OUR STORY

In December 1962, Rev. John Vandercook began to work with international seafarers in the Port of New Orleans, having seen the need for an evangelical ministry to seafarers. The next year, New Orleans Baptist Seamen's Service began. Rev. Vandercook began visiting ships on a regular basis. The downstairs of his home became the first seamen's center. Through meeting the physical and social needs of seafarers, the door was wide open to meet their greatest need - a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In 1964, this became a full-time ministry for Rev. Vandercook. In 1965, New Orleans Baptist Seamen's Service became a not-for-profit corporation. The ministry grew quickly under Rev. Vandercook's leadership. Thousands of seafarers from one hundred forty-one countries had the opportunity to hear and accept the Gospel message.

Through the Years

1962
• Rev. John Vandercook, a pastor with a heart for the world at our doorstep, began to work with international seafarers in the Port of New Orleans.


1963
• Baptist's first ministry to seafarers was initiated in New Orleans with the gift of a Seaman Service Bus to Rev. Vandercook from the New Orleans Baptist Association. The downstairs of his home became the first seamen's center.


1965
• The New Orleans Baptist Seaman's Service was officially incorporated as a non-profit.


1976
• The center moved from the Vandercook home to an abandoned church building in New Orleans East.

1991
• Rev. John P. Vandercook retired after twenty-eight years of ministry. Rev. Philip Vandercook was named director.

1994
• A second ministry center was opened in LaPlace, Louisiana, serving the Port of South Louisiana.

1998
• The LaPlace center relocated to First Baptist Church of Reserve, Louisiana.

1999
• The name of the ministry was changed to Global Maritime Ministries.

2000
• The ministry center in New Orleans East was sold.
• The Tchoupitoulas Street property was purchased, directly across from the busiest part of the port.
• A new building was purchased in Reserve, Louisiana, establishing a permanent home in the Port of South Louisiana.

2002
• The River Parishes Center was dedicated debt-free in Reserve, Louisiana.

2004
• The ground-breaking ceremony was held for the new center. The center was named for Rev. John P. Vandercook.

2006
• We were granted occupancy of the first floor of the new ministry center.

2007
• The new ministry center on Tchoupitoulas Street was dedicated.

2011
• The upstairs living quarters and assembly room were completed.

2016
• The River Parishes Center was re-opened in Reserve, Louisiana after undergoing renovations.


2017
• We held our first benefit gala, at which we awarded the first Crystal Lighthouse Award and Rev. John P. Vandercook Service Award.


2018
• We hosted the annual conference of Port Ministries International in New Orleans.


2020
• Despite challenges of a global pandemic, we continued to find ways to minister to seafarers and port workers amid restrictions and precautions.


2021
• We partnered with pharmacists, nurses, and paramedics to provide access to COVID vaccinations for thousands of international seafarers.

• Hurricane Ida destroyed our River Parishes Ministry Center.


2024
• Rev. Philip Vandercook received the Distinguished Service Award from the North American Maritime Ministries Association.


2025
• We celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the ministry with our first Birthday Bash & Browse event.