Seattle Church Blesses Fishing Fleet for 98th Year

Annual tradition connects congregation's history to the local fishing industry

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:13am

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of a small fishing boat docked in a marina, with the boat's outline and details obscured by soft, out-of-focus pools of muted blue, gray, and green tones, creating a serene, meditative mood.The annual blessing of Seattle's fishing fleet connects the local church to the community's maritime heritage and honors the bravery of those who risk their lives at sea.Seattle Today

In Seattle, Ballard First Lutheran Church held its 98th annual blessing of the North Pacific fishing fleet at Fishermen's Terminal. Pastor Mary Elise Scott led a group in prayer for a safe and bountiful season, as fisherman David Christensen raised a religious pennant on his boat Gjøa. The church has a long history with the fishing industry, as many of its Norwegian immigrant members were once fishermen themselves.

Why it matters

The blessing of the fleet is an important tradition that connects the Ballard First Lutheran Church congregation to the local fishing industry, which has been vital to the history and economy of Seattle's Ballard neighborhood. The ceremony also honors the dangerous nature of commercial fishing, as evidenced by the nearby Seattle Fishermen's Memorial that lists over 675 names of those who have perished at sea.

The details

During the Sunday afternoon service, Pastor Scott led prayers asking God to "guide and protect" Christensen, his crew, and all the fishermen heading out on the North Pacific waters. Christensen then raised a handmade religious pennant on his boat Gjøa, which will be joining the southeast Alaskan salmon fishery this season. The blessing has been a tradition at Ballard First Lutheran Church since 1928, when the congregation was made up primarily of Norwegian immigrants, many of whom worked as fishermen.

  • The blessing of the fleet took place on Sunday, April 18, 2026.
  • Christensen and his crew plan to head out on the water in June and wrap up their fishing season in September.

The players

Pastor Mary Elise Scott

The pastor at Ballard First Lutheran Church who led the blessing of the fishing fleet.

David Christensen

A fisherman whose boat, the Gjøa, was selected to be blessed as part of the annual ceremony.

Ballard First Lutheran Church

A church in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood that has held the blessing of the fishing fleet for the past 98 years, dating back to when the congregation was primarily made up of Norwegian immigrant fishermen.

Seattle Fishermen's Memorial

A 30-foot tall sculpture dedicated to the over 675 lives lost at sea while working in the commercial fishing industry.

Stephen Metruck

The executive director of the Port of Seattle, who spoke about the long history of fishing and maritime commerce in the region.

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What they’re saying

“Guide and protect David Christensen, his crew, and all who fish the North Pacific waters.”

— Pastor Mary Elise Scott, Pastor, Ballard First Lutheran Church

“Our history in fishing and maritime commerce stretches back to time immemorial.”

— Stephen Metruck, Executive Director, Port of Seattle

“The fishers are very brave. They take a lot of risks.”

— Christine Ingersoll, Seattle Resident

What’s next

The Gjøa and its crew will depart for the southeast Alaskan salmon fishery in June, returning in September after a successful season.

The takeaway

The annual blessing of the fishing fleet at Ballard First Lutheran Church is a longstanding tradition that honors the church's deep roots in Seattle's fishing community, while also recognizing the dangerous nature of commercial fishing and the bravery of those who pursue it.