Former Belfast Mission to Seafarers Senior Chaplain honoured

Friday March 26th 2010

Canon Goddard with his two awards.Canon Douglas Goddard, who was senior chaplain to the Mission to Seafarers in the port of Belfast from 1975 until his retirement last year, recently received two awards in recognition of his long and distinguished service within the maritime company.

The Secretary General of the Mission to Seafarers, the Rev Tom Heffer, presented Canon Goddard with the title ‘Chaplain Emeritus’.  He is the first recipient of the award, having given 35 years’ service with the society. 

In addition, the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society presented Canon Goddard with the Stoakes Award, recognising his 28 years’ service as its local honorary agent in Belfast.

Canon Goddard said: “Naturally I am delighted with both awards and particularly touched by the personal gift of ‘Chaplain Emeritus’ from the Secretary General of the Mission of Seafarers.  However, I also acknowledge the support of many people, too numerous to number, who have shared the ministry.”

While he has stepped down as senior chaplain, Canon Goddard will continue to help with events over the next year, as the Mission to Seafarers in Belfast celebrates its 150th anniversary.

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