The Titanic and SCI

In the years between 1843 and 1912, SCI operated its maritime ministry through missionary outposts scattered throughout lower Manhattan. A series of three floating chapels were built and moored along the East and North (Hudson) Rivers. Outposts at Pike Street, West Street and 1 State Street offered free reading material and tea or coffee to seamen, in addition to church services. In 1905, SCI's Building Committee purchased property at Coenties Slip and began a fundraising campaign to finance construction of a centralized headquarters for the Institute.