Last Thursday, the newest vessel of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, Southern Cross 10, was blessed at Port Nelson. This occasion saw the culmination of efforts to replace Southern Cross 9, a wooden-hulled ship, with a sturdier steel-hulled vessel to ensure safe and reliable transportation for its missions amidst the challenging weather conditions of the Pacific. The proceeds from the sale of Southern Cross 9 played a vital role in financing the purchase and refurbishment of this new vessel.
The Melanesian Mission ship series dates back to the 19th century, when the first Southern Cross schooner set sail in 1855. Over the years, a total of ten ships have borne the name, from sailing ships to steamers. Each was commissioned to support the Church's operations by providing vital transportation for missions, personnel changes, and the transportation of students.
Nearly 170 years after the first ship in the series was launched, a small luxury yacht was purchased and refitted in Nelson, now christened Southern Cross 10.
Reverend David Hastings and Reverend John Sherlock conducted the blessing ceremony for Southern Cross 10. Representatives from the Nelson Diocese and Mission to Seafarers gathered with the ship’s crew to commit the vessel to God and pray for safe journeys ahead.
Together they sang the naval hymn “Eternal Father, Strong to Save”.
Eternal Father, strong to save
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave
Who bid'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea
As Southern Cross 10 embarks on its journey, it carries with it the Church's commitment to serving others and spreading the message of love and compassion across the Pacific Ocean.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
Last Thursday, the newest vessel of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, Southern Cross 10, was blessed at Port Nelson. This occasion saw the culmination of efforts to replace Southern Cross 9, a wooden-hulled ship, with a sturdier steel-hulled vessel to ensure safe and reliable transportation for its missions amidst the challenging weather conditions of the Pacific. The proceeds from the sale of Southern Cross 9 played a vital role in financing the purchase and refurbishment of this new vessel.
The Melanesian Mission ship series dates back to the 19th century, when the first Southern Cross schooner set sail in 1855. Over the years, a total of ten ships have borne the name, from sailing ships to steamers. Each was commissioned to support the Church's operations by providing vital transportation for missions, personnel changes, and the transportation of students.
Nearly 170 years after the first ship in the series was launched, a small luxury yacht was purchased and refitted in Nelson, now christened Southern Cross 10.
Reverend David Hastings and Reverend John Sherlock conducted the blessing ceremony for Southern Cross 10. Representatives from the Nelson Diocese and Mission to Seafarers gathered with the ship’s crew to commit the vessel to God and pray for safe journeys ahead.
Together they sang the naval hymn “Eternal Father, Strong to Save”.
Eternal Father, strong to save
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave
Who bid'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea
As Southern Cross 10 embarks on its journey, it carries with it the Church's commitment to serving others and spreading the message of love and compassion across the Pacific Ocean.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
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