The Seafarers’ Mission in Saint John began in the mid 1970’s when a group of individuals called the ‘Shanty Men’, provided fellowship to individuals in need. In 1976 the Anglican Church became involved and the Mission was housed in temporary quarters in Shed #8 at the Port. In 1978, a new Board of Directors was formed and two commercial trailers were donated for a more permanent home for the Mission.

The new Mission officially established its charter on June 5, 1980 with the mission statement: “To enable the love of Jesus Christ, in ecumenical Christian fellowship to meet the spiritual, mental, social and physical needs of Seafarers from all nations”.

Eventually the Mission received support from the Seaman Services Committee of the YMCA and the Royal Order of Wharf Rats. This new group requested support form the International Transportation Federation (ITF) Seafarers’ Trust (a worldwide organization with an interest in protecting the plight of seafarers). The ITF donated $100.000 and on November 3, 1992 the Mission moved into a new building, which is its current location at 92 Tilley Lane on the west side of Saint John.

The ITF has also granted money for the Mission to purchase vehicles in the past. In 2005 they donated money for the Mission to purchase a new van for transporting seafarers to and from various points in Saint John.

As a result of a focused and successful fundraising initiative in 2006, the Mission renovated the building and added a small Chapel. This in addition to the hiring of a Chaplain was to enhance the spiritual services the Mission provides for the seafarers.

The Saint John Seafarers’ Mission works in association with several world wide organizations, among which are:
North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA)
International Sailors’ Society Canada (ISS)
Mission to Seafarers - Flying Angel
Apostolatus Maris
International Transportation Federation (ITF) Seafarers’ Trust