59th Annual Blessing of the Fleet at Mariners' Church of Detroit

The 59th annual Blessing of the Fleet was held on Sunday, March 12, 2023 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 Luke Clyburn of Detroit Lodge No. 7; Grand Secretary-Treasurer Thomas Foster of Georgian Bay-Huronia Lodge No. 15;
Grand Marshall Scott Reynolds, Grand Warden Rick Scott, Grand Sentinel Ken Suddick and Grand Lodge Historian Paul Jagenow of Detroit Lodge No. 7; PGPs John Biolchini and Lee Barnhill of Northeast Michigan Lodge No. 19; and PGP Mark Mather of Grand Traverse Lodge No. 23. Other ISMA members participating in the honor guard during the service included Sam Buchanan, Brian Eickel, Bill Griffore, Jeff Haeseker, Mike Nall, Ray Oset, Randy Pagel, Jim Semerad, Chris Stevens and Roy Werth of Detroit Lodge No. 7; Roger Hewlett of Port Huron Lodge No. 2; and Aaron Burnett of Cleveland Lodge No. 4.

Captain Mark Mather of Grand Traverse Lodge No. 23 and Capt. Ken Gerasimos of Twin Ports Lodge No. 12 were recipients of this year's Lewis Ludington Award. During the presentation ceremony, Rev. Deacon Frank Bateman represented Mariners' Church, Scott Reynolds of Detroit Lodge No. 7 served as reader of the recipients' biographies and Jeremiah Ludington III represented the Ludington family. Bell ringers (Roy Werth, and Ken Suddick of Detroit Lodge No. 7 and Roger Hewlett of Port Huron Lodge No. 2), rang the Octorara bell as names of departed mariners during the past year were read by necrologist Kathy McGraw of Detroit Lodge No. 7. Roger Hewlett rang the bell for military personnel who have given their lives in service to the nation. Grand Secretary-Treasurer Thomas Foster, Grand President Luke Clyburn, Jim Semerad and Randy Pagel presented the wreaths representing the maritime dangers of Storm, Reef, Fire and Collision. Brian Eickel, Ray Oset, Chris Stevens and Jeff Haeseker served as receivers during the presentation of flags. Rev. Deacon Frank Bateman officiated at the service. Deacon Bateman, necrologist Kathy McGraw and church administrator Charlotte McKenzie are also members of Detroit Lodge No. 7.

The Lewis Ludington Award was established by the Ludington Family and Mariners’ Church in 1994. Over the years over 90 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.