Historical information

The first Seafarers Service was held on 23 October 1905 in the St Paul's Cathedral in London to celebrate the Centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson on 21 October 1805.

Reverend Alfred Gurney Goldsmith launched the first Seafarers Service two years later and the first service was held on Sunday 10 November 1907.

Significance

The service continue to reflect the full range of the maritime activities in Australia.
Representatives come from the Royal and Merchant Navies, the commercial world, shipping companies, mission and philanthropic societies, veterans’ associations, labour unions, youth and leisure organisations, but anyone is welcome to attend.

During the pandemic, the event, like many others, happened without public so was broadcasted live on Channel 31 on the 19 October 2020, and then livestreamed on Tube on 20 October 2020.

Physical description

Program of service of the annual seafarers service broadcasted in 2020