SCI Names New Maritime Chaplain For Upper Mississippi River

The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) has named the Rev. Charles Uhlik as chaplain for the Upper Mississippi River region, based in St. Louis. He will begin his new role September 30.

Uhlik will provide pastoral care and support to mariners from St. Louis northward along the Upper Mississippi River. His appointment expands SCI’s chaplaincy presence along the inland waterways and is part of the organization’s long-term effort to strengthen its Ministry on the River program. The expansion was made possible by donors and industry partners who contributed to SCI’s Ministry on the River Campaign.

Uhlik will join a Ministry on the River team that includes the Rev. Nancy Simpson in Houston, serving the Gulf Coast and Houston Ship Channel; the Rev. Geoff Davis in New Orleans, serving the Lower Mississippi River and Gulf Coast; and the Rev. Grace Pardun in Paducah, Ky., supervisory chaplain for the Upper Mississippi and Ohio River regions.

Uhlik currently serves as rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Paducah. His background includes service as a chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserve, parish ministry in the Episcopal Church and nearly a decade as an SCI chaplain associate, a role he has held since 2016.

He has also served on diocesan committees and trustee bodies within the Diocese of Kentucky. His community involvement has included work with the Paducah Warming Center, the Race Unity Organization and local ecumenical clergy initiatives.

“I am thrilled that the Rev. Charles Uhlik has accepted the call to serve as our chaplain for the Upper Mississippi River,” Pardun said. “He has been a chaplain associate with SCI for many years, knows the industry well and has been a gracious and collaborative colleague. He will be a wonderful addition to our chaplain team, and I am excited to witness the many ways he will contribute to the well-being of mariners.”