Annual Blessing of the Fleet: index (link to "index" and watch a video of the 2008 Blessing of the Fleet)

            Think of Destin Harbor.  Now add to the scene more than one hundred fishing boats, dive boats, and tour boats forming a great circle.  Picture a worship service at Destin Community Center with boat captains and crew members, families, friends and visitors gathered.  Then envision a grand procession following the cross, flags and banners down to the docks.  Imagine hundreds of visitors crowding those docks listening and watching as each of the bo;ats passes in its turn to receive a prayer asking the blessings of God on its captain and crew. Then let your mouth water as you contemplate the “fish picnic” which follows.

            The past, present and future of Destin are tied to the sea.  Her fishing industry is an integral part of the warp and woof of the fabric of northwest Florida history.  The fishermen formed the backbone of early Destin.  They and their families also shared their faith as members of  Destin’s churches.  Thus, on May 15, 1958, Ascension Day on the Church calendar, an Episcopal minister named William P. Erwin, of St. Andrew’s by the Sea Church, held a simple worship service asking God to bless those who made their living on the water.  Who would have guessed that this Blessing of the Fleet would grow to become one of Destin’s great annual celebrations and the only one of its kind between Biloxi, Mississippi and Tarpon Springs, Florida?

            The Rev. Erwin later reflected on the reasons behind that first celebration.“Our purpose in blessing the boats was that the boats, as tools by which the people work for their living and serve others may be consecrated as worthy objects used according to God’s will; that the Lord will bless the labors of those who work the boats and prosper them; and that God will keep in safety all who come aboard.” Those reasons still stand. 

            Captain Ben Marler, Sr. was Rev. Erwin’s first Senior Warden (Senior Lay Leader) and was instrumental in setting up the arrangements for docking the boats and for the fish fry which followed. Immanuel Anglican Church continues the tradition. Involvement by representatives of the fishing community and others who make their living from the sea remain the focus of the day.  As the celebration has grown, so has the involvement of the faith community. Clergy from almost every congregation in Destin now participate in the blessing of the boats, captains and crews.            Ascension Day 2007 marked the 50th celebration of the event.  God has been good to Destin.  He has blessed the community with beautiful water, abundant fish and a safe harbor for her fishermen.  The Ascension Day Blessing of the Fleet is a time for us to thank the Lord and humbly ask for His continued favor on those who make their living from the sea.           

“Most gracious Lord, who numbered among your apostles the fishermen Peter, Andrew, James and John, we pray you to consecrate this boat to righteous work in your name. Guide the captain at her helm.  So prosper her voyages that an honest living may be made.  Watch over her passengers and crew and bring them to a safe return.  And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be upon this vessel and all who come aboard, this day and forever. Amen”