Kempton Baldridge Archives - The Waterways Journal

SCI Chaplains Continue Vessel Ministry Through Morale Boxes Jessica Allain, manager of Benedetto’s Market, speaks with Rev. Tom Rhoades.

SCI Chaplains Continue Vessel Ministry Through Morale Boxes

August 9, 2020

Life on a towboat was difficult prior to COVID-19, with the dangers of the job combined with time away from home. But the virus has brought new restrictions and stresses,… Read More

Last PT Boat Prepares For River Mission PTF-26 could leave California as soon as August for a trip first to Ensenada, Mexico, where it will be transported as deck cargo through the Panama Canal and on into the Gulf of Mexico. Known as the last American PT boat, it could arrive on the Ohio River by mid-September. (Photo courtesy of Maritime Pastoral Training Foundation Ltd.)

PTF-26 could leave California as soon as August for a trip first to Ensenada, Mexico, where it will be transported as deck cargo through the Panama Canal and on into the Gulf of Mexico. Known as the last American PT boat, it could arrive on the Ohio River by mid-September. (Photo courtesy of Maritime Pastoral Training Foundation Ltd.)

Last PT Boat Prepares For River Mission

May 22, 2020

The last of the Vietnam War era’s fast patrol boats has new ownership, a continued mission of service and plans for a home port on the Ohio River. The Maritime… Read More

Seamen’s Church Institute Adapts To Continue Ministries

In a pastoral response adapted to the realities of the global pandemic, Senior River Chaplain Kempton Baldridge transfers two parcels to Brandon Land, supervisor at Ingram Barge Company‘s warehouse in Paducah, Ky., for further delivery to an Ingram towboat crew on the Lower Mississippi River. With all vessel visits curtailed, chaplains must communicate their care and concern for crews by different means. Thus, after learning of a crewmember’s death earlier in the day, Chaplain Baldridge packed up the flag of the U.S. Merchant Marine to fly in the mariner’s memory and a large morale box loaded with books, DVDs, dental kits, snacks and prayer books for his shipmates, ever mindful to observe “social distancing” protocols. (Photo courtesy of Seamen's Church Institute)

Seamen’s Church Institute Adapts To Continue Ministries

April 11, 2020

Note: This is a revised and expanded version of a story that was previously posted on Waterwaysjournal.net. This version also appears in the April 13, 2020, print edition. The Seamen’s… Read More

Seamen’s Church Institute Continues Ministries

March 27, 2020

The Seamen’s Church Institute has reassured supporters in an emailed bulletin and website message about its ministries’ continued operation as the world responds to the coronavirus pandemic. SCI has four… Read More

WISTA Chapter Hosts ‘Lunch & Learn’ With SCI’s Tom Rhoades The Rev. Tom Rhoades, center, with members of the New Orleans chapter of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association. (Photo by Frank McCormack)

The Rev. Tom Rhoades, center, with members of the New Orleans chapter of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association. (Photo by Frank McCormack)

WISTA Chapter Hosts ‘Lunch & Learn’ With SCI’s Tom Rhoades

March 9, 2020

The New Orleans chapter of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) hosted a “Lunch & Learn” event March 4 featuring the Rev. Tom Rhoades, river chaplain with Seamen’s… Read More

SCI Chaplain Organizes Memorial Service, Plaque For WWII Hero The Rev. Kempton Baldridge, Seamen’s Church Institute senior river chaplain, reads from scripture during the memorial service. (Photo courtesy of Loe family)

The Rev. Kempton Baldridge, Seamen’s Church Institute senior river chaplain, reads from scripture during the memorial service. (Photo courtesy of Loe family)

SCI Chaplain Organizes Memorial Service, Plaque For WWII Hero

February 24, 2020

With a complete disregard for his own personal safety, Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Harry James Loe Jr. kept firing at an oncoming Japanese kamikaze plane, saving his ship and losing… Read More

CGB And Waterfront Services Christen Two New Boats The Tom Torretti and the Rick Pemberton on the Cairo waterfront for the christening ceremony. (Photo by Shelley Byrne)

The Tom Torretti and the Rick Pemberton on the Cairo waterfront for the christening ceremony. (Photo by Shelley Byrne)

CGB And Waterfront Services Christen Two New Boats

December 20, 2019

Tom Torretti remembers when CGB Enterprises senior vice president Scott Leininger and vice president Lance Rase called him unexpectedly into a meeting. They said CGB was given the privilege of… Read More

PTF Boat To Train Chaplains, Scouts … If It Can Catch A Ride In its most recent role, PTF-26 has served as a training ship for sea scouts in northern California.

In its most recent role, PTF-26 has served as a training ship for sea scouts in northern California.

PTF Boat To Train Chaplains, Scouts … If It Can Catch A Ride

December 13, 2019

The last of the Vietnam War-era fast patrol boats is seeking a new home in Paducah, Kentucky, for use training chaplains and sea scouts. Seamen’s Church Institute senior river chaplain… Read More

ARTCO Christens Mv. Prairie Harvest Capt. Josh Burgess, master of the Prairie Harvest, christens the vessel with a bottle of champagne over the towknee.

Capt. Josh Burgess, master of the Prairie Harvest, christens the vessel with a bottle of champagne over the towknee.

ARTCO Christens Mv. Prairie Harvest

November 21, 2018

American River Transportation Company (ARTCO) christened a new harbor boat November 14 at its landing in St. Louis. Named the mv. Prairie Harvest, it is one of several identical vessels… Read More

Inland Rivers HR Opens New Office In Paducah

March 12, 2018

Just prior to opening its new office in Paducah, Ky., Inland Rivers HR had the building blessed. Chaplains Kempton Baldridge and Don Reusch, both with the Seamen’s Church Institute, oversaw… Read More