60th Annual Blessing of the Fleet

Mariners' Church of Detroit
March 10, 2024

The 60th annual Blessing of the Fleet took place on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at Mariners' Church in downtown Detroit.

Members from several ISMA lodges participated in the honor guard during the service:
1.   Port Huron Lodge No. 2 - PGP Joseph Ruch, Roger Hewlett and Philip Winteringham
2.   Chicago Lodge No. 3 - George Lisner
3.   Cleveland Lodge No. 4- PGP William Rabatsky
4.   Bay City Lodge No. 5 - Brian Eickel
5.   Detroit Lodge No. 7 - Patrick Beard, PGP Luke Clyburn, Jay Downen, John Mantyk, Michael Nall, Raymond Oset, Randal Pagel,
       Scott Reynolds, James Semerad, and Christopher Stevens,
6.   Georgian Bay-Huronia Lodge No. 15 – Grand Secretary-Treasurer Thomas Foster
7.   Grand Traverse Lodge No. 23 – Admiral Jerry Achenbach

Other ISMA members in the congregation included Cary Ketelhut of Port Huron Lodge No. 2; and Thomas Allor, James Hogan, David Hohlfeldt, Paul Jagenow and Kathy McGraw of Detroit Lodge No. 7.

Captain George Lisner of Chicago Lodge No. 3 and Captain William Rabatsky of Cleveland Lodge No. 4 were the recipients of this year's Lewis Ludington Awards. During the presentation ceremony, Rev. Todd Meyer represented Mariners' Church; Scott Reynolds of Detroit Lodge No. 7, served as reader of the recipients’ biographies; and Jason Ludington represented the Ludington family. The Ludington Family and Mariners’ Church established the Ludington Award 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 is honored to have a role in the selection process.

Jay Downen, Roger Hewlett and Michael Nall rang the Octorara bell as necrologist Kathy McGraw read the names of departed mariners. Lt. Col. Brett Boyle, District Commander of the Detroit District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, rang a final toll for military personnel who have given their lives in service to the nation.

Joseph Ruch, Randal Pagel, 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 Ray Oset served as receivers during the presentation of flags.

Rector of Mariners' Church Rev. Todd Meyer officiated at the service, assisted by Deacon Frank Bateman. Both are members of Detroit Lodge No. 7.

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

honor guard on the altar	Presentation of the wreaths	Presentation of the Ludington Award
Scott Reynolds presents the City of Detroit Flag	Jim Hogan presents flag of the J.W. Westcott Company	Ludington Award recipients George Lisner and William Rabatsky with Ludington family member Jason Ludington

RETURN TO GALLERY INDEX