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An essential component of the Seamen’s Church Institute’s (SCI) mission is to provide service and assistance to the Newport maritime community. This community is diverse and SCI seeks to meet the needs of mariners as their activities shift, change and develop in the 21st century. Seamen’s offers programs such as soup-to-the-docks, residency, administration of the Cranston Fund, distribution of donated food and clothing and Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. In addition to these essential services, Seamen’s is deeply involved with mariners and the community in other ways as well. These include increased use of our historical building and the thoughtful involvement of our Board, staff and volunteers. In 2005, the Board of Directors initiated the Henry H. Anderson, Jr. Library for Mariners. Great progress has been accomplished with installation of new lighting and furnishings, changeover to marine-related publications and Wifi capability. Throughout the year transient and local boaters and crews can be found using the Library for Mariners. Visiting and local boaters also take advantage of Seamen’s laundry and shower facilities and can enjoy delicious meals at the Aloha Café. Whether a brief or extended visit, SCI staff warmly welcomes all our visitors. For those on extended visits, SCI collects mail and packages, offers fax and phone message service, provides on/off Island transportation for errands, and if needed, provides problem-solving assistance or referrals to appropriate community agencies. Often mariners’ first impression of SCI is through this publication, the Newport Harbor Guide. In its 12th year of publication, this Guide is available throughout Newport’s waterfront and ports in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. We offer our readers a comprehensive list of services, a detailed chart of Newport Harbor with location of essential needs, and articles on maritime and Newport attractions. We hope you enjoy this Guide and find its content helpful during your visit to Newport.
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With completion of the Phase I renovations to our waterfront home and library, more groups are enjoying the attractiveness and central location of SCI’s function and meeting facilities. During the fall boat show, Shannon Yachts hosted several social events for its customers. The Interscholastic Sailing Association held its winter and annual meetings in the library which were catered by the Aloha Café, and Seamen’s is very pleased to provide meeting space for Tall Ships Rhode Island 2007. Over 300 functions are held annually at the Institute by businesses, organizations and community groups. Throughout the coming year we will continue to improve our facilities to accommodate groups looking for unique and comfortable meeting space. A true treasure in SCI’s building is the Chapel By The Sea, designed by renowned artist Durr Freedley. An artistic gem, the Chapel offers visitors a quiet, sacred space and over the years has been the setting for many weddings and memorial services. This connection between the maritime community, Seamen’s and the waters that bind them together is inspiring. In 1919 the founders of Seamen’s Church Institute wanted to provide support and services to mariners. While Newport’s waterfront activities have changed considerably over 87 years, Seamen’s has and will continue to adapt to meet the changing needs of the maritime community. We look forward to having you visit us at 18 Market Square.
Aloha Café {breakfast & lunch daily} The Seamen’s Church Institute © 2006 Newport Harbor Guide. All rights reserved. return to Newport Harbor Guide Articles |
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