, modern Seamen's Center, click on the thumbnails below:
Jack Mudge, C.O.O. of SCI, reads the legend of the rigged ship model in the new lobby of the Seamen's Center
The "ship's store" located within the Center where seafarers can affordably purchase personal supplies and souvenirs from The City of Brotherly Love.
Jack Mudge and Lloyd Reynolds visit the "game area" complete with foozball and pool tables.
A "lending library" of books and video cassettes enable seafarers to select choices for their long journeys, and if possible return those or other selections when next in Philadelphia.
A large screen TV, and plenty of movie selections, provide a place to just "hang out".
A number of computer work stations offer seafarers email connections with home, and computer access to news and events from their home country in their own tongue.
Another perspective of the computer work stations available for free use by all seafaring visitors.
Jack and Lloyd inspect the well-stocked refrigerator, part of the kitchen and lounge facility available to all.
Literally 1000s of donated garments are available for visiting seafarers to select and take with them literally to the four corners of the earth.
Another view of the wide array of clothing available without cost to visiting seafarers, many of whom send almost all of their wages to their families leaving little for their own needs.
The very popular "call center" where seafarers can "phone home".
St. Peter's volunteer support to SCI dates back to World War II. In the past two years our parishioners made four visits to ships in the Port of Philadelphia. To better understand our role in supporting the Institute and its mission to seafarers, click below to review each of these visits:
In addition, St. Peter's parishioners were generous in their financial support to SCI. Our 2003 Silent Auction enabled a generous financial contribution which was much appreciated. In 2004, St. Peter's parishioners donated scores of hats, gloves, and other warm garments for the seamen. The 1st Annual Seamen's Church Institute Golf Outing last October raised almost $4000 net for SCI after expenses. On September 22, 2005, St. Peter's will again participate in this fundraiser.
