Seamen's Church Institute Appointed New Chaplain
Charles Uhlik has joined the Ministry on the River program to support mariners across the Upper Mississippi.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in People
The Seamen's Church Institute has appointed Charles Uhlik as a chaplain to serve mariners along the Upper Mississippi River. Based in St. Louis, Uhlik will provide pastoral care for crews traveling between the city and Minneapolis.
Why it matters
The placement strengthens pastoral care and confidential support for the U.S. inland river system's workforce. This addition follows the successful completion of a $5 million capital campaign aimed at expanding the Ministry on the River initiative.
The appointment of Charles Uhlik coincides with the successful completion of a $5 million capital campaign. He joins a team of three other active Ministry on the River chaplains currently serving U.S. waterways.
The players
Charles Uhlik
He is a former U.S. Army Reserve chaplain and an Episcopal priest who recently took a ministry position serving mariners.
Seamen's Church Institute
This organization operates the Ministry on the River program to provide pastoral care and advocacy for merchant mariners.
The details
As a chaplain for the Ministry on the River, Uhlik will visit vessels to offer confidential support and pastoral guidance to mariners. He brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as the rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Paducah, Kentucky, for 11 years and as a former U.S. Army Reserve chaplain.
Timeline
Charles Uhlik was received as an Episcopal priest in 2005.
The appointment was announced on October 2, 2026.
Market Landscape
The expansion follows the growth of the Seamen's Church Institute Ministry on the River program. This move positions the institute to increase its regional service coverage relative to the evolving needs of the U.S. inland river shipping sector.
Local maritime crews operating out of St. Louis will gain direct access to enhanced pastoral support and counseling services. This expansion ensures that mariners moving through the Upper Mississippi corridor have improved availability of confidential welfare resources.
The takeaway
Pastoral programs for merchant mariners often rely on specialized chaplains who have experience in military or high-stress environments. These support networks are critical for maintaining the mental well-being of essential workers in the domestic logistics industry.
Further reading
For more information on organizational leadership changes, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Waterways Journal.
