By Shelley Byrne Reprinted with permission from The Waterways Journal The Seamen’s Church Institute has canceled its 2020 River Bell Awards Luncheon due to the coronavirus pandemic, but plans a silent auction along with a direct appeal to supporters to continue its mission. “Given the unknowns still facing us and in the interest of personal safety, the […]

Following a comprehensive nine-month search by the Board, the Seamen’s Church Institute of New York & New Jersey (SCI) is pleased to announce the selection of the Rev. Mark S. Nestlehutt as its new President & Executive Director. Mark will succeed the Rev. David Rider, SCI’s current Executive Director, and begins his work on Tuesday, […]

We are living in unprecedented times. All of us have been affected and upended by the spread of COVID-19. I want to assure you that we at The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) remain steadfastly committed to our mission and responsibility to the men and women we serve in the maritime industry. Our staff and volunteers […]

Attendees of SCI’s 2019 River Bell Awards Luncheon witnessed first-hand Mark’s impact at the grassroots level. Early in 2019, Mark introduced the novel idea of presenting the River Bell Distinguished Service Award to All Mariners. He launched a search among marine transportation companies for a mariner to accept the award on all of their behalf. […]

Mark Knoy’s first personal encounter with Seamen’s Church Institute occurred over twenty years ago. He had just experienced “his first river fatality as a boss and didn’t know what to do”. Having been aware of SCI because of their training capabilities, Mark contacted Seamen’s Church immediately for a consult on the tragedy. He was profoundly […]