The Rev. James D. Von Dreele Preaches at Chapel Dedication Service

Chapel of the Redeemer

Dedicated June 18, 2009

The Seamen’s Church Institute of Philadelphia and South Jersey had a double celebration June 18 – the dedication of its new chapel, and the discovery of a church bell that dates back to the seafarer ministry’s founding in 1847.  The bell had been missing for more than 150 years.

The new Chapel of the Redeemer is the centerpiece of the SCI’s Seafarer Center serving visiting seamen, the maritime industry, All Souls’ Church for the Deaf, and the local community. The bell was originally cast for the Floating Church of the Redeemer, which was mounted on a barge.  It was dedicated in 1849 and was a key part of the early history of what is now known as Seamen’s Church Institute.

Fr. James Von Dreele, the Executive Director of SCI, said, “We are blessed to have the iconic symbol of our ministry back with the purchase of this bell.  We were completely surprised to see it surface after 150 years.  Perhaps it was the providence of God that brought the bell to us as we consecrate a new Chapel of the Redeemer.” 

Seen left: Assisting Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, the Right Rev. Rodney Michel reconsecrated the bell at the dedication.

The existence of the Floating Church’s bell was unknown until Craig Bruns, Curator of Philadelphia’s Independence Seaport Museum, notified SCI it was for sale on eBay, the internet auction.  Dennis Colgan Jr., founder and former Chief Executive of Barthco International – and longtime member of the SCI board - went to work immediately enabling SCI’s purchase and restoration of the bell, a gift of the Board of Directors. 

This inscription on the bell documents its significance:

Presented to the Floating Church of the Redeemer

By the Teachers and Scholars of

Christ Church Sunday School

Philadelphia 1849

“The abundance of the sea shall be converted unto the Lord”

Isaiah LX5

Christ Church was where George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and others worshipped while they worked to establish the United States.  It remains an active Episcopal congregation near the Philadelphia waterfront.

The dedication of the Chapel was celebrated by more than 175 people, including members of the SCI Board of Directors, donors, representatives of local churches and members of the maritime business community.

Assisting Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, the Right Rev. Rodney Michel, with the Rev. James D. Von Dreele, Chaplain to the Port and Executive Director of the Seamen's Church Institute, the Rev. Judith Meckling, Vicar of All Souls' Episcopal Church for the Deaf, and the Very Rev. Joy Segal of Southwark Deanery officiated at the service.

 Chapel of the Redeemer Interior