Fishermen's Mission
 | |
| Founded | 1881 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Ebenezer Joseph Mather[1] |
| Type | Charitable organisation |
| Registration no. | England and Wales: 232822 Scotland: SC039088 |
| Location |
|
Area served | United Kingdom |
| Mission | Emergency Support to Fishermen and their families |
| Website |
www |
Fishermen's Mission - the full title of which is The Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen - is a British charitable organisation founded and run on Christian principles. The Mission also welcomes the participation and support of persons of other faiths or none.
Foundation
Fishermen's Mission was founded originally as "The National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen" by Ebenezer Joseph Mather in 1881. Ebenezer was disturbed by the poor conditions in which fishermen worked and lived and knew something needed to be done to help alleviate their troubles. In the 19th Century fishing was notoriously dangerous with high fatality rates and the occupation remains today as one of the most dangerous.[2] In 1896 the Mission was given the Royal approval by Queen Victoria[3] adding Royal to the missions name. The Mission helped many during WW1 and WW2 as scores of fisherman's trawlers were used to help merchant convoys and defense against attacks from the air as well as mine sweeping.
Aims
The Fishermen's Mission aims to provide financial, emotional and pastoral support to fishermen and their families in over 70 ports and harbours throughout the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man. The Mission Centres provide showers, washing machines, accommodation, food, companionship and recreational activities (such as snooker tables and internet access). The Sir Wilfred Grenfell served in this mission until he founded a mission of his own.
See also
- Apostleship of the Sea
- Sailors' Society
- Mission to Seafarers
- Wilfred Grenfell
External links
- Official website
- Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, Registered Charity no. 232822 at the Charity Commission