58th Annual Blessing of the Fleet

Mariners' Church of Detroit
March 13, 2022

The 58th annual Blessing of the Fleet was held on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at Mariners' Church in downtown Detroit. The ISMA was represented by numerous members from the Grand Lodge and several member lodges. Representing the Grand Lodge were: Grand President Bill Rabatsky of Cleveland Lodge No. 4; Grand 1st Vice President Luke Clyburn, Grand Secretary-Treasurer Brian Eickel and Grand Lodge Historian Paul Jagenow of Detroit Lodge No. 7; PGPs Joe Ruch and George Haynes of Port Huron Lodge No. 2, PGP Lee Barnhill of Northeast Michigan Lodge No. 19 and PGPs Ray Sheldon and Mark Mather of Grand Traverse Lodge No. 23. Other ISMA members participating in the honor guard during the service included Jay Downen, Mike Nall, Ray Oset, Scott Reynolds, John Sarns, Jim Semerad, Scott Skrzypczak and Chris Stevens of Detroit Lodge No. 7; Roger Hewlett of Port Huron Lodge No. 2; Aaron Burnett of Cleveland Lodge No. 4; Thomas Foster of Georgian Bay-Huronia Lodge No. 15; Patrick Hart of Northeast Michigan Lodge No. 19; and Admiral Jerry Achenbach of Northeast Michigan Lodge No. 23.

Captain Roger Hewlett of Port Huron Lodge No. 2 was the recipient of this year's Lewis Ludington Award. During the presentation ceremony, Fr. Jeffrey Hubbard represented Mariners' Church Scott Reynolds of Detroit Lodge No. 7, served as reader of the recipient's biography and Jeremiah Ludington III represented the Ludington family. Bell ringers, including Ray Sheldon, John Sarns and Scott Skrzypczak, rang the Octorara bell as names of departed mariners during the past year were read by necrologist Kathy McGraw of Detroit Lodge No. 7. Lt. Col. Scott Katalenich of the Detroit District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rang the bell for military personnel who have given their lives in service to the nation. PGP Joe Ruch, Grand President William Rabatsky, Thomas Foster and Luke Clyburn presented the wreaths representing the maritime dangers of Storm, Reef, Fire and Collision. Brian Eickel, Chris Stevens, Jay Downen and Mike Nall served as receivers during the presentation of flags. Rector of Mariners' Church Jeffrey Hubbard officiated at the service, assisted by Deacon Frank Bateman and Acolyte Joseph Mastripolito. Fr. Hubbard, Deacon Bateman and Acolyte Mastripolito are also members of Detroit Lodge No. 7.

The Capt. Lewis Ludington Award was established by the Ludington Family and Mariners’ Church in 1994. Over the years some 88 Shipmasters have been recognized for their contributions to the maritime industry on the Great Lakes. Detroit Lodge No. 7 has been honored to have a role in the selection process.

(click on photos to enlarge, and for additional description)

Church Altar	Rector Jeffrey Hubbard	Scott Reynolds reads Roger Hewlett's biography	Fr. Hubbard, Scott Reynolds, Roger Hewlett and Jeremiah Ludington III
Scott Skrzypczak prepares to ring the Octorara bell	Honor Guard on the altar	John Sarns rings the Octorara bell	Thomas Foster, Joe Ruch, Bill Rabatsky and Luke Clyburn
Kathy McGraw reads names of departed mariners	Lt. Col. Scott Katalenich rings the Octorara bell	right side portion of the honor guard	Honor Guard on the altar
presentation of new pennant of Detroit Lodge No. 7	presentation of Bill Rabatsky's Grand President flag	PGP Ray Sheldon presents flags of Soo Locks Boat Tours and S/S Wilfred Sykes	Scott Reynolds presents the flag of the City of Detroit
presentation of the traditional pennant of Detroit Lodge No. 7	presentation of Joe Mastripolito's personal ISMA pennant	presentation of Brian Eickel's personal pennant	presentation of the official flag of Mariners' Church
recessional at the end of the service - acolyte Joe Mastripolito followed by Deacon Frank Bateman	recessional at the end of the service - Rector Jeffrey Hubbard

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