Photos: Annual Blessing Of The Boats Ceremony
The annual Blessings of Boats service was held in St. David’s, continuing a maritime tradition that dates back to 1849.
A spokesperson said, “On Sunday, June 22nd, Rev’d Thomas Nisbett conducted the Blessings of Boats Service at the Church Dock St. Davids. Members of the Chapel of Ease, family and friends gathered at Church Dock for this Annual Service along with a small flotilla of vessel which included a pilot gig, a Coast Guard boat, the Pilot Boat and a couple of small boats from the east end.
“Rev’d Nisbett boarded the TS Admiral Somers Sea Cadet dingy in St. George’s and was rowed in traditional fashion to the Church Dock. The service included traditional songs of the sea , scriptures, and prayers.
“Rev’d Nisbett was taken back to St. Georges by the pilot boat and blessed the small fleet of sail boats in Convict Bay St. George’s.
“The tradition of the Blessings of the Boats derives from the long-established connection of the people of St. Davids dating back to 1849 for the consecration of the Chapel of Ease. There were no bridges at the time connecting St. Davids by road therefore the Bishop at the time was rowed across the Harbour from St. George’s.”
