Daniel Orädd

Daniel Orädd, who had a long career in the Finnish seamen's mission, served as a port chaplain in Antwerp from 1924 to 1932.  

Arriving in Antwerp in 1924, Daniel Orädd (15.6.1894-8.5.1965) rejoiced at the space rented for future activities, located in the “best location” between the harbour and the tavern street. The mind of the “best” changed, and soon the church moved further away from the distractions.  

Daniel Orädd's original ways of working included an open and bold attitude towards sailors, avoiding all stereotypes, and outspoken grasping at the most essential. In his grip, the swift and unscrupulous pastor always meant the best for the sailors. 

Deepwater sailors who had been at sea for a long time usually had a lot of money when they landed, at least for a while before it dwindled in the taverns. Orädd quickly set about depositing and sending home the sailors' money. Thanks to his vigilance, many sailors' paychecks did find their way home. At times he took the money too decisively and hard-handedly, but afterward the men were grateful to him. 

The versatile Orädd also gained fame as a boxer. It was not uncommon for the chaplain to challenge sailors in the lower room of the church to a boxing ring in good resistance, of course. The match may have been preceded by an agreement that if the chaplain won, the sailors would come to the church for prayers, but if the sailor won, there would be a bar trip ahead. 

Daniel Orädd has been described as a vernacular with the ability to speak and write in an easy-to-understand way. His simple and illustrative method of proclamation led the audience to hear the voice of conscience and to do the will of God. Orädd published six booklets of the Seamen’s Mission.  

In addition to spiritual work, Orädd organized a diverse program for sailors that interested them, such as presentations on a wide variety of subjects, gave English language lessons, organized coffee concerts, and founded a sewing club, which also invited women serving on ships. The shoemaker's shop in the church had everything necessary for men to repair shoes and clothes and to prepare so-called sailor jobs for sale.    

The legendary pastor Daniel Orädd lives on in the memories of the Antwerp Seamen's Church. In the picture, his much-used and attention-gathering boxing gloves.